Ask a survival expert what one piece of gear is the most valuable, and chances are very good the answer will be "a camp axe." Ask any expert on what a camp axe ought to be, and the answer will include phrases like "forged steel" and "straight-grained hickory handle." Finally, if you ask a survival expert on the best kind of camp axe, you're likely to hear "a Hudson Bay axe." Today, we've learned that Cold Steel has just released their version of the classic design in the form of the the Hudson Bay Camp Axe.
The hallmark feature of the Cold Steel Hudson Bay Camp Axe is the locking mechanism that secures the axe to the handle without driven wedges. Instead, the poll is split to allow a broken handle to be easily removed and a new handle installed. This clamping system is exceptionally strong, ensuring the axe not only stays firmly attached to the handle during hard use, but can be repaired in the field if necessary.
The Hudson Bay Camp Axe features a curved bit to strike deeply and efficiently into wood while the straight beard adds structural rigidity to manage hard blows. Blade length measured from the toe to heel is a generous 4-1/8 inches, making this axe suitable for general cutting chores around the camp, farm, or home. The handle is made of solid hickory for maximum strength and impact resistance, with a thick shoulder to prevent cracking or shearing and a prominent knob to optimize grip.
The Cold Steel Hudson Bay Camp Axe weighs 44.2 ounces, with an overall length of 27 inches. It is composed of solid hickory handle and 1055 carbon-steel blade. MSRP $74.99; Coldsteel.com
