The Voyageur Hudson Bay Axe

This is the axe that built the north woods. The Hudson Bay pattern evolved from the trade axes used by French voyageurs and trappers. They needed something light enough to portage but tough enough to split kindling in a snowstorm. Brant & Cochran based this head on a 1930s Snow & Nealley axe from Bangor, Maine — back when axes were still forged by people who used them.

The balance is perfect for one-handed work from a canoe thwart or around camp. It's what you want if you're paddling the Boundary Waters or the Allagash and need to make fire happen fast. Light enough to swing all day, heavy enough to bite deep.

• 1.75 lb head on 24" American hickory handle

• Hand-forged in South Portland, Maine

• Comes with leather blade guard

• Sharp enough to shave with (but don't)

• Preferred by 9 out of 10 fictional lumberjacks