Vaughan ZDB3-1/2 3 1/2-Pound Sub-Zero Double Bit- Michigan Pattern Axe, White Hickory Handle.

A beautiful tool. The quality you expect from Vaughn

This was marketed as 'made in USA'. However, to be clear, the head (steel) is made in India. The handle in the USA. Assemble in the USA. That's not what I wanted. This was a misleading sale.

I am a big fan of Vaughan and Bushnell products and have an axe that has functioned excellent for over 30 years and multiple handles. This is not even in the same league. This came in a box that said Vaughan and Bushnell from Bushnell Illinois. But the axe was labled "Made in Mexico"!! The head casting was of poor quality and had grind marks all over it even outside of the hollowed grinds. It was not polished steel but painted solid blue all over in what I assume was an attempt to cover the grind marks that will keep it from sliding free of the wood. Do not get this axe if you plan to actually use it as a double bit axe on wood.

I could have left no stars, I'm so disappointed. Specifically one bit is 3/4" shorter than the other bit. The same short bit has significant, unsightly gouges ground in each face. The whole head is asymmetric and unbalanced. Reading the header on the return form conveniently included, Vaughan promised commitment to quality and to "Made in the USA". I would call this false advertising as the lack quality is insulting to the customer and the axe is apparently not made in the USA. Vaughan has a long history of proving that they can do better. They will lose their business if they don't do better now; they've lost mine already.

I would have to say that I recommend passing on this item. It took for ever to arrive and when it did it was very disappointing. And at this price I really wasn't setting my expectations that high. The axe I received wasn't even symetrical across the head. One cutting edge had very pronouced scallops on both faces forming the "hollow ground" edge, but the other side didn't! I've never seen a double bit axe that was so distorted, even the real cheap imports.