Amazon has them marked down to $27 right now. Just bought another yesterday. Stated weight by Cold Steel is 2 lbs, 9 oz for full axe. Head weight is 1 lb 13 oz.
I have had my trail boss since 2016. It's my go to pack/camp axe. Most people seem to prefer a shorter handle for that purpose. I find the extra length really makes a lot of difference in my swing and adds very little weight. I carry it in a sling across my back or tied to a frame pack. Either way the extra length just doesn't seem to be an issue. Some would claim that the extra length would make it safer but I think that's really a skill/training issue. I just prefer the power and efficiency. Great value. Most Cold Steel stuff is pretty decent.
I love the trail boss. I used mine to build a natural blind during turkey season. I was amazed at how well it limbed. I loved it so much I bought a second one. Great video!
You are the best kind of bad influence Kevin! I've been curious about the Trail Boss for about 3 years and your recent video pushed me over the edge. Got out of the store and as you predicted, one bang on the concrete and the head jumped down 1/4 inch. Beautiful handle and perfect grain alignment. Looking forward to a project!
I’ve been a subscriber since you had around 200 subs and I used to watch every video you made. I’m ashamed to admit I had lost your channel for close to a year amidst my golf addiction. But now I have recently come back and started watching all videos again. I’m happy to see your are still doing it and video quality is noticeably improved. Your new videos remind me of what I used to like about Wranglerstar. Common man interests with adequate knowledge of many subjects. I feel like he has lost his way, while you have found your stride. Thanks for all your content.
Thanks, yeah I remember seeing your name. No worries, we all have many hobbies. They ebb and flow in our busy lives. I feel the same about Wranglerstar. I haven’t watched in a long while. He seems to always be selling something or preaching. Not for me.
I have two, I got them on midway sale before lynn thomson sold cold steel for 17$ each, been using one near 8 ten years, go to for everything exept splitting. Even goes in the kayak on overnight or longer trips, hanlde never had an issue with the halfting.
Excellent review Mr. Kevin, in my opinion this axe has some Russian/northern Europe influence. I think you and I had spoken about a documentary called "Happy People". Filmed in the Taiga about trappers who lived off the land. They used axes that were similar to these Cold Steel units..your shop is pristine, I spied the 500i under the bench.... 15:04
Excellent video Kevin. The kydex sheath looks perfect as well. Had to watch this one twice as I kept getting distracted with all the great stuff in your shop.
Great vid! The long wedge on this looks similar to the Montreals, with added benefit of a longer edge if you dont mind the shorter eye. Good idea on the kydex for mounting to the polaris, and does look the ideal axe for that kind of use. That was a big ol Stihl under the bench, nice!
Mine was tight and has never loosened in almost a decade of use. I wipe my axes down with Ballistol when not in use. Head and handle. That may have prevented any dry out, shrinkage or rot. Maybe you just got a funky one. Wood is wood.
Great video; it might even inspire me to clean up my garage/workshop 😅 I think the Trailboss is a Rhineland pattern, especially with that flared toe. Agree, runout is way more important for grain orientation.
What I did with mine was sunk the blade hard into a stump, then cranked on the handle back and forth like I was trying to break it loose. It of course loosened a bit from all the torque. Then I took it out and turned the axe upside down and hammered the base of the haft, forcing the haft deeper into the eye so it sticks out proud of the top about 1/4 inch. From there, drive a regular metal wedge in BETWEEN the two barrel wedges and hammer the whole top of the haft where the wedges are so it mushrooms out a tad. This will ensure the head is seated much tighter to the haft AND it won't slide off or come loose anytime soon.
Nicely done Kevin !! I’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on one of the for a while, just never get around to it. Everyone that gets one seems to say good things about it. I totally agree they could use a little tuning by the looks of it, but at that price for what you get, it’s totally respectable 👍. Well looks like I’m headed to Amazon to see if this axe is in stock 😂… maybe I’ll also keep mine on the Atv !!
okay I just want to say e few things it not essentially a Hudson bay its a simplified Rhineland pattern(German). Second thing mine came tight but I had to remove the paint from the eye so I could submerge it in linseed oil, turpentine and bees wax mix, I did this so temperature changes wouldn't loosen it.
