--- product_id: 17353041 title: "Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36\" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC" brand: "council tool" price: "NZ$296" currency: NZD in_stock: true reviews_count: 8 category: "Council Tool" url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/17353041-classic-michigan-pattern-double-bit-axe-3-5-lbs-splitting store_origin: NZ region: New Zealand --- # 36" premium hickory handle 3.5 lbs dual-edge head forged steel with phantom bevels Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC **Brand:** council tool **Price:** NZ$296 **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > πŸͺ“ Own the legacy of precision and power with every swing! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC by council tool - **How much does it cost?** NZ$296 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/17353041-classic-michigan-pattern-double-bit-axe-3-5-lbs-splitting) ## Best For - council tool enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted council tool brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Crafted in the USA:** Traditional craftsmanship meets rugged, real-world utility - β€’ **Dual-Edge Powerhouse:** Double bit design for versatile cutting & splitting efficiency - β€’ **Forged Steel Toughness:** Heat-treated, ANSI-standard steel head holds edge longer - β€’ **Phantom Bevel Precision:** Reduced sticking & chip-out for smoother, controlled swings - β€’ **American Hickory Strength:** Curved handle dried below 10% moisture for lasting durability ## Overview The Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe features a 3.5 lb forged steel head with dual cutting edges and innovative phantom bevels to reduce sticking. Paired with a 36" curved American hickory handle dried below 10% moisture for maximum durability, this axe is built for versatile woodcutting and splitting tasks. Proudly made in the USA, it combines traditional craftsmanship with ANSI-standard toughness, making it a reliable tool for professionals and enthusiasts alike. ## Description Building Tools, Building Trust Council Tool Company is as much about people as it is about tools. After all, it’s people who design and manufacture them. Professional Grade, USA Made We specialize in professional-grade, American-made forged striking tools: axes, mauls, sledgehammers, pry bars, fire tools, and more. Our full product line is backed by more than 135 years of quality, reliability, and expertise from one of the oldest tool-making and forging operations in the United States. Professional Grade, USA Made We specialize in professional-grade, American-made forged striking tools: axes, mauls, sledgehammers, pry bars, fire tools, and more. Our full product line is backed by more than 135 years of quality, reliability, and expertise from one of the oldest tool-making and forging operations in the United States. Proudly Made in the USA We are proud of our American associates who produce the highest quality hand tools available at our Lake Waccamaw, NC facility. Proudly Made in the USA We are proud of our American associates who produce the highest quality hand tools available at our Lake Waccamaw, NC facility. Built for the Art of Work Blending Style & Performance Combining sleek design with exceptional function, our axes deliver striking looks and top-tier performance for any task or collection. Blending Style & Performance Combining sleek design with exceptional function, our axes deliver striking looks and top-tier performance for any task or collection. US Forest Service Quality Since the 1930s, Council Tool has supplied the USFS and continues to offer America’s premier tools for forestry and fighting wildfires. US Forest Service Quality Since the 1930s, Council Tool has supplied the USFS and continues to offer America’s premier tools for forestry and fighting wildfires. Firefighting & Rescue Tough Trusted by firefighters, our American-made axes and tools deliver strength, reliability and performance in critical moments. Firefighting & Rescue Tough Trusted by firefighters, our American-made axes and tools deliver strength, reliability and performance in critical moments. Made in the USA Made in the USA with American materials, our tools deliver top quality while supporting local jobs and strengthening our economy. Made in the USA Made in the USA with American materials, our tools deliver top quality while supporting local jobs and strengthening our economy. Enduring History Founded in 1886 by John Pickett Council, Council Tool has endured wars, fires and change while crafting tools for four generations. Enduring History Founded in 1886 by John Pickett Council, Council Tool has endured wars, fires and change while crafting