I received an order of the Council Tool Saddle axes a few weeks ago. They’ve been on order for several months and I was really glad to see them come in.
What’s a Saddle Axe
I know, most of you are asking what is a saddle axe. If you live in an area with a lot of horse riding trails and or camping areas you’ve probably got a good idea. A saddle axe is a compact axe that will fit in a saddle bag. Not everyone prefers a hatchet and the saddle axe adds a little weight and a double bit.
Obviously, this compact axe isn’t just for equestrians. It’s also a great option for campers and backpackers. If you set up a hunting camp it’s gonna fill a need for something a tad bit smaller than a full sized axe. The size is also perfect for the backpacker that wants a more aggressive blade then a hatchet.
Why a Double Bit Axe
There’s a common misconception that a double bit axe simply offers you a second sharp edge if the first edge gets dull. That might be true but that isn’t the idea.
The idea is to offer two different edge grinds on the same axe. One edge is ground at a bevel that is more aggressive for chopping while the opposite edge has a finer bevel for trimming or carving. Maybe you need to carve some hold down stakes and then chop some firewood to prepare the evening meal. In fact, some big game hunters will use the axe for dressing game in the same manner you might use a skinning blade. The coarser blade is also perfect for splitting the pelvis when your dressing your deer.
The 2# head on the Saddle Axe puts a lot of power into a compact axe. Combined with a 16″ handle you have a compact, easy to carry axe.