Got one, I think it may been $30, maybe less. Free shipping. I LOVE it and I've had no trouble, used it out of the box no slippage or anything. Killer bargain, great chopper.
I think I've watched every TH-cam review on this axe over the past few years, most of which were positive, but never did get one. Cold steel says the head weight is 1 pound 13 ounces.
Best bang for your buck! Can’t say I’ve ever bought an axe that was useable straight from the factory. Except for the racers I guess, but even those I end up slimming down the handle some. But that’s just about preference. The softer steel on the trail boss wasn’t much of an issue for me. I definitely chipped the bit a little, but that was due to chopping through bark and stuff. Great vid Kevin! I had a feeling you were going to like this axe,
I actually got it because in one of your videos you used it to limb with and had nice things to say about it. And I thought if Mat likes a light axe it must be good lol.
I totally beat the crap out of mine. Handle didn't come loose but it does have a little split on it...yet the whole thing is still solid, it seems. I have a replacement hickory handle, but I think I'd prefer a polymer one.
I have no reservations about that steel especially with how keen you made it. I'd rather my edge file easy than not at all. Great video man. It's inspiring to see videos put together this well.
I feel the same way about steel. I want to be able to grind it with a file reasonably easily. I’d rather take a little damage chopping walnuts lol. Thanks, I’m too bust to make consistent videos every week that I’m happy with, so hopefully I can manage one once a month.
That walnut shell is a pretty brutal test, might be a little difficult to do with a more expensive axe. Would love to see the comparison.....with someone else's axes though.
Pardon me if you mentioned it and I missed it, but have you compared it to the Council Tool Sports Utility Boy's Axe (not the standard red painted hardware store axes) which is in my [not] humble opinion the best value on the market today for a 3/4 axe?
Yeah 2 1/4 sounds about right for a boys axe. I was considering getting one of these because I’ve heard a lot of good reviews here on the TH-cam. I did go into my local hardware store the other day and looked at a Collins boy axe and it looked and felt great but I’m not to sure due to lack of use wether it’s a good edge and head, like I said looked good but I don’t know. I have a couple of old Collins a feller and a splitter but nothing new from them. If anyone has experience or suggestions with the cold steel and/or Collins please comment back and let me know. Thank you in advance. God Bless y’all!
@@KevinsDisobedience I shoulda known not to mess with the best! I like the axe hangers on that Polaris. I'm guessing that axe will get used every time you go cruising around.
Amazon has them marked down to $27 right now. Just bought another yesterday. Stated weight by Cold Steel is 2 lbs, 9 oz for full axe. Head weight is 1 lb 13 oz.
I have had my trail boss since 2016. It's my go to pack/camp axe. Most people seem to prefer a shorter handle for that purpose. I find the extra length really makes a lot of difference in my swing and adds very little weight. I carry it in a sling across my back or tied to a frame pack. Either way the extra length just doesn't seem to be an issue. Some would claim that the extra length would make it safer but I think that's really a skill/training issue. I just prefer the power and efficiency. Great value. Most Cold Steel stuff is pretty decent.
I paid $23 for mine, currently thinning down the bit, but even before that it seemed to chop very well, easily my most used axe.
It’s a great little whippy axe. The only downside is the tiny eye. I was unable to keep the head solid without the additional barrel wedge.
I love the trail boss. I used mine to build a natural blind during turkey season. I was amazed at how well it limbed. I loved it so much I bought a second one. Great video!
They’re a good light limbing axe. The biggest trouble is keeping them tight with the small eye.
One of the best put together videos on an axe I have seen in a while, great job and great review.
