top of page
Search

2021 Motor City Axe Recap

Thank you, thank you! Another record year for Motor City Axe. We are forever grateful for our customers and partners, as without them we'd just have a ton of axes without homes.

We started 2021 by restocking both Bespoke Post and Moosejaw with custom hatchets and camp axes. In addition to the 18" camp axe, Bespoke Post added the 28" Hudson Bay Axe as well. This continued through the year, as Bespoke geared up for the holiday rush!


In mid-January we launched our 4th flagship design. 'The Up North' was inspired by northern Michigan's dense forest, sandy beaches, pristine lakes and breathtaking sunsets. It's been the top seller since introducing it. Colton Evens of @coltons_captures on Instagram took some beautiful photos of the 'Up North' design for us. Thanks again for the great shots!


We also brought in larger, more versatile axes. A 24' Boy's Axe, a 28' Hudson Bay and 36' Jersey Felling Axe joined the Motor City Axe lineup. The 28' was later amended and became a 24' Hudson Bay.


While it didn't catch on as we hoped, we still had fun making it! Our Miami 'Vice' sticker made its debut in March. You can snag one here. We later launched a line of Motor City Axe gear as well. T-shirt are available on our website here.


Founders Brewing Company featured us as part of their #CraftedinMI artist series. They make top notch beer and we appreciated the support!


In February we started working with Farm Club in Traverse City. They carry axes in their market. If you visit that region of Michigan, Farm Club is a must stop. From their craft beer to their farm-to-table food, it's a can't miss.

Up North Axe by @coltons_captures

In May we sent some 'Up North' hatchets and axes to Iowa. Michigan-native Jordan wanted to bring a little bit of home to his store Des Monies Mercantile. They stocked up a few times and we hope to continue the partnership.


For Father's Day we partnered with our friends at Motor City Gas - a local, small batch distillery. The gift set combo included a bottle of whiskey and a custom camp axe for dad.


Fields of Michigan, a glamping experience based in New Haven, opened a store front and opted to carry our axes. The customers loved them and we hope to visit their beautiful grounds one day.


We try to spend a lot of time outdoors exploring the natural beauty of Michigan. In what was a no brainer, we partnered with the Michigan DNR through their "Goods4MI" program. A portion of sales are donated back to green initiatives and trail maintenance projects throughout the state. To learn more check out our blog post Here.


Our 'Woods + Hops' candles returned for a second year. Big shoutout to the Finnmaker Team for making this collaboration possible.


We closed the year launching a new partnership with Manly Bands. This is just getting off the ground, but we have big goals in mind for 2022! You can read more about this partnership Here.


With everything we already mention, we were still able to carve out some time to stick to our roots - we refurbished 6 axes for close family and friends. We already have 4 lined up for 2022.


Coming off a strong year, we had goals to double in 2021. Those goals became a reality! We were fortunate enough to distribute 759 axes, hatchets, hammers and cleavers to customers over the past year. We can hardly believe it.


As we take a little time to rest and recuperate, we are wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2022. Thank you for all the love and support. And remember to stay positive and keeping pursuing your dreams.


Start your new year right and get yourself the gift that keeps on giving - a custom hand-painted axe or hatchet. Visit www.motorcityaxe.com to learn more.



 
 
 

Spring Is In the Air: Camping Season

Can you smell it in the air? The scent of spring is fighting its way back into our lives. That means it’s time to plan your summer hiking and camping excursions. Are you a day hiker? A weekend adventurer? Or a PCT-type warrior? Car camper? Backpacker?


Whatever your fancy, there is an outdoor adventure for you out there.

First off, it's a great time of year to upgrade or buy new outdoor gear. You'll find clearance deals on winter apparel, but historically, spring brings sales on rain gear, backpacks and activity-specific gear like cycling or climbing.


It's also a great time to grab a new axe or hatchet. Whether you're a vet or a first timer, having a sharp blade around can serve many purposes. The 'Up North' was designed and inspired by our camping adventure.


We also now carry larger axes. If you have wood to chop or trees that need to come down we have the tool for you.


Historically I have mostly been a car camper. The car is usually within a mile max allowing easy access to food and gear. This year the goal is to try a 2-3 day back packing adventure - eyeing the Manistee River Loop Trail.


If that goes well, our sites are set on our big camping trip of 2021 to be on an island - whether that be Isle Royale, Beaver Island, the Manitou’s or Grand Island.


Isle Royale, located in the northwestern part of Lake Superior, is one of the least visited National Parks visited by roughly 20-25K people each year. The park, only open 6 months out of the year from April 16 until October 31, is difficult to travel to given its remote location. Accessible by ferry or seaplane, it offers a chance to see more moose than people.


