Sager Chemical Double Bit Axe

[ScottRoush]

I stopped at a yard sale down the road and picked up a big double bit axe marked 'Sager Chemical 1931' for $5. Seems to have the original or at least a very old haft.. but is still tight and useable. If it's worth it.. I will post pictures. Is it worth it? Good find?

[Kiah]

Very good find.

[trailmaker]

Great find, let's see some pics!

[ScottRoush]

okay. I wiil make some snaps.

Now to the next question... and the answer may lie in the pictures... but restore or not? The haft has a limited lifespan and should be changed if somebody was planning to use this. The head has a natural patina .. a fine aged rust... that could be greatly enhanced with some TLC. And the edge is in great shape. I will probably re-sell this.. so I guess my question is there a better market for restored old axes for USE? Or 'as-found' for collection display....

I may want to keep it if I restore it... :-)

[bearhunter]

"IS IT WORTH IT"...

are you kidding me? now lets see those pics

[Section10]

Yes, restore it as long as it's not all beat to heck. Although reconditioning might be a better word. A sharp, clean axe with a good handle is more easily sold than one in the rough. I'd say if there is any mushrooming get rid of it and then after it's all cleaned up and sharp, put cold gun bluing onto it. It will look almost like new.

[Operator1975]

Depends on the collector, some like em shiny, some like the old patina on them. Haft is of no issue, unless it has the original sticker on it or some markings that match the head.

[M3mphis]

Hell yeah, it was worth it. Sagers are great. Pics please!

[Operator1975]

Does it just say Sager Chemical 1931 or does it say Sager Chemical Axe 1931?

[ScottRoush]

Here ya go... It says Sager Chemical Axe 1931 So I'm looking forward to hearing the difference!

[M3mphis]

Okay, so she's been rode and hard and put up wet. I still wouldn't have thought twice about paying 5 bucks for her.

Because of the condition it's in, you can do a restoration without hurting the value.

[Square_peg]

That's not just a 1931 Sager Chemical Axe, it's a 1931 Sager cruiser! Worth a bit more, as cruisers are less common and sought after by some. This is assuming my size estimate is correct. Is that axe head about 8-9/16" from bit to bit?

[Square_peg]

I'll double your investment right now, +shipping.

[chenson]

I have a 1939 Sager Chemical, that I think is in the "PUGET SOUND FALLS" pattern. It's in awesome condition, with the mark fully visible, minimal pitting. I'm having some problems getting the old handle out, want to put one in that's in better shape, any idea how to do that without beating on the axe head? Thanks =b

[Square_peg]

Drill baby, drill.

[ScottRoush]

I'm sure there are better methods... but I'd put a spade bit on and give it hell. And chisels.

Yeah I don't have the axe in my lap right now.. but it's at least 7-8" bit to bit. I will get actual measurements.

So what about the difference between it saying 'axe' and not?

[ScottRoush]

Also... what supplier for handles?

[JayGoliath]

Something for you to ponder Scott:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/sh...acturer-Thread

[M3mphis]

So what about the difference between it saying 'axe' and not?

I think the difference is that Operator has never seen one that does NOT say "axe." He'll have to verify that, but that's my guess.

[Operator1975]

Yeah sometimes the word axe is worn away which then in turn of course takes the value of it down some. Nice score overall no doubt for a couple bucks. My last chemical I got was also a 1931 cruiser - small world I guess.