American Made Axes

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The American Axe Company uses the most talented craftsmen and superior materials from across the nation to create some of the world’s finest axes.

They use advanced computer aided design technology to perfect both the axe head and handle geometry so each tool is optimized for a specific task.

They also operate a fully sanctioned American Bladesmith Society workshop and educational facility where they run the largest blacksmithing school in the world.

Updated 10/29/2024

"Each axe head starts life in a steel mill in Texas, it is then hand-forged individually by master blacksmiths in our Colorado workshop. Once the axe head is forged, it is subjected to our proprietary heat treating process which maximizes the tool’s hardness, toughness, and edge retention. Each axe head is then individually fitted with a handle made from only the finest hand selected AAA grade American Hickory heart wood. Our All American Axe handles are designed and carved in the Blue Ridge mountains by legendary American axe maker Liam Hoffman. Each finished axe comes with its own top grade leather axe head cover hand crafted in our own leather workshop."
Our Story | All American Axe
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Brant & Cochran was founded in 2015, and they make heirloom quality, Maine wedge pattern axes by hand in their South Portland shop.

They take tool steel, apply heat, pressure and skill and make an axe that Field & Stream Magazine calls one of the four best in the world.

Updated 10/23/2024

Construction

Medium carbon tool steel billets are shaped by hydraulic press, power hammer, and hammer and anvil, then rough forged to make the bit of the axe.

Heat treated at 1525 degrees, then tempered at 450 degrees, giving the entire axe head a Rockwell hardness of 56 to 58.

After heat treatment, the axe head goes back to the grinder to give it approximately a 22-degree angle at the bit, similar to that found on traditional Maine wedge pattern axes.

Brant & Cochran hafts in the traditional way, starting with an Amish-turned hickory handle of their design, they shape it to fit the eye using rasps, draw knives, spoke shaves, razor knives, and sandpaper.

Once the axe is fully assembled, the handle is rubbed with two coats of boiled linseed oil over two days to condition it.
"We honor the tradition of axe making in Maine by forging Maine wedge pattern axes using traditional forging techniques. Our axes are world-class due to the care and craftsmanship our makers put into forging and hafting each one."
About Brant & Cochran
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Council Tool is still a family-owned and family-managed business, led by the fourth and fifth generation of the Council family.

Today, they offer the country’s premier line of heavy-duty, American-made tools for forestry applications and for fighting wildfires.

Updated 10/23/2024

Splitting Axes and Mauls:

Many species of conifer/evergreen such as Spruce, Pine, and Fir, can be split with many types of axes, including double bit axes, Daytons, Jerseys, Fallers axes, and their FE6 flathead.
Medium hardwoods such as Cherry, Poplar, Cottonwood, Box-elder, etc. can be split with the larger Jerseys, Daytons, Fallers, and FE6.
Splitting mauls or heavier axes can be used on heavy/dense hardwoods such as Hickory, Ash, Oak, Walnut, Locust, Elm, etc.
"All components and raw materials are grown or manufactured in USA, from our Appalachian Hickory handles, our steel and fiberglass handles."
Made in the USA - Council Tool
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Since 1923, the Estwing family and its employees have taken pride in designing and manufacturing the world’s most durable, comfortable and attractive striking and struck tools.

It’s difficult to comprehend the sheer number of projects that have been completed, homes that have been built, outdoor adventures that have been impacted and trees that have been felled using Estwing hand tools over the course of their 100+ year history.

Updated 10/23/2024

"All of Estwing’s all steel hammers and axes are made in the USA with American steel. A select number of other items are imported but meet all Estwing’s quality standards."

About Us - Estwing Manufacturing.
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When LAFD firefighter, Jason Knight, the founder of Fire Axe, Inc., discovered the famed Collins Tool "Seagrave Axe" hadn't been made since 1925, and the original dies were long gone. He decided to make his own version and make it even better by improving both its legendary effectiveness and its durability.

Updated 10/23/2024

Axes and Splitters:

Fire Axe Inc, Flathead Axe.Flathead
Fire Axe Inc, Pickhead Axe.Pickhead
" "
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Leatherhead Tools is an American manufacturer of high quality tools serving firefighters, rescue personnel, law enforcement, SWAT teams and the United States military.

They merged the quality of their forged steel with innovative, hi-density, hi-visibility handles designed to improve durability and reduce the number of tools lost in smoky, low visibility conditions.

Updated 10/23/2024

Their Pick Head Axe is designed for prying and cutting, the Flat Head is ideal for ventilation, forced entry and overhaul. Both designs are drop forged using high carbon steel and comes in 6 lb. weights.

Their Ultra-Force axe is a forcible entry striking tool that can be paired with their Halligan Bar. The 8 lb. head is heat treated to assure strength and durability.
"In early 2007, Dasco Pro, Inc believed they could bring value to this underserved market by designing and developing superior quality tools that would be manufactured and assembled in the USA, using American steel, still the world’s finest. Within a year, Dasco was ready to introduce a full line of Fire and Rescue products — axes, sledges, hooks, and forcible entry tools – that merged the quality of their forged steel with innovative, hi-density, hi-visibility handles designed to improve durability and reduce the number of tools lost in smoky, low visibility conditions.

