SNOW11-BRK Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe

Axes are like golf clubs in that they come in many shapes and sized and are purposely designed for a certain task. The golfer trying to put with a driver or trying to drive the ball down the fairway with a putter is going to suffer. The same is with axes, in that there are different size and shape of the head and handle for different tasks.This axe is a very suitable kindling axe with a handle long enough and head hefty enough to split pieces of wood for kindling. Its head is fairly light weight when compared to a massive splitting wedge or even a standard camp axe making it easy to use. The length of the handle is perfect for working kindling from one knee.The cheek of the blade is proudly stamped Snow & Nealley USA Est 1864. The beard of the blade is fairly long and pronounced. The head is solidly attached to the handle with a pair of round wedges. The handle features a large knob on the end to help retention and balance, and a narrow throat that broadens towards the head. There is an include rawhide blade cover stamped with Snow & Nealley OurBest Since 1864.In use the axe does a wicked job on kindling tasks splitting 3-4" diameter pieces a foot long into smaller ones for building a fire up from the tinder stage.

First of all, I like supporting small US business -- and craftsmen in Downeast Maine are a special lot - so supporting them is even nicer. Other comments 1) great overall size. I did not want a hatchet - this is bigger. I did not want a full sized felling axe - this is smaller. It is perfect in size and shape 2) And I certainly did not want to continue making kindling with a splitting maul which is too heavy and strains my forearms. So my research on this Kindling Axe (and I did a few hours surfing the net to locate it) has proved very satisfactory. 3) Yes, the hawk came only semi-sharp..but I remedied that easily with a quick pass on the sharpening wheel and stone puck. I made a bunch of hardwood kindling the first few days and the blade remains sharp. I don't care where the metal was forged. Steel is a global commodity. The wooden handle (design and execution) is the art here.4) Fiscally, this axe is a no brainer - compare to many others over $100. I am buying another one to keep in my truck.

So i throw axes professionally so take my review with a grain of salt. I love this axe. the head weight is perfect at1 3/4 lbs. after sanding the handle where i liked it it threw amazing! Yes i had to sharpen it but i have a hand held small belt sharpener that i use on all my throwing axes and it took less than 5 minutes to get it razor sharp and is still razor sharp. I have 3 of these axes now and everyone who has thrown them love them. the steel is very well made and the handles are very very durable. like i said though i have not chopped wood with it but if i had too this is the axe id do it with. this axe has been put through its paces everyday for the last 2 months and is still in amazing shape.

*update* the seller Michigan sports and their representative Ron corrected the situation and sent me a replacement axe. The second one sent was tight and sharper than the first. I would not hesitate to buy another from them!The seller Michigan sports did a great job packaging and shipping the axe to me. I have no issues with the seller more so the manufacturer.My issues stem from the axe itself. The grind is extremely uneven and dull. So dull it would not cut small branches it would smash them off the tree like a hammer. I spent a half hour sharpening and honing it them went to try limbing a dead pine. After 2 strikes the head flew off. The shim that was put in was not even half way down the cut and there was quite a shelf on the underside of the bit.Overall if you want a good quality axe head to practice sharpening and making a handle for buy this. If you want an axe to go camping with or limb smaller trees up this tool is not ready to take on the job.I contacted the seller to inform them of my experience and see what they have to say about the poor workmanship. If anything changes i will promptly edit my review.

This is a nice, well constructed camper's hatchet. I find the basic construction and design, quite nice. But be prepared to make it your own. Varnished handle and stickers should probably be removed/sanded off to allow for proper oiling with linseed/tung oil. This more preference, than a critique. On the other hand, my hatchet was received in an extremely dull condition, requiring some time to bring it to a useful sharpness. If ready out of the box is your aim, look elsewhere. If a solid, well constructed, American-made camper's axe/hatchet is your aim, this is a nice one to consider. I am a pleased owner. Just be prepared to put in a little effort to make it your own.

Blade is so dull it isnt even funny... but then you spend 30 minutes putting your own edge it and it is stunning! I own Hults Bruk, GBA, Council Tool Velvicut and Woodcraft axes and have had Helko in the past (they're garbage). The steel on this kindling axe is second to none of them. Honestly if you get a good American steel, it's better than any swedish or other countries. This kindling axe is a beast. I am not that fond of Hudson Bay axe design but I would recommend this for sure. If you dont know how to put on an edge, dont buy this because there isn't one. But if you know what you're doing? You should have it already.