ALTCO axes

[MrFixIt]

Did a search but come up with nothing.

I have one stamped ALTCO that needs a little TLC and hanging.
Any info from you good folks?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Steve Tall]

I've heard of AATCO, and ATCO, but not ALTCO (until today).

It's probably the American Logging Tool Co, based at Evart, Michigan (from a 1939 reference).
http://books.google.com/books?id=ACNYAAAAMAAJ&lpg=PA536&dq=%22american%20logging%20tool%22&pg=PA536#v=onepage&q=%22american%20logging%20tool%22&f=false

Based in Chicago during 1906, from this reference:
http://books.google.com/books?id=XJk7AQAAMAAJ&dq=%22american%20logging%20tool%20company%22&pg=RA6-PA19#v=onepage&q=%22american%20logging%20tool%20company%22&f=false

Document with company history:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnetonecom.net%2F~wilder%2FDesktop%2FCurrent%2520historical%2FAmerican%2520Logging%2520Tool%2520Co.doc&ei=nmfuU6G1D4LJigLa14HIDQ&usg=AFQjCNEPqFJ2wSRZ__-ep2yYb8BF0xZzOA&bvm=bv.73231344,d.cGE

 

[MrFixIt]

Thank you Steve!
Way more info that I could come up with.
I definitely want to get it cleaned up and hang a nice hickory handle on it.

 

[WayTooSharp]

Such patina. Much vintage. So amaze. Wow!

 

[MrFixIt]

After reading thru some search options I'll be giving the head an apple cider vinegar soak.
Picked up a nicely grained hickory handle at the hardware store yesterday.
I'll work on the handle (removing the factory finish and applying BLO), and get her hung!
(After the sharpening of course)

 

[Twoinch]

i would suggest sharpening after hanging.

it is very easy to injure yourself when knocking the head on and off the handle while fitting/rasping/fitting, when you are doing so with a sharpened ax head. even with the bit taped, its very easy for it to come right through the tape if dropped. head gets knocked off the bench, and your toes end up shorter.

i actually file the edge off of them before rehanging... fresh edge once the heads on and the handle is finish oil is done drying.

 

[MrFixIt]

i would suggest sharpening after hanging.

it is very easy to injure yourself when knocking the head on and off the handle while fitting/rasping/fitting, when you are doing so with a sharpened ax head. even with the bit taped, its very easy for it to come right through the tape if dropped. head gets knocked off the bench, and your toes end up shorter.

i actually file the edge off of them before rehanging... fresh edge once the heads on and the handle is finish oil is done drying.

Good point, thanks for the tip!

 

[Axe Master '94]

Really happy to see my axe (the first picture) used for reference! Still sad I sold it. Never seen any other ALTCO axes... Post some pics, OP!

 

[Paintguy71]

Was looking for a little info on this and this is about all I could find. Thought I would share a pic.

 

[Axe Master '94]

View attachment 561537Was looking for a little info on this and this is about all I could find. Thought I would share a pic.

I just sold my second ALTCO. They're great quality and rare as can be. Yours is only the 8th I know to exist!