2# vs. 2 1/4# for a boy's axe?

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Jul 31, 2002
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This is on my mind because I'm probably gonna give my boy's axe to a good buddy for Christmas, so I'd like to replace it with a nice older one. I'm assuming I'll just buy a head & put it on a thinned down 28" factory handle.

I note that 2 1/4 pounds seems to be the most common/popular weight for a boy's axe head. But I've also seen some nice vintage 2 pounders on the 'bay that caught my eye. Do you guys have a preference either way, or am I just splitting hairs here? I mainly used my boy's axe for smaller stuff, where the lighter weight is easier to stop again at the end of the swing after it snicks right through a 2" thick branch. So that's why I was maybe leaning towards the lighter 2 pounders. Thoughts?
 
This is on my mind because I'm probably gonna give my boy's axe to a good buddy for Christmas, so I'd like to replace it with a nice older one. I'm assuming I'll just buy a head & put it on a thinned down 28" factory handle.

I note that 2 1/4 pounds seems to be the most common/popular weight for a boy's axe head. But I've also seen some nice vintage 2 pounders on the 'bay that caught my eye. Do you guys have a preference either way, or am I just splitting hairs here? I mainly used my boy's axe for smaller stuff, where the lighter weight is easier to stop again at the end of the swing after it snicks right through a 2" thick branch. So that's why I was maybe leaning towards the lighter 2 pounders. Thoughts?
yeah you're pretty much splittin hairs, most 3 1/2 pound heads i have are 3 1/4 and i can't tell the difference between them and my new council tool.
 
This is on my mind because I'm probably gonna give my boy's axe to a good buddy for Christmas, so I'd like to replace it with a nice older one. I'm assuming I'll just buy a head & put it on a thinned down 28" factory handle.

I note that 2 1/4 pounds seems to be the most common/popular weight for a boy's axe head. But I've also seen some nice vintage 2 pounders on the 'bay that caught my eye. Do you guys have a preference either way, or am I just splitting hairs here? I mainly used my boy's axe for smaller stuff, where the lighter weight is easier to stop again at the end of the swing after it snicks right through a 2" thick branch. So that's why I was maybe leaning towards the lighter 2 pounders. Thoughts?
I think you would be happier with the lighter head. That is why axes used to come in so many different weights after all. You could even go with a hatchet hafted on a boys axe handle if all you are cutting is really small stuff.
 
Interesting to see that 4 different sizes of boys' axe were listed in True Temper's 1938 catalog, with 3 different handle lengths:

1-3/4 pounds with 24" handle
2 pounds with 26" handle
2-1/4 pounds with 28" handle
2-3/4 pounds with 28" handle

BookReaderImages.php

https://archive.org/stream/TrueTemp...per Tools Catalog 1-R 1938#page/n157/mode/2up
 
I'd say 2.25lb sounds the best. I have a 2.5lber that seems a little heavy and some 2lbers that seem too light. However, I might just be too picky.
 
Please explain. I was leaning toward a 2# head on a light & thin 28" haft, but can't exactly articulate why I feel that way. Were you talking more about the proper handle length for each weight, or thickness/shape?
 
Personally i like the slightly heavier weight on a 24"-26" haft. The Collins is a #2-1/4 on a 24" and to me it's a perfect boys axe. Light enough for small things and to carry but just big enough to clear whatever gets in me and my wheelers way. That said though the #1-3/4 on a 25" is super easy to carry and will get 'er done too. I think that's why we all have a thousand and one axes... so we never actually HAVE to decide!
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Between those 2 weights I would say that the handle is more important than the 4 ounces of head weight. Some like a slightly smaller head on a slightly longer slim handle. They know who they are LOL. But I agree.
I agree with this. I have a 2 lbs head on a 24” handle, and a 2.25 lbs on a 30 inch handle. They are completely different tools and I believe it’s more to to with handle length then head weight. I like them both they just have different strengths and weaknesses.

I feel like it’s hard to go wrong with a 2- 2.25 lbs head on a nice 28” handle. If you plan to do much one handed work maybe go a little shorter on the handle.
 
I mainly used my boy's axe for smaller stuff, where the lighter weight is easier to stop again at the end of the swing after it snicks right through a 2" thick branch. So that's why I was maybe leaning towards the lighter 2 pounders. Thoughts?

This is the type of work where speed is most important. You will get the most head speed with a lighter axe and a longer handle. I would put at least a 26" haft on this axe. If length isn't a problem (packing) go with a 28".

The lighter weight will make it handier for bushcraft type work. It would be like a Hudson Bay but sturdier with its deep eye.
 
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