I haven't seen Council's Velvicut line, but their run-of-the-mill axes do not look particularly well made. And the legendary Snow and Nealley now only assembles axes, the heads of which are forged in China.
Granfors Bruks and Wetterlings are good quality but have become almost boutique axes with prices to match.
I think finding a vintage head from the golden age of North American logging, 1850-1950, and rehafting it yourself is a good alternative. I noticed a somewhat abused old Collins head in the corner of a friend's garage just yesterday.
The military surplus market over here was recently flooded with nice Hults Bruks and Kimo Bruks axes from Sweden for $25, maybe those are available to you as well.