Figured I would start a thread here regarding axes. Curious if anyone else shares this interest, and if so what you dogs collect or carry.

Currently the only axe i have worth mentioning is a GBA Small Forest Axe.

I have some unmarked axes that I've restored, but they are hardly worth mentioning.

Just this week I managed to get my hands on a vintage True Temper Kelly Perfect axe head in the Jersey pattern, which I plan to restore and put back into service. I'll try to document the work I put into it and post it here on this thread.

I plan on getting more vintage American steel to restore as well, there are a few historic head patterns and weights that I would like to have in my arsenal.

Also, I managed to get on the Neeman Tools waiting list for their Northlander axe.

It's truly hand forged and hand crafted, a functional piece of art hailing from Latvia.

I only have 2 axe's. One a landscaping axe and a Double bit axe I have had since I was a teenager.

Hawks and hatchets are a different story though. I have a fair amount of those.

i have an old plumb hatchet that needs to be rehandled.

i'd love to get a hawk, or preferably make my own.

I had GB SMA but I did not use it enough to justify keeping it. I have a nice Steve Liley hammer hawk forged from a S7 jack hammer bit that does as good for me in OK.

Old pic, but a couple of Bussekins.

really love that rattlehawk. i wish i was rich!

finally got my true temper kelly perfect jersey head in the mail today. she's lovely, can't wait to restore her.

I love the looks of that Northlander axe. Can't wait for a review on that. When I get my workshop done I have a few I want to restore also.

i started electrolysis on the jersey axe but something wasn't right as the process failed to initiate. i'll have to try again this weekend.

Those neeman axes are really good looking. I've got an old double-bit from my grandfather and a couple older ones fro1m`

sorry about that. older ones, from my dad. I was thinking of getting the cold steel trail hawk, but read some reviews that weren't that good. I was thinking for backpacking and stuff I wanted one with a hammer poll. Then I found an old cheap roofers hammer in my old tool box I need to re-handle it. I did last summer, but it didn't fit very well, so I had to take down quite a bit of the haft. I didn't take my time with it like I should have. It broke and I just fit it on real tight now, but I'd like to fix it. I just don't have a workshop and some of my tools are still in WA.

Moral of the story? Moving sucks.

Wait a minute, you move FROM Washington to Kalifornia! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

some ash and hickory handles arrived in mail today. they need a bit of reshaping and refinishing, but i'm really going to enjoy the outcome.

old tools are great, especially axes and hatchets. post up some pics if you got em!

lost an auction for a gorgeous kelly works 4 pound jersey head today. so anger <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Haha. You better believe it! Born and raised in CA so it's really where my heart is. Grew up in the gold country. Backyard was the forest. Able to shoot whenever, romp through the woods. There are lot's of images associated with CA and those usually aren't them.

I don't know what brand the double bit is. I just has a BW marked on it but it's not a stamp. They're individual punch marks I guess you could say. The other (I checked today) is a 7 1/2# collins red seal. I may be able to post pictures on spring break.

collins are superb, so i hear. don't own one yet, but i'd love a collins cruiser double bit.

not sure about the punch marks, maybe the owner's mark or company/dept they belonged to at one time.

collins cruisers

so how do you restore your ax heads? I was just thinking nitro solvent and steel wool but I'm not sure what's best.

it depends. if its a newer head i might just steel wool or sandpaper it.

if its an antique i'll try electrolysis restoration. which i tried for the first time recently and failed to get a reaction. haven't had a chance to troubleshoot the setup, but i will give it another shot real soon.

it's much better for axes that you really care about as it doesn't remove material like solvents and abrading.

I have a question, Not ever owning an ax and wanting to, What brand would be a good starter? I dont want to spend a whole lot, Ive seen a few Collins at my
local hardware store.

collins is historically a top brand, but i believe they manufacture out of mexico these days. council tool makes nice american made axes, and barco tools has taken over the old kelly works brand.

i would probably go with council, depending on what capacity you would like to use it in. size being the main factor, whether you want a pack axe or something for the homestead.

holy ****, ebay is infuriating.

lost 6 auctions and had a best offer turned down <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

My dad has this bad a$$ axe in his basement.
It belonged to my great great grandfather

He was a ship carpenter and left my dad with a great cheat of really cool tools for woodworking.

I plan on restoring the handle somehow.

thats awesome Rasmus, very cool head pattern. i haven't seen anything like that before. i bet it will look great after restoration.

kinda psyched, i have a couple new axes coming in <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

finally won some auctions.

I purchased a small Wetterlings axe about a year ago and was surprised how dull the blade was. It is my first axe and I do plan on buying another larger model soon.

I see grinding stones from $8.00 to $50.00. Can someone recommend a grinding stone?

I have not used one but I have heard good things about the Lansky Puck and it is far less expensive than a Gransfors Bruks stone. I used to use a Norton but currently, I use a Worksharp.

Thanks, I' ll check it out.

I've had great luck with Estwing hatchets and axes. One-piece blade and steel necked handle is very strong and seemingly indestructible.