Thanks
I bought a tuned up one of the Collins 2.25 boys axes. Just found this on sale for $30 on Amazon and couldn’t resist. Very nice review
I bought one when they werev$23 and for that much it's a better axe than my hultafor axes
They’re a great deal, even now. Good to hear you got one when they were a steal!
You are the best kind of bad influence Kevin! I've been curious about the Trail Boss for about 3 years and your recent video pushed me over the edge. Got out of the store and as you predicted, one bang on the concrete and the head jumped down 1/4 inch. Beautiful handle and perfect grain alignment. Looking forward to a project!
Sorry, lol. You’ll be able to fix it though np.
I’ve been a subscriber since you had around 200 subs and I used to watch every video you made. I’m ashamed to admit I had lost your channel for close to a year amidst my golf addiction. But now I have recently come back and started watching all videos again. I’m happy to see your are still doing it and video quality is noticeably improved. Your new videos remind me of what I used to like about Wranglerstar. Common man interests with adequate knowledge of many subjects. I feel like he has lost his way, while you have found your stride. Thanks for all your content.
Thanks, yeah I remember seeing your name. No worries, we all have many hobbies. They ebb and flow in our busy lives. I feel the same about Wranglerstar. I haven’t watched in a long while. He seems to always be selling something or preaching. Not for me.
I have two, I got them on midway sale before lynn thomson sold cold steel for 17$ each, been using one near 8 ten years, go to for everything exept splitting. Even goes in the kayak on overnight or longer trips, hanlde never had an issue with the halfting.
Excellent review Mr. Kevin, in my opinion this axe has some Russian/northern Europe influence. I think you and I had spoken about a documentary called "Happy People". Filmed in the Taiga about trappers who lived off the land. They used axes that were similar to these Cold Steel units..your shop is pristine, I spied the 500i under the bench.... 15:04
Yeah, kinda of a Hudson Bay, Rhineland, Montreal thing. That film is great! The 500i is my cousin’s, but I’ve run it enough to want one lol.
Excellent video Kevin. The kydex sheath looks perfect as well. Had to watch this one twice as I kept getting distracted with all the great stuff in your shop.
Thanks, had fun making this one.
Where can I get that sheath
@@josepadilla7004I got mine from Luso sheath works on Amazon. I like it.
Great vid! The long wedge on this looks similar to the Montreals, with added benefit of a longer edge if you dont mind the shorter eye. Good idea on the kydex for mounting to the polaris, and does look the ideal axe for that kind of use. That was a big ol Stihl under the bench, nice!
Yeah, kinda a Hudson Bay, Rhineland, Montreal thing, isn’t it? I need to learn kydex.
Talented - and a neat shop we can all envy!
Thanks man, you know how it goes. It blows up working on something, and then ya gotta put it back together again.
I love the way you edited this video
Thanks, just tried to make it interesting. Break up the narrative a bit to keep things moving.
Absolutely agree with the above comments about being the best Ax video out there. Well done sir
Thanks 👍
Mine was tight and has never loosened in almost a decade of use. I wipe my axes down with Ballistol when not in use. Head and handle. That may have prevented any dry out, shrinkage or rot. Maybe you just got a funky one. Wood is wood.
great job, great video. 🙏🏻
Great video; it might even inspire me to clean up my garage/workshop 😅 I think the Trailboss is a Rhineland pattern, especially with that flared toe. Agree, runout is way more important for grain orientation.
Yeah Rhineland/Montreal/HudsonBay thing
@@KevinsDisobedience as a slightly-Germanic Canadian axe appreciator, I will try to do my best to not get trolled by that conflation 🧘♂️
What I did with mine was sunk the blade hard into a stump, then cranked on the handle back and forth like I was trying to break it loose. It of course loosened a bit from all the torque. Then I took it out and turned the axe upside down and hammered the base of the haft, forcing the haft deeper into the eye so it sticks out proud of the top about 1/4 inch. From there, drive a regular metal wedge in BETWEEN the two barrel wedges and hammer the whole top of the haft where the wedges are so it mushrooms out a tad. This will ensure the head is seated much tighter to the haft AND it won't slide off or come loose anytime soon.
