From 2009 to 2020, Best Made Co. was a cult-favorite outdoor supply store in Lower Manhattan. They sold everything from raincoats to felling axes to enamel camp cups to dart sets. For over a decade, they helped urge New Yorkers to venture into the countryside every once in a while. However, after being gone for five years, founder Peter Buchanan-Smith has revived Best Made for a new era, launching with none other than “humanity’s oldest and most fundamental tool,” an axe.
So, What Happened?
Canadian designer Buchanan-Smith started Best Made Co. a decade and a half ago before going dark during the onset of the global pandemic. During its heyday, it evolved from a trendy axe maker to an outdoor clothing gear brand. Around 2017, Best Made was sold to Bolt Threads, who hoped to use the badge to release products using sustainable fibers like Microsilk.
After conducting some research, I’ve discovered that there was a bit of a creative imbalance between Buchanan-Smith and Bolt Threads, resulting in Best Made’s founder walking away entirely in 2019.
October of 2020 marked the sale of Best Made to Duluth Trading Co., where it had essentially lived since as one of several labels under the Wiconsin-based retailer’s umbrella. That is, until last year when Buchanan-Smith reacquired the Best Made Co. brand name once again. He’s now committed to resurrecting his company with its original ethos. While the Best Made website currently has an in-depth list of over 250 products made by the brand from 2009 to 2019, its current lineup of tools is a party of one. Let’s take a look at the Old Gold No. 1 axe.
Best Made Co. Old Gold No. 1 Axe Basics
Going back to the brand’s “north star,” Best Made figured the obvious choice for its revival was an axe. A few years back, Buchanan-Smith actually penned a book on the subject.
Hand-forged in Indiana, the Old Gold No. 1 joins a long line of axes throughout the company’s history. This time around, the 4-pound 1060 high-carbon steel head sports a golden hue achieved through a “delicate tempering process and heat-treating.” The blade also features Best Made’s signature “X” marking for the first time, along with blacksmith Nathan Brandt’s initials, deep-forged into the steel.
As for the handle, it’s made of straight-grain Appalachian hickory with a walnut wedge to secure the blade. This will also be the first time Best Made is offering one of its axes in multiple handle lengths — although it’s unclear what those lengths will be yet.
The overall design is a tribute to William McKinnon’s Rockaway pattern of the late 19th century, which Best Made calls “an iconic but often overlooked American axe.” This design features a pronounced lug, sweeping heel, and long elegant bit.
The photos on the product page also include a leather sheath, but the product description does not mention this as of right now. We shall see in the coming days.
Spec Sheet
Head Material: 1060 high-carbon steel
Head Weight: 4lbs
Handle Material: Appalachian hickory with walnut wedge
Length: Multiple (unspecified)
Limited Edition?: Yes, 100
Release Date: September 25
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 100 pieces, the Old Gold No. 1 axe will cost $450 upon its September 25 release. Head over to Best Made Co.’s website to learn more.
Recap
Best Made Co. Old Gold No. 1 Axe
After five years without its original founder, Best Made Co. has returned with its first new axe in years, the Old Gold No. 1.