It was a special tool line worthy of a new name – a name that would express the toughness and durability built into them. A name that would mean something to the professionals that would use them. The product line was named Leatherhead Tools."
About - Leatherhead Tools
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Precision Axes is a small, family-owned-and-operated business located in Northern California at the base of Mt. Shasta.

They offer competition throwing & chopping axes in a variety of lengths and weights to suit more than just the average male thrower.

Updated 10/23/2024

Precision Razor & Proline throwing axes are made from high-quality plate steel using state-of-the-art technology. Each edge is meticulously hardened and tempered, ensuring it won't break. The Proline series features a polished head, instead of the painted black head found on the Razor Series.

The Chopping Axe features a 7.75” x 7.5" competition racing head that is made from high-quality tool steel. Each head is heat-treated to 58 Rockwell hardness and has a tolerance level of .003, guaranteeing each to be exact in shape and size.
"As our business has progressed we are now able to use state-of-the-art technology and ship our products worldwide. We continue to make strides, grateful that this hobby has turned into a family enterprise."
About Us - Precision Axes LLC
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In 1995, family-owned Skyline Toolworks acquired the Woodman's Pal trademark from Survival Equipment Company.

Skyline Toolworks emphasizes honest American-made quality that you can see and feel. Handmade wooden handles, hand-stitched leather sheaths, premium steel and power coated blades.

Updated 10/23/2024

1/8" 1075 Carbon Steel Blade - Rockwell Hardness C35-45 - Coined + Sharpened Sickle Hook. Matte Powder Coating.

Ash Wood Handle with Finger Grooves. Threaded Standoffs with Brass Screws for Secure Handle Attachment.

Premium Tough Buffalo Leather. Hand Stitched with Quality Hardware and Belt Loop for Easy Carry.
"Today, we've expanded our product line, while still bringing the Woodman's Pal back to its roots. Since 1941, now better than ever."
History of Legacy Outdoor Knife | Woodman's Pal
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Snow & Nealley was founded in 1864 in Bangor, Maine, to serve the growing demand for tools in the region’s booming logging industry.

Today, Snow & Nealley axes and tools are favored by enthusiasts of traditional craftsmanship. Each tool is the result of over 150 years of experience and dedication to American-made quality.

Updated 10/23/2024

Most Snow & Nealley axe heads are forged from 1080 steel, while their 3-1/2 lb. single bit models use 1055 steel. The axe heads are hardened to 50-54 on the Rockwell C scale, typically on the lower end of that range. This hardness provides a good balance of durability and ease of sharpening for outdoor tasks.
"Crafted in Maine with premium materials and traditional techniques, our products are designed to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, bushcrafters, and woodworkers."
Snow and Neally
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Vaughan was established in 1869. In 2018, Vaughan acquired Dasco Pro, Inc., a leader in the manufacturing of chisels and punches. Today, Vaughan is known around the world for its line of hand tools, including axes, hammers and pry bars.

Updated 10/23/2024

1/2 lb. - 1 1/4 lb. - 1 1/2 lb Steel Heads. 10" & 14" Hickory - 13" Steel Handles.
"Vaughan was established in 1869. In 2018, Vaughan acquired Dasco Pro, Inc., a leader in the manufacturing of chisels and punches. Today, Vaughan is known around the world for its line of hand tools, including hammers and pry bars."

Marshalltown Hammer Acquires Vaughn & Bushnell Tool Manufacturing - floortrendsmag.com.
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Wolf Valley Forge is the homeplace of hand-forged custom axes, crafted by axe smith Ike Bullington. Each axe is forged at his shop located in the beautiful rolling hills of North Alabama.

Updated 10/23/2024

The heads are hand-forged from 4142 Chromoly steel, heat treated to hold an edge and are extremely tough. The polls are also hardened and can be used as a hammer. The handles are made from American Hickory and are oil finished.
"I am honored to make this my business now, in working to provide USA-forged, rough and ready axes for the rugged outdoorsman, gentleman, or USA-made tool-collector."
About Me - Wolf Valley Forge

Scoring

This is our 'rating system' that was used to score the above brands, which is based on whether the origin of the the parts and materials used in their assembly are sourced domestically or internationally. The quality and quantity of the components were not taken into consideration.

The fact is the fewer parts a product contains, the greater likelihood of achieving a higher score. Ultimately a high or low rating does not directly represent the overall quality of a particular item.

Gold StarAny brands marked with a gold star shows that at least one product, or all of that companies products are made in the USA using virtually 100% domestic sourced materials & labor.
Silver StarA silver star shows their products are assembled and/or machined in America using domestic labor and a mix (of any proportion) of both domestic and imported materials.
Bronze StarA bronze star shows that their products are assembled in the U.S. using all imported parts.
Empty StarAn 'empty star' indicates that the product is designed or engineered in the US, and/or some of the parts have been produced here, but are sent elsewhere to be assembled into a final product.