Snow & Nealley: Crafted for Generations, Trusted for Life.
Since 1864, Snow & Nealley has been forging premium American-made axes in Maine. Combining heritage craftsmanship with modern quality, these tools are designed for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who demand durability, precision, and reliability in every cut.
Our Products
Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe
Elevate your fire-starting game with the Snow & Nealley Penobscot Bay Kindling Axe — a tool that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. Perfectly sized for both precision and power, this kindling axe is expertly crafted for splitting small logs and kindling with ease. The fire-hardened axe features a 1-3/4 lb. Hudson Bay head on an 18˝ hickory handle.
Outdoorsman’s Belt Axe
The Snow and Nealley Outdoorsman’s Belt Axe is the ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, reliable tool for camping, hiking, and trapping. Crafted from high-quality materials, this axe features a hand-ground, fire-tempered blade that ensures durability and efficiency for all your outdoor tasks. 14 1/2″ overall. 5 1/4″ fire tempered, hand ground axe head with 3 1/8″ cutting edge
Hudson Bay Axe
Experience the perfect blend of tradition and functionality with the Hudson Bay Camping Axe from Snow and Nealley. Crafted in Maine from 100% American materials, this lightweight axe features a 1-3/4 lb. American steel head and a durable 24-inch select hickory handle, making it an ideal companion for camping, bushcraft, or general outdoor use.
Single Bit Axe
The Snow & Nealley “Our Best” Single Bit Axe is a dependable utility axe, ideal for a variety of tasks, from splitting wood to limbing fallen trees. Crafted from high-carbon steel, this axe features a 2-1/4-pound head designed for excellent cutting performance. Its 28-inch hardwood handle provides a sturdy grip, making it easy to maneuver during use.
Our Story
Snow & Nealley was founded in 1864 in Bangor, Maine, to serve the growing demand for tools in the region’s booming logging industry. The company quickly gained recognition for producing durable, high-quality axes, including the now-iconic Penobscot Bay kindling axe. By the early 1900s, our range of tools had expanded, becoming popular among homesteaders, outdoorsmen, and forestry workers who trusted their reliability and craftsmanship.
Snow & Nealley tools have remained a symbol of American heritage, known for small-batch production using U.S.-sourced materials. In the mid-20th century, the company transitioned its manufacturing to Smyrna, Maine, where it continues to hand-finish each tool with the same attention to detail that earned it a reputation for excellence over a century ago.
Today, Snow & Nealley axes and tools are favored by enthusiasts of traditional craftsmanship. Each tool is the result of over 150 years of experience, dedication to American-made quality, and a deep respect for Maine’s rugged landscapes. Maintaining its commitment to using the best domestic materials and skilled workmanship, Snow & Nealley continues to create tools that are both functional and timeless, honoring a legacy passed down through generations.
Become Part of Snow & Nealley Family
Why Pick Snow & Nealley Axes?
Quality Craftsmanship
Heritage and Tradition
User-Centric Design
Sustainable Sourcing
Variety for Every Need
Amish-Made Authenticity
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Customer Testimonials: Hear What Others Are Saying!
Discover why outdoor enthusiasts everywhere trust Snow & Nealley tools. Read firsthand experiences from satisfied customers and learn how these expertly crafted axes and tools perform in the field.
Outdoorsmans Belt Axe
I bought this axe because it’s made in the USA and includes a convenient leather belt sheath. Though it comes with a utility edge that needed sharpening, it’s great for splitting kindling and occasionally works as a knife. While not designed for it, I’ve used it as a hammer for driving small wedges, and it performed well. The steel quality is solid, striking a good balance between hardness and softness. It’s pricier than Chinese models but more affordable than European ones, making it a practical tool, not a high-end collector’s piece.
Rick
This Hudson Bay Axe is a great example of American craftsmanship. Made with high-quality 1080 carbon steel, it sharpens easily and holds an edge for a long time. While it arrived with a basic grind, sharpening it was enjoyable for me. The straight-grain handle feels sturdy, and the included sheath, while not premium, is functional—rare in this price range. After six months of use for everything from chopping trees to fine bushcraft tasks, I’m very happy with its performance. A hardened poll would be the only improvement. Great value overall!
Chris
I love supporting small U.S. businesses, especially craftsmen from Downeast Maine. This Penobscot Bay Axe is the perfect size—larger than a hatchet but smaller than a full-sized felling axe—ideal for making kindling without straining my arms like a splitting maul would. Though it arrived semi-sharp, a quick touch-up had it working perfectly, and it has held up well through extensive use. The real craftsmanship shines in the wooden handle design, and for the price, it’s a fantastic deal. I’m buying another for my truck!
David
Highly recommend the Single Bit Axe
I’m no lumberjack, but as a country boy who uses tools often, I can confidently say this Snow & Nealley Single Bit Axe performs impressively in the field. I cut down a 1.5′ diameter maple tree with ease. It came fairly sharp, but I honed it to my standards, and now it’s razor sharp. This axe is perfect for camping, bushcraft, or just about any task you throw at it. The balance and size allow for controlled, accurate swings. It’s definitely worth the money for a reliable tool you’re not afraid to put to work. Highly recommended!
