Council Tool Flying Fox Hatchet Review (2026)

Name: Council Tool Flying Fox Hatchet
Brand: Council
Price: 70.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 8.9 (1 reviews)

The Flying Fox uses a straight rather than curved handle, a deliberate design choice that some experienced axe users prefer for its more consistent grip positioning throughout a swing and better energy transfer into the cut. At 1.625 pounds on a 22-inch handle, it strikes a middle ground between a compact hatchet and a full two-handed axe, giving enough length for real chopping power while staying manageable one-handed for shorter tasks.

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$70 retail

8.9

/10

TrailCraft Score

What Works

Straight 22-inch handle gives a longer, more powerful swing than curved-handle hatchets
Forged domestically by one of the last American axe manufacturers
Well-reviewed balance between one-handed control and genuine chopping power

Limitations

Straight handle feels less ergonomic to some users accustomed to curved grips
Bare Sport Utility finish is more basic than the polished presentation of premium Scandinavian axes

Specifications

Head Weight1.625 lb

Handle22" straight, American hickory

SteelForged tool steel

Country of OriginUSA (Lake Waccamaw, NC)

FinishSport Utility

Score Breakdown

Cutting Performance

9.0

Build Quality

9.1

Ergonomics

8.7

Value

8.8

What Sets It Apart

Council Tool forges it domestically at the company's North Carolina facility, one of a shrinking number of American axe makers still doing so, which appeals to buyers who specifically want to support US manufacturing.

A straight-handled American-forged hatchet built for cutting power and balance

Who This Is For

The Flying Fox is right for: buyers who prefer a straight handle's consistent grip over a curved one, campers who want more chopping reach than a compact hatchet without a full two-handed axe's bulk, and anyone prioritizing American-made manufacturing.

A note on pricing and links: Prices are current as of July 2026. Some links are affiliate links.

How It Compares

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Common Questions

Why does the Flying Fox use a straight handle instead of curved?

Some experienced axe users prefer a straight handle because it keeps grip position more consistent throughout the swing and can transfer energy into the cut slightly more directly than a curved handle, though this comes down largely to personal preference.

Is the Flying Fox a one-handed or two-handed axe?

At 22 inches, it's long enough for two-handed use on bigger cuts but still manageable one-handed for lighter tasks — a versatile middle ground between a compact hatchet and a full felling axe.

Is Council Tool a reliable American axe brand?

Yes — Council Tool has manufactured forged tools domestically for over 135 years and remains one of the few axe brands still producing entirely in the USA.