My company’s first product was an axe, and we have gone on to sell countless axes the world over. In the early days, it was rare to meet anyone with the same obsession I had for this tool. British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone shared this passion. He had hundreds of axes to his name, but I never knew him: alas, he died over a century ago. Lucky for me, axe obsession runs in the family.

Charlie Gladstone, his wife Caroline, and their six beautiful children wandered into our shop one day, proclaiming they knew a thing or two about axes, and we became fast friends. Among collectors, he is one of the greats. The setting for this Best Made Adventure is Charlie’s Scottish home, Glen Dye. Legend has it that this property was won in a gambling match by his great uncle. As I wait for confirmation on that detail, I can attest that luck abounds here. Our photographer Christina Holmes, who hardly needs any luck, was blessed with one stunning photo op after another. Her job was made all the more effortless by the natural splendor of the place and, more importantly, by the warm embrace extended to Best Made by the good people of Glen Dye.