Beaver Island, located less than 30 miles west of Charlevoix, is the largest island in lake Michigan. With most of the population living in the northern portion of the island in St. James Township, the settled regions still only account for only 6 percent of Beaver's total land area. To us, this says there is plenty of area to enjoy and explore.


The North and South Manitou Islands have been on our list for years. With a daily ferry leaving from Leland, you better stock up on supplies as there are no shops upon arrival. This is truly a rustic getaway where your daily distractions disappear. Keep in mind you do need a pass for camping and no campfires are allowed on the island.


Visited year-round by outdoor enthusiasts, Grand Island sits just north of Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In the summer you’ll find hikers, camper and cabin goers, while the winter months bring ice climbers and sled dogs.


Whether you have ambitious goals or are aiming to start with a day hike at a local state park, we hope you get outside. See you on the trails! We will for sure be taking an axe or 3 with us.


Looking for a few suggestions in you area? Maybe hikes that are near breweries? Check out this great article from BioLite - they’ve put together a list of 15 hikes near delicious breweries. Another, way more accessible, Michigan hike we plan to check out is the Grass River Nature Area near the amazing Short’s Brewing Co.


Where are you headed? Let us know in the comments. And remember, just get outside and enjoy the natural world around you. Studies* do show that being outside with a Motor City Axe hatchet in hand increases your likelihood to live longer.


Don't forget that wedding season is around the corner. With all the 2020 cancelations the calendar is filling up quickly. It's not to late to grab custom axes or hatchets as groomsmen gifts. We previously covered the uniqueness and usefulness of such a gift Here.


* disclaimer - this is true, but not backed by real medical professionals or science.


 
 
 

2020 Motor City Axe Recap

What. A. Year. Really though, what a year.

While it was a tough one to swallow and one we won't soon forget, all the free time due to the Covid-19 pandemic allowed me to dial in on Motor City Axe.


The year started with an appearance on The Weekly Warrior Podcast. I partnered with and became friends with the team there. While they love rugby, they also focus on bettering oneself. I was featured on an episode and together we designed the 'Forge On' hatchet.


In mid-May Motor City Axe was included in a small business initiative with Populace Coffee. They featured the Motor City Axe logo on a bag of coffee for sale via their site. Big thanks to Populace for coming up with a creative way to help support local businesses.


For Father's Day I had a handful of our 'Detroiter' hatchets available in a special manly edition of a Mitten Crate box. It was great to work with Cory and his team.


Hamilton & Adam, a store out of NY state also features customizable Motor City Axe hatchets on their website. Andrew has been a pleasure to work with and I hope to continue into 2021.


In July I launched a collaboration with Bespoke Post. As part of there 'Made in America' July 4th initiative, we created an exclusive design and the people loved it. A second batch was quickly created to meet demand and we pushed out another batch in time for the holidays! We are so thankful for Bespoke's continued investment in small businesses like ours.


Right as the holidays were gearing up, I took a detour and brought joy to your nose. A candle collaboration with Finnmaker, an UP-based soy wax candle maker, launched in late September. The scent - 'Woods+Hops' - smelled of assorted woods and warming spices like cinnamon and cardamon. Fresh, Motor City Axe-grown hops topped each candle.


To end the year, I partnered with Moosejaw Moutaineering on an exclusive camp hatchet design - 'Sir Chops A Lot'. That hit stores and online in mid-October just in time for the holidays. This collaboration landed us with a little press in Hour Detroit. And there is more planned for 2021...


A new store in Ferndale, MI now also carries a few of our refurbished tool. Copper Corner Store is a modern day general store offering shelf stable groceries, household items, and magical, old timey feelings.


One of my favorite part of this job is working on projects for my friends. I was able to work on axes for 7 of my closest friends this past year. I've been friends with these people and their families half my life, so being able to work on an old family axe that they'll continue to pass down to the next generation means a lot.


Gift cards were added to the website as well. If you're having a hard time deciding what style or size axe to purchase for the outdoorsman or woman if your life you can now just grab a gift card. Easy and thoughtful.


While a year full of ups and downs, I hope you were able to make the most of it. Put yourself out there and ask - the worst someone can say is no, right? That led to 434 axes, hatchet and other edge tools being sold this year! I plan to ride this momentum into an even better 2021!


Keep an eye out for an expansion to our product line - coming soon you'll see a 24 inch Boys Axe, a 28 inch Hudson Bay and a 36 inch Jersey!


Start your new year right and get your custom axe today - www.motorcityaxe.com


 
 
 
bottom of page