tools for four generations. A Family Since 1886 Council Tool is still a family-owned and family-managed business, led by the fourth and fifth generation of the Council family. A Family Since 1886 Council Tool is still a family-owned and family-managed business, led by the fourth and fifth generation of the Council family. Review: I was pretty happy with the quality of the steel - I was pretty happy with the quality of the steel, it takes and holds a nice edge. It has some course grind marks, not any where close to sharp out of the box, but it's made of good steel and the handle is installed properly. I sharpened it on my bench belt grinder that I use for making knives, it cleaned up nice and took a fine edge. Nice tool for the price, looks good after I took the rough off it. Review: A perfectly fine axe - Bought this before I knew anything about axes. I probably wouldn't buy it knowing everything I know now, I'm satisfied with the purchase. The axe I got is pretty good, no obvious defects or problems have revealed themselves after hours of work. The handle was not overly thick, and it feels balanced in the hand, though 36" is a little excessive for most people and non-axe aficionados will not know this. I am not a stickler for grain orientation; my handle has 45 degree orientation, which is fine. I've chopped, bucked and split with this even occasional overstriking and that didn't break my handle. The quality of the steel in the bit is good, though this is far from the best I've seen. This is for people who are considering buying this axe: - You will have to sharpen this axe. This is true for almost any axe you buy, including for the big name premium axes from manufacturers like Hulfurs Bruks. And if you plan on using this for chopping and bucking and not just splitting, you will also have to file down the bit. - I've also seen people complain about the handle. I haven't had any issues. I think this is down to poor quality control on Council Tool's part, which I hear is a problem with many of their more budget axes. - Watch out for the old reviews. Some of the reviews from this axe are from about a decade ago and what they say is no longer relevant. The axe no longer has a single metal wedge, instead, of a wooden one. This is probably not the best axe for the money. But I find it to be perfectly functional. ## Features - BUILT FOR VERSATILITY AND ENDURANCE – Featuring a 3.5 lb. Michigan pattern head with dual cutting edges, this double bit axe is ideal for everything from clean wood cutting to tougher jobs near the ground or in knotty sections. - PHANTOM BEVEL DESIGN – Phantom bevels on the axe head reduce sticking and help prevent chip-out, making each swing more efficient and controlled during cutting or splitting. - FORGED STEEL HEAD – Hand sharpened on both bits and crafted from premium forged tool steel, the axe meets ANSI standards and features a heat-treated edge for maximum toughness and edge retention. - STRONG AMERICAN HICKORY HANDLE - The curved hickory handle is carefully dried to below 10% moisture content to reduce shrinkage and prevent loosening. It’s securely attached to the head with a traditional double wedge system, ensuring a strong, lasting bond. - MADE IN THE USA – Proudly made in the USA, this double bit axe combines traditional craftsmanship with practical utility. Its natural steel finish showcases rugged construction built to handle real-world work. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B0083TOCNQ | | Best Sellers Rank | #318,678 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ( See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden ) #220 in Gardening Axes | | Blade Edge | serrated,straight | | Blade Material | Alloy Steel | | Brand | Council Tool | | Brand Name | Council Tool | | Color | Black | | Customer Reviews | 4.0 out of 5 stars 85 Reviews | | Handle Material | Hickory,Steel | | Head Weight | 1.59 Kilograms | | Item Dimensions L x W | 35.5"L x 10.4"W | | Item Weight | 4 Pounds | | Manufacturer | Drake Off Road Tools | | Manufacturer Part Number | Drake Off Road Tools | | Model Number | Drake Off Road Tools | | Product Dimensions | 35.5"L x 10.4"W | | Style | Classic | | Style Name | Classic | | Unit Count | 1.0 Count | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Council Tool - **Color:** Black - **Handle Material:** Hickory,Steel - **Item Weight:** 4 Pounds - **Product Dimensions:** 35.5"L x 10.4"W ## Images ![Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61vE2YlapBL.jpg) ![Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81p5hgZZSzL.jpg) ![Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91XrrwXImQL.jpg) ![Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81-GUtVcWVL.jpg) ![Classic Michigan Pattern Double Bit Axe - 3.5 lbs Splitting Axe with 36" Straight Wooden Handle & Phantom Bevels - SU35-2MC - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81hjk9xvH2L.jpg) ## Questions & Answers **Q: Where is this axe made?