Hello and thanks so much for all the responses. This is a great forum.

Unfortunately I relied on my email to notify me of responses to my query, and receiving none, assumed no cared about hewing or my question. Never trust technology!

Well, armed with none of this great info I bought a Simmonds 13" off ebay and it's in the mail. I know Simmonds from my days using a crosscut, and they don't come any finer was my experience.

13" seems huge, and may have been a mistake, but I'll be hewing Sitka spruce and yellow cedar, so I figured a bigger edge was warrented.
Time will tell, and I'll let you folks know how it goes.

I don't have a felling axe yet (or two, the 3 and 5 pounders) and will likely be forced to try ebay again since Sitka (my home) is just a small town in SE Alaska and I don't have access to anywhere else.

If anyone has suggestions of a reputable dealer or would part with a felling axe for some good money, please let me know.

Thanks again for all the info.

The old battlecry on my wilderness trailcrew was Vive La Handtools! and I'm happy to be connected with some folks who feel the same.

Zach