A cheap mod to test- fireman's axe to Norlundish

[schmittie]

I have looked high and low and really can't find a boy's axe or hatchet I like that I could put on a 20" handle. Apparently I need to take Operator's advice and bid higher!

While surfin the net I came across some Harbor Freight Fireman's hatchet mods. From what I've read here, this length of handle is either 'love it' or 'hate it'. For $20 I thought I could mod this small axe, just to see if I like the concept. This will give me more time to find what I'm looking for as well and give me an idea what length handle I will like, I hope.


Here is what I started with.

First step is removal of the spike, red paint, and the finish on the handle, paint and all. After just a bit, here is what I've got.

What I would like is to age it a little. So I pulled out the wood stains and gave it a few coats of gunstock and red oak. I also gun blued the head.

Please don't laugh too hard!

This is just an experiment. I'm going to try my hand at making a mask for it. I'd like to darken the handle just a little more then finish with tung oil. I may even blue the head again tomorrow then sharpen.

I know, it's not vintage American made. But I'm hoping this learning experience will help for the next one, the real thing!!

I'll post up other pics as I make progress, if you are interested.

 

[halfaxe]

Looks good to me, just like a Norlund hudson bay. Nice mod.

 

[Square_peg]

Looks like you're getting way more than $20 worth of fun out of that axe.

It looks great.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Why would we laugh at that?

Are you happy? Then screw it. I am no judge of what floats a mans boat AND I happen to think it looks pretty cool. How does it swing? How did you cut off the point?

TF

 

[Square_peg]

How did you cut off the point?

With a paring knife? Remember, it's from Harbor Freight.

But seriously, I think that a hacksaw would be sufficient.

 

[schmittie]

With a paring knife? Remember, it's from Harbor Freight. .

Actually, I did start with a paring knife. It worked in the beginning. But I thought it would create too much heat and ruin the temper. So I switched to dental floss.

 

[Square_peg]

 

[Joe L. Bachs]

I think that looks good.. light, seems functional, plus if you lost it you're only out $20 and a hour or 2 of effort. Have you had a chance to take it out and use it yet?

 

[bobs1415]

Nice result. Thanks for sharing.

 

[schmittie]

Tried my hand at making a mask. This is the first one I've attempted. I used some shock cord on the end of the strap (looped through some eyelets) to secure it to the antler button.

 

[A Visitor]

Looks good What does it weigh now? And does it use a standard size handle?