In 1886, Council Tool began making tools in North Carolina. One hundred and forty years later, we’re still here—still forging tools, still manufacturing in the United States, and still carrying forward a tradition built by generations of American toolmakers.
2026 marks Council Tool’s 140th anniversary.
It also happens to be a milestone year for the country we’ve called home throughout our entire history: the 250th anniversary of the United States.
To commemorate both occasions, Council Tool is proud to introduce the 2026 Liberty Axe Collection, a limited release of American-made axes that celebrates where we’ve been, where we are today, and the American manufacturing tradition we’re proud to continue.
Among the collection is the Commemorative Scout Hatchet.
140 Years – Generations of Makers.
A lot has changed since Council Tool was founded in 1886.
Through two World Wars, the Great Depression, enormous advances in manufacturing and generations of change in American industry, Council Tool has continued making tools in North Carolina.
Some of the equipment in our factory has been working for more than a century. Alongside it today are CNC machines, automated grinding cells, induction heating and other modern manufacturing technologies.
That combination of old and new is an important part of who we are.
The tools have evolved. The factory has evolved.
But after 140 years, we’re still making them here.
A Hatchet Worthy of the Occasion
For our 140th anniversary, we wanted to create something that represented more than a date.
The Commemorative Scout Hatchet is built around the classic Dayton pattern—a traditional American axe pattern with a long history as a versatile working tool.
Its 1.75 lb. forged steel head is fitted to a 14-inch curved American hickory handle, creating a compact hatchet that embodies what we think of as the “Scouting Spirit”: preparedness, self-reliance and the ability to put a good tool to work.
It is compact and packable, but substantial enough for real camp chores—clearing trails and campsites, limbing, chopping, light splitting, processing campfire wood and driving tent stakes.
It’s a commemorative hatchet, but first and foremost, it’s a Council Tool Hatchet.
That means it was made to work.
140 Years of Council Tool. 250 Years of America.
There is something particularly fitting about Council Tool celebrating 140 years during America’s 250th anniversary.
For all 140 of those years, Council Tool has been an American manufacturer.
Our tools have gone to work in forests, on farms, around railroads, in fire service, at campsites and in the hands of tradespeople and outdoorsmen across the country and around the world.
Today, tools made in our North Carolina factory are shipped worldwide.
For 2026, the Commemorative Scout Hatchet carries special detailing recognizing its place in the Liberty Axe Collection and America’s Semiquincentennial.
It’s a small mark representing a very big moment—and a reminder that American manufacturing remains part of the country’s story.
Made Here. Then and Now.
For us, celebrating 140 years isn’t simply about looking backward.
It’s about continuing.
Continuing to forge steel. Continuing to invest in our factory. Continuing to combine generations of knowledge with new manufacturing technology. Continuing to employ people here in North Carolina.
And continuing to put Made in USA on tools that are meant to be used.
The 2026 Commemorative Scout Hatchet represents a moment where two milestones meet:
140 years of Council Tool, 250 years of America.
And another generation of American tools made right here in North Carolina.