Michael Culligan

I've worked as a timber faller and logger in Oregon for 12 years and compete in local and state timbersports events. I've personally tested over 30 axes and hatchets on my property, using dead oak as my benchmark — it's dense enough to expose a weak edge within a few swings. I evaluate every axe on edge geometry, edge retention, handle quality, balance, and value. If I haven't used it, I say so.