Snow and Nealley 3.5 lbs. Single Bit Axe

This axe has good size and weight for all around use in the back yard. Mine came with perfect grain orientation on the handle and the head is nicely hanged. The edge is left un-sharpened so the user can put what ever edge they want, most people don't seem to get that, different people have different preferences on their edges that they intend to use for a specific purpose, so it's good that manufacturers like snow and nealley take that into consideration and left the edge almost unfinished so the user can put whatever edge they want. Overall, I'm quite pleased with this axe.

Light, sharp, dependable

Ok, like alot of USA tool manufacturers, Snow and Nealley had some problems, and eventually outsourced to China.Then a Amish gentleman and his sons bought the company. They then returned production to the USA.This is a good axe. It is a full sized felling axe. The head is well forged and shaped. Its well balanced.The hickory handle is axtually thin and flexible. Most modern axes have handles that are far too thick.The axe comes dull....but is easy enough to sharpen with file and stone. The bit is covered with a laquer to prevent rust. I find this a better solution than to use paint.I find the steel adequately hard...judging by the way it behaved during sharpening.Some might not like the varnished handle, but I dont mind. Varnish keeps the moiture out very well, and I wear gloves anyway when using an axe...so no blisters.I like this USA made axe very much.

The first axe I got, the handle broke almost immediately. The company support was good and they replaced it, no problem.Since April 2022, I've used the axe maybe 5 times, I even wrapped the handle to protect it from any potential bad strikes. Last week (09/10/2023) I was splitting some firewood and hit a piece of hard wood and the handle split from the head down to the end of the handle. I hit the wood perfectly and the handle snapped. I'm sure the axe head is good but the grain in the handle does not follow the curve of the handle or straight. It broke down the grain like a toothpick.

I really wanted a best-made company axe to combo as a useful tool as well as a cool wall ornament when I am not actually out camping and such (most of the time). But those were rediculiously priced so after reading some reviews I picked this bad boy up, did some basic masking taping, sprayed on some color, finished her off with a nice clear laqour and made a simple wood frame to hang it from the wall in... Waa-laa... Great quality at a great price. Highly recomended.

Snow and Nealley axes (famously) don't come with much of an edge. It also comes with shiny varnish on the handle. You'll need to spend some time working on the edge and removing the finish on the handle. Once you're done, you'll have a fine tool that will last. It is a great quality axe. Just be ready to tune it up when you get it.

Handle is slender and nice to swing. Bit is not hardened steel and doesn't hold an edge well. Requires sharpening after almost every use unless you are super careful with it.

Excellent axe. Love that it's made in the USA! Well made head, perfectly weighted. Handle is made from wood with a grain that is straight and true. I considered many brands when had to replace my trusty 35 year old favorite axe (stolen from my garage). I have to say I don't mourn the loss as much now because this one is a better quality and I'm sure I'll get many years of use out of it.