That’s definitely another way to do it that’ll work. How do you like it?
I like it a lot. Great value in that ax.@@KevinsDisobedience
MidwayUSA has a combo-sale right now, this axe with a Cold Steel SRK knife for $45. Really hard to beat woods/trail combo for that price.
Nicely done Kevin !! I’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on one of the for a while, just never get around to it. Everyone that gets one seems to say good things about it. I totally agree they could use a little tuning by the looks of it, but at that price for what you get, it’s totally respectable 👍. Well looks like I’m headed to Amazon to see if this axe is in stock 😂… maybe I’ll also keep mine on the Atv !!
It’s a good light axe to use for chopping shit out of the way. It’s biggest problem is keeping the head tight.
Hey Kevin, do you have a link for the kydex sheath you found that fits perfectly ? thanks!
I'm just checking in to see how you are doing. I pray all is well with you and yours. Stay blessed sir!
Thanks, sir, I’m very good. Actually uploading a video right now!
Awesome! Take care.
okay I just want to say e few things it not essentially a Hudson bay its a simplified Rhineland pattern(German). Second thing mine came tight but I had to remove the paint from the eye so I could submerge it in linseed oil, turpentine and bees wax mix, I did this so temperature changes wouldn't loosen it.
Overall, for the money, it's a solid axe!
Especially when they were $25 bucks 6yrs ago.
Seeing that Strimmer under the bench is giving me nightshifts on the highways flashbacks lol
Hahaha that’s a BigBoy. Not mine. My cousin dropped it off with the 500i to try out. I’ll do a review on it this summer.
@@KevinsDisobedience I've spent hundreds of hours behind one and hit many a bottle of truck driver piss with them in the darkness of the night 🙃🤢😅
That thing BITES !!!
It does
These are $25 as of Oct ‘23
Damn, that’s a good deal!
Nice video. I got this axe and a Cold Steel SRK for about $65 from Midway a couple of months ago.
Good deal, these.
@@KevinsDisobedienceI haven't had a chance to use the axe much, but that SRK is an excellent knife.
is it worth buying if you have to change the handle right away?
2000! Awesome!👍👍👍
I'll be back to finish this video in a bit. Shop looks awesome! Awesome flow on this video!!!
Thanks, been working hard on the shop, as have to have all my shit out of my old one by the 11th.
Got one, I think it may been $30, maybe less. Free shipping. I LOVE it and I've had no trouble, used it out of the box no slippage or anything. Killer bargain, great chopper.
That first cut bit deep
On thier website the head weight is listed as 1.82lbs
Nice review!
i can't get over how neat and tidy your shop is lol.
I’m a bit of a neat freak, but it’s a new shop. Sold the old building and had to move. Me and my dad share a space now. Works for both of us though.
Great video! I’ve been eyeing this axe for a while. Question on your wood wedges. Do you make them yourself or order them? Thanks!
I order them from Thrane online.
I've not tried their axes but I've found Cold Steel knives to be pretty solid.
I’ve not had one, but have heard good things.
I think I've watched every TH-cam review on this axe over the past few years, most of which were positive, but never did get one. Cold steel says the head weight is 1 pound 13 ounces.
Really, that light? Basically a knife on a stick, isn’t it…
I've chopped several trees fown and my head is still tight. Plus it came razor sharp.
Such is the nature of cheap, production axes. Sometimes ya get a good one. The same is true of high end production axes, too, in my experience.
been beatn brakes off mine.. never came loose
Me too. I think he just got a funky one. Wood is wood.
Best bang for your buck!
Can’t say I’ve ever bought an axe that was useable straight from the factory. Except for the racers I guess, but even those I end up slimming down the handle some. But that’s just about preference.