** A: Made in the U.S.A. Although, we never received it.....the item was backordered and we ended up having to cancel the order. Thank you. **Q: Does the axe come with a sheath?** A: No. **Q: how wide is the blade?** A: Its 10 inches long and 3 inches wide. Its a great axe! **Q: Is this pretty balanced? Will it throw well overhand?** A: I don't think it would make a good throwing axe. The overall length of the axe is 33-34 inches. The head is about 4lbs, so it is not balanced per say; I use mine for chopping, which it does very well. For chopping it is well balanced. I personally would not use it for a throwing axe, but I am not saying it can't be used that way. I have never tried to throw mine. Maybe you are better skilled, but it does swing well. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I was pretty happy with the quality of the steel *by T***R on November 28, 2014* I was pretty happy with the quality of the steel, it takes and holds a nice edge. It has some course grind marks, not any where close to sharp out of the box, but it's made of good steel and the handle is installed properly. I sharpened it on my bench belt grinder that I use for making knives, it cleaned up nice and took a fine edge. Nice tool for the price, looks good after I took the rough off it. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A perfectly fine axe *by D***N on August 28, 2025* Bought this before I knew anything about axes. I probably wouldn't buy it knowing everything I know now, I'm satisfied with the purchase. The axe I got is pretty good, no obvious defects or problems have revealed themselves after hours of work. The handle was not overly thick, and it feels balanced in the hand, though 36" is a little excessive for most people and non-axe aficionados will not know this. I am not a stickler for grain orientation; my handle has 45 degree orientation, which is fine. I've chopped, bucked and split with this even occasional overstriking and that didn't break my handle. The quality of the steel in the bit is good, though this is far from the best I've seen. This is for people who are considering buying this axe: - You will have to sharpen this axe. This is true for almost any axe you buy, including for the big name premium axes from manufacturers like Hulfurs Bruks. And if you plan on using this for chopping and bucking and not just splitting, you will also have to file down the bit. - I've also seen people complain about the handle. I haven't had any issues. I think this is down to poor quality control on Council Tool's part, which I hear is a problem with many of their more budget axes. - Watch out for the old reviews. Some of the reviews from this axe are from about a decade ago and what they say is no longer relevant. The axe no longer has a single metal wedge, instead, of a wooden one. This is probably not the best axe for the money. But I find it to be perfectly functional. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Quality! *by J***Y on April 28, 2015* I've been using the axe for a few days now and have not encountered any problems at all. The axe head is really great quality and it seems just as sharp as when I first took it out of its packaging. With proper care I can see this axe lasting me a very long time. Although I'm giving the axe 5 stars I do have a minor complaint: The axe was constructed with a single metal wedge instead of a wooden one. This means that if the axe head ever starts to become loose it will be a bit tough to take the axe apart and install a new wooden wedge with a small metal wedge(s). But this is just me being a perfectionist. I'm very grateful that I found an axe with such high quality for a very low price. HARRY J. EPSTEIN CO. have been around since 1930 and its a really good feeling to know that American old school craftsmanship still exist! ## Frequently Bought Together - Council Tool Drake Off Road Tools 3.5 Lbs. Double Bit Classic Michigan Axe with 36" Straight Hickory Handle - Weaver Leather Arborist Full Length Double Bit Axe Guard, Tan - Lanksy Dual Grit Sharpening Puck: Axe Sharpener, Knife and Machete Sharpener, and Garden Tool Sharpener - LPUCK --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.nz/products/17353041-classic-michigan-pattern-double-bit-axe-3-5-lbs-splitting](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/17353041-classic-michigan-pattern-double-bit-axe-3-5-lbs-splitting) --- *Product available on Desertcart New Zealand* *Store origin: NZ* *Last updated: 2026-05-30*