This Hand-Forged, All-American Tool Helped Reignite a Trusted Brand

Best Made Co. has had an odd few years. First, Peter Buchanon Smith, the brand’s founder, left the company some ten years after starting it. Following his exit, Duluth Trading bought the brand. Then, shortly after that and in an unheard-of reversal, Duluth sold it back to Smith.

All that trading hands and the confusion it caused hurt Best Made’s reputation. But Smith was determined to right the ship and return the company to its former glory.

To that end, the brand needed a signal flare — something that screamed, “We’re back to our roots and better than ever!” It could not have picked a more appropriate release than the Old Gold No. 1 felling axe.

Best Made Company

GP100 Winner

Best Made Co. Old Gold No. 1 Axe

Specs

Handle	Appalachian hickory
Head	1060 high-carbon steel
Length	28, 30, 32 or 36 inches

• $450 at Best Made Co.

Based on the 19th-century McKinnon Rockaway pattern, this axe is practically American heritage incarnate. But the design is only half the story.

The head is hand-forged from 1060 high-carbon steel, utilizing delicate tampering and heat-treating processes to give it its rich golden color. And it’s mated to an Appalachian hickory handle secured via a walnut wedge.

Best Made Co.

As Best Made Co. puts it, this axe is the first step toward “raising the bar higher, slower, more deliberately, and on a much smaller scale.” Truly, it’s a magnificent achievement in design and craftsmanship, and it marks a triumphant return to form for the brand.

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