How my journey began

I live for my family and I love the outdoors. These two things breathed life into Belfield Axe and Tool.

My name is William “Bill” Belfield.

I grew up in California, Pennsylvania and Oregon.

As a child I spent my summers by the rivers of Pennsylvania fishing with my dad. He instilled in me a love and respect for nature.

During the rest of the school year I spent my time in California playing jazz music and staying outside as much as possible.

I lived briefly in Oregon with my dad. Sadly he passed when Amy and I we were pregnant with our first child in 2018. I needed the outdoors more than ever before.

Amy and I were living in California at the time. I took her on vacation to Southern Oregon when we were still a young, childless couple. She had never been to Oregon before, and she was convinced we were going to settle here after the visit.

Four months after our first child was born, we packed up and headed north.

As a newly transplanted Oregonian couple, we both dove head first into all things nature, earthy and sustainable.

Amy plunged into gardening, cooking, herbal remedies, sustainability and recycling. I found my inspiration from the trees. Outings to BLM land with my daughter, Shae, would ignite my passion for being one with nature and remind me of the times I spent with my dad.

But there was something missing from our lives…time. There never seemed to be enough time together.

Suddenly I was a dad of two, and a minute later, Shae was turning 4 and Riker almost was 2. How had it gone by so fast?

Because I was at work.

Once the kids start school, I would see them even less.

I couldn’t let time continue to slip by.

I had started restoring axes as a fun hobby to release the stress of work. I decided to list a few for sale just to see what would happen. My wife took the photos and edited them for the listings.

At night, I would work in my shop/storage room when everyone was asleep, making sure each piece was unique and given just the right touch. Hopefully, I thought, this would allow me to cut back my hours at work.

Something I did not anticipate was the wonderful community I found.

The locals and connections Belfield Axe and Tool has made have brought so much excitement and joy to this process!

I thank everyone I have come in contact with for your support, encouragement, advice and inspiration.

I still work at my day job, but who knows, someday you may find me here full time.

Until then, keep choppin’!