Show off your Axes/Hatchets

Do you have any photos? Could it just be a matter of some oil and a new wedge? Just trying to think of ways you could save the handle. Of course there's also the option of shortening it up a bit and reshaping the wood, but that's a less likely option.

Yeah, those roofing hatchets are definitely a Swiss army knife of the hatchet world. Although you have to be careful using the nail puller as you'd be prying against the grain of the handle, most likely. But that's just the nature of the design.

 

Hadn't thought of shortening the handle. I may give that a shot.

 

I'm not sure how much you can shorten it vs how much you need to, but there's definitely some room to do so. Not sure if you have any experience re-handling an axe or not though.

 

I'm quite fond of the Bahco I have, they can be had for less than 25 bucks from Amazon, cuts real well through forearm sized limbs, the blade has lasted a long time, and it folds up to a real nice size for easy carry in a bag. Silky makes a good folding saw also.

 

I've heard of silky, but haven't brought myself to get one. I'm not familiar with Bahco though.

 

The town we live in was built around the Collins axe factory, which was a prominent manufacturer of axes, machetes, picks, and knives, from 1826-1960s. My wife’s great grandfather worked there. Over the years, we’ve acquired a couple items manufactured there at antique shops around our area.

Boy scout’s axe:


Single bit pick axe- 2 1/4 lb


Double bit axe


Our second double bit axe

 

Here are the ones I actually use..

Given to me by my dad years ago. Estwing hatchet. The sheath got lost sometime ago. My wife surprised me with a custom made leather sheath from a local business for Christmas a couple years ago. Absolutely love this thing. It’s always in one of my camping totes for camping/wheeling trips.



and my Stihl splitting maul. When I am not utilizing my splitter.

 

My Husqvarna hatchet. Sanded down the hot spots on the handle and finished off with some linseed oil. Mostly use a Fiskars chopping axe around the camp site.

 

How do you like it so far? I've heard mixed things about the Husqvarnas.

 

I'll be getting a splitting maul from my grandfather's barn too. Split handle so it'll need some work, but I love that stuff!

Leather sheaths are awesome! I got one for my Norlund and it just adds to it and is functional.

 

Those are beautiful! I want a double bit axe to add to the collection! Always love the older axes that are still being used!

 

Done well for me, but use mostly for small stuff around the camp fire. Haven't abused it. I know there's reviews out there showing the head breaking at the deboss. Not sure what they were chopping to do that. Don't think you can go wrong for the price.

 

I was considering it before I came across my Norlund. Glad you like it!

 

Just posted a thread on building it

 

Nice! Link?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/decided-to-have-a-little-axe-fun.695644/

 

I was out doing some work in the yard today and thought I would show off one of my favorite axes. It's my Hudson Bay pattern Collins. I firmly believe that Vintage Collins axes are some of the finest American made axes ever produced.

 

Not an axe, but I've had this USGI machete for years now and is a fine tool for tasks that an axe just can't cut it. Pun intended. I would love to have a WWII issued Collins Machete to go with my axes.

 

I definitely love the Hudson Bay pattern! I just made a second one too, although this one doesn't appear to have a name brand anywhere on it.

 

Just a couple of additions. Neither is quite finished yet, but close. One is a 3.5lb head and the other is a 2.5 lb head. Neither have any sort of branding on them.