Cold SteelTrail Boss 90TA

After reading the reviews here, I went to L.L. Bean intending to spend the big bucks on a premium axe instead. Joke was on me because they had absolutely none. The only axe they had in stock was this one for more than the list price here. So I ordered it here.First impressions; It comes unsharpened. Love the profile and it seems like it will be agile when doing hand work. It is light-under 2 lbs. however the long handle gives you a reasonable amount of chopping power for what it is. The handle is tight and well fitted to the axe head. The handle is not very hefty but is well matched to the size and weight of the axe. Wood grain orientation is acceptable on the business end but does stray off somewhat on the other end. The polyurethane finish reminds me of the donut factory where they dip the donuts in the glaze and it just drip dries with lumpy drips. I will be removing that as well as the paint on the axe head.All in all, I think this is a good value especially if you can't get your hands on a premium axe. Just keep in mind what it is designed for...a nice little pack axe.At this time I would like to offer a moment of silence for all the nice little axes that were destroyed by the guys who had to break them to find out what they can't do. And no... you guys need not bother asking to borrow my chainsaw or anything else for that matter....

I love this axe. The lower grade steel makes for easy sharpening and super sharp edge for efficient chopping. After many jobs over 4 years I just removed 6” roots in stoney soil. Dinged up the edge plenty, got the job done, filed and sharpened, good as new. Handle has help up wonderfully. Small well balanced, easy to pack. When/IF this axe ever bites the dust, I’m going to buy the exact same axe again.

I used this handy axe for tasks around the house.That pin oak didn't stand a chance and it bit right in deep.The axe doesn't get hung up in tight spaces.I accidentally left it out on a damp night but it had little rust on it and it was easily cleaned up with oil.This axe is well balanced and my favorite.

Picked this up as a spare axe before prices of things skyrocket again and it's been great. Fairly sharp from the factory, rubber sheath thing is terrible. Stripped the handle with a knife and sandpaper and treated with boiled linseed oil and it soaked it right up. Great to bring to camp or whatever and not have to risk your more expensive axes. Good buy! This is my first cold steel purchase and I'm impressed especially for the money. Here's some pics in comparison to a new husqvarna I'm also treating with boiled linseed oil. Last pic: they both have they're 1st coat of blo, cold steel right, husqvarna left. Once you get the factory shiny varnish stuff off and recoat it, it's a really nice handle.

This thing has been reviewed tons of times and almost universally it is felt to be of great quality. I agree, the fit and finish are very good, it does need some additional refinement on the edge (like almost all axes do when new.)My only gripe is that I was specifically looking for the 23" version of this axe that was allegedly the norm for this model several years ago. I purchased this listing because it says its the 23", but I got a 27" axe. I'm guessing any 23" versions are no longer out there for new purchase anywhere.

I ordered this for a camping trip. Disappointingly, shipping delays (USPS) caused it to arrive DAYS after my trip. I was forced to buy one at my local hardware store (Kobalt--decent, but no comparison).Since I used the Kobalt axe at camp, I couldn't return it, so I returned the Cold Steel Trail Boss --I suppose I could've kept both axes, but I wanted the money back instead.That said, I inspected the axe and, though I'm no pro, it was clearly well built and had a better weight balance than the Kobalt Fiberglass handle axe. Workmanship is pretty decent quality for the price.Honestly, I might end up buying it again.Buy it!

Needed a lighter Axe that still has a very aggressive cut and once again Cold Steel delivers everything every time. Didn't take long and had an edge you could shave with really good Steel and a great Axe. It cost me a little more but I'd buy it again. 100 Percent a great woodcutter or whatever else you need cut.

The media could not be loaded. I was really looking forward to this axe. I'm so disappointed.I took one swing. Seriously. ONE SWING into a piece of fir firewood, and the handle rattled around like a toy. It is completely unusable.I haven't decided if I will return this axe and spend the money on a better quality one, or if I will buy a new handle and fit this head on right.I really like the shape and weight of this head, but whoever fit the head to the handle had some serious quality control issues.My advise? Don't buy this axe unless you have the skill and resources to immediately replace the handle.I will try to upload a video, or some pictures.