Over the past 4 years and many nights spent in the backcountry, I’ve gotten by with a dremel-sharpened $4.99 Coleman hatchet, even as I spent thousands upfitting the 4Runner and pretty much all of my other camping getup. I was totally surprised when my brother Taylor presented me with a Victor Axe + Tool Bellaire Axe as a grooms gift a few weeks back – talk about an upgrade!
I hadn’t heard of Victor Axe before getting the gift, which is probably because they’re still a very young company. Victor Axe + Tool got its start in 2011 when founder Victor Sultana began refurbishing old hand tools. Since that beginning, the company has transitioned to creating new goods (like axes) by partnering with other manufacturers. They’re based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The 24” Bellaire Axe that Taylor got for me is a great example of Victor’s partnership with other manufacturers. The drop-forged axe head is made by Council Tool in North Carolina, and then mated to a linseed-oil conditioned 24” hickory handle by Victor Axe up in Grand Rapids.
The end product sure is pretty, but definitely not too-pretty to use. The blade is sharp enough to shave with (not recommended) and makes short work of the 3-6” deadfall you’re bound to encounter on the trail – It can handle larger stuff too, depending on your cardiovascular health.
I am looking forward to using the hell out of this thing and seeing it get better with age and use. At $135, the Bellaire model is reasonably priced for a US-handmade tool that you can hand down to your grandkids one day.
Thanks for sharing our product and our story! We really appreciate it and glad to hear you have the goal of being able to share it with your kids/grand children some day.
Our pleasure! We’re always happy to be able to get our hands on high quality American Made products, especially ones that are heirloom quality.