As a woodsman an axe in an essential tool. Having worked 4 years on a backcountry trail crew I have a lot of hours on an axe. One thing I know is just how easy it is to set it down while gathering wood and lose your axe. The Craft & Lore Axe Holster solves that problem. It is by no means a new idea, however a great rendition of a classic tool.
Chad Von Lind is the owner and maker of Craft & Lore. He produces fine hand made leather goods out of his home shop Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He is both “In word and deed” an honest, hard working, and skilled craftsman.
Construction
The Craft & Lore Axe Holster is about as simple and tough as a leather item could get. Leather, rivets. The leather is a 13 oz. English bridle leather, a very tough, thick and sturdy choice. The two pieces are held together with four solid brass hand peened rivets, one of the strongest types of rivet. With this kind of construction I don’t think you could break it if you tried.
Function
Sometimes simplicity is beauty, and it couldn’t get any simpler than this holster. It simply attaches to your belt and holds an axe. The belt loop is quite large and can accommodate any sized belt. The opening is large enough to hold any hatchet or axe, however I wouldn’t carry something longer than 28” as it might feel cumbersome or scrape the ground. However my 19 1/2” axe is perfect. The holster works wonderfully in my field testing and it will be a go to item for my woods kit.
Aesthetics
The leather has a brown oil dye that looks wonderful. It is even and has a nice luster. The edges are beveled and burnished giving it a nice finished look. The rivets are spaced evenly and I love the look of hand peened rivets. The color of the leather offset by the brass is my favorite combination. This is the kind of item you will cherish every time you use it.
BestLeather Conclusion
The Craft & Lore Axe Holster is a simply designed and beautifully built, “bombproof” holster for your hatchet or axe. It keeps your axe right at your hip allowing two free hands. Is it a buy it for life item? No, it is a buy it for multiple lives item. With its extreme build quality this is something you can, and will want to leave for the kids.