The softer steel on the trail boss wasn’t much of an issue for me. I definitely chipped the bit a little, but that was due to chopping through bark and stuff.
Great vid Kevin! I had a feeling you were going to like this axe,
I actually got it because in one of your videos you used it to limb with and had nice things to say about it. And I thought if Mat likes a light axe it must be good lol.
Mr. Matt you had some great footage of this tool on your other channel... 15:04
My trail boss was useble right out of the box. I sanded the finish off of the handle and applied several coats of boiled linseed oil.
Wow! Kevin, where in the hell did you get those goant files? Please advise.
They’re Farrier’s files. For horses hooves actually lol.
@@KevinsDisobedience - I'm on it. I should have seen them before but maybe they just didn't register. Do you know who made them?
I just I ordered one. Gonna be irritated if I gotta fix a loose head😂. We will see. Thanks!
Oh, plan on it.
@@KevinsDisobedience I get it tomorrow. I'll advise my findings 😀.
I totally beat the crap out of mine. Handle didn't come loose but it does have a little split on it...yet the whole thing is still solid, it seems. I have a replacement hickory handle, but I think I'd prefer a polymer one.
I’m surprised. I figure the head staying tight in that small eye is going to be a problem over time.
I have no reservations about that steel especially with how keen you made it. I'd rather my edge file easy than not at all.
Great video man. It's inspiring to see videos put together this well.
I feel the same way about steel. I want to be able to grind it with a file reasonably easily. I’d rather take a little damage chopping walnuts lol. Thanks, I’m too bust to make consistent videos every week that I’m happy with, so hopefully I can manage one once a month.
@Kevin’s Disobedience it's a lot of effort and thoughtfulness to make a video like this. It's not lost on me.
Was that a horse rasp Mr. Ethical? 15:04
@@Brian2bears I thought I saw a farrier rasp in this video when he was thinning the handle!
@@ethicalaxe yes....
That walnut shell is a pretty brutal test, might be a little difficult to do with a more expensive axe. Would love to see the comparison.....with someone else's axes though.
It definitely is. I’d expect about the same on most axes.
Ordered mine for 35 on amazing yesterday!
Crazy how cheap, right?
Pardon me if you mentioned it and I missed it, but have you compared it to the Council Tool Sports Utility Boy's Axe (not the standard red painted hardware store axes) which is in my [not] humble opinion the best value on the market today for a 3/4 axe?
Yeah, that was one of my very first axes. I chopped a cord of wood with it.
Sheath?
Kydex
This ax shape has always been around in Germany...it's called the Rheinischeform
Greetings Peter
like the river.. Rhine
Germany- Rhein
Yeah, basically isn’t it
I'm the game theory goat.
GTO 🐐 eh? Do you shove A10 on a K52 rainbow board when you’re under 10 bigs? If you understand that, then you’re are GTO wizard.
@@KevinsDisobedience no I don't shove that ever ofc. I'm the goat
First!
Yeah 2 1/4 sounds about right for a boys axe. I was considering getting one of these because I’ve heard a lot of good reviews here on the TH-cam. I did go into my local hardware store the other day and looked at a Collins boy axe and it looked and felt great but I’m not to sure due to lack of use wether it’s a good edge and head, like I said looked good but I don’t know. I have a couple of old Collins a feller and a splitter but nothing new from them. If anyone has experience or suggestions with the cold steel and/or Collins please comment back and let me know. Thank you in advance. God Bless y’all!
They all need about the same work. It depends on what you want to use it for, but this one wins out for me because of the edge length.
You swing an axe like my gay 15 year old brother
Damn, I didn’t know gay boys knew how to use an axe. Cheers man, hope you have a good day.
I like using Rinaldi axes… 🪓
First!
I think Killer got you by 1 min
@@KevinsDisobedience I shoulda known not to mess with the best! I like the axe hangers on that Polaris. I'm guessing that axe will get used every time you go cruising around.