Council Tool Company has a legacy stretching back to 1886, rooted in American craftsmanship and innovation. As part of its 100th anniversary celebration in 1986, Council Tool introduced a unique and now highly collectible axe: the El Lobo. “El Lobo,” Spanish for “the wolf,” was more than just a tool-it was a bold statement in design and function, reflecting both the company’s heritage and the adventurous spirit of its users.
A Howl from the Past: The Launch of El Lobo
Launched in 1986, the El Lobo axe stood out immediately in hardware stores across America. With its distinctive black-painted Hudson Bay pattern head and signature “fangs,” it captured the imagination of outdoorsmen and collectors alike. The axe was mounted on a compact 18-inch curved handle, making it nimble for camp chores, woodcraft, and trail work.
Production Myths and the Real Numbers
There’s long been a myth that only 1,000 El Lobo axes were ever made, fueling its mystique among collectors. However, Council Tool’s own records tell a different story. In 1989 alone, over 5,800 units were sold, with total production estimates reaching around 20,000 before the axe was discontinued in the late 1990s[. Some axes came with a slip-in leather sheath, while others were sold bare, depending on retailer preference at the time.
Why Production Ended
By the late 1990s, the landscape of hardware retail was shifting. Increased competition and changing consumer tastes led Council Tool to discontinue the El Lobo. The exact year production stopped isn’t clear, but it was around 1998. Despite its relatively short run, the El Lobo remains a beloved piece of Council Tool history-sought after by collectors and admired for its originality.
The Council Tool Legacy Continues
Today, Council Tool continues to thrive as a family-run business, still based in North Carolina, and still dedicated to making quality tools in the USA. The story of the El Lobo axe is a testament to the company’s willingness to innovate and take risks, all while honoring its roots. With an estimated 20,000 El Lobos out in the wild, the wolf still howls-a reminder of Council Tool’s enduring spirit and the vibrant history behind every tool they make.
Whether you’re a collector, an outdoors enthusiast, or simply appreciate American-made quality, the El Lobo axe is a fascinating chapter in the Council Tool story-a rare blend of function, folklore, and fierce design.