American made axes

Wildcat

Wildcat

Joined
Apr 14, 2003
Messages
925
Is Snow and Neally the only US made axe right now? What are some other US made axes that can stand head to head with GB, Oxehead or SAW? I'm looking for a 24"-28" model.

Thanks
 
I believe that Snow and Neally imports their raw forgeings from the far east. Not sure if Eastwing does the same but I imagine so. I just got a GB small forrest ax in the mail and was dissapointed to find that the edge is dinged in two places where it's edge has hit the rivets in the sheath! I think the best deal on a "american made ax" is on ebay. Get you a older axhead, even with some use, put a new handle in it and you'll have a real honest to gosh American made ax that will put the newer axes to shame.
 
bilrus61 said:
I believe that Snow and Neally imports their raw forgeings from the far east. Not sure if Eastwing does the same but I imagine so. I just got a GB small forrest ax in the mail and was dissapointed to find that the edge is dinged in two places where it's edge has hit the rivets in the sheath! I think the best deal on a "american made ax" is on ebay. Get you a older axhead, even with some use, put a new handle in it and you'll have a real honest to gosh American made ax that will put the newer axes to shame.
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Axes are differentially tempered. The cutting edge is the hardest and the steel gradually gets softer going up to the eye. Many old axes having been repeatedly sharpened over the years have the original cutting edge filed away. Most have to be heat treated again for them to keep a great edge like when they were first forged. If you go the eBay route, try to see if it has been lightly used and still has it's original cutting edge. I know that's easier said then done, just looking at pictures. Perhaps it would be better to try a flea market or farm auction. Sometimes you can find a real treasure there, and you can hold it in your hands.

Stephen
http://www.north-river-custom-knives.com
 
i just bought a older Vaughn Supersteel head off ebay. $16.50 shipped.

Are these any good? kinda late i guess. shoulda asked before i bought it right.
 
Wildcat said:
Is Snow and Neally the only US made axe right now? What are some other US made axes that can stand head to head with GB, Oxehead or SAW? I'm looking for a 24"-28" model.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Sounds as if your are looking for a Hudson Bay or boy's axe. Sadly, the great American axe companies have fallen, like our forests, to the chainsaw. I have been researching myself, and besides, S&N, which was bought from the family by another company, it seems that only Plumb and Vaughn still survive as brand names, and I don't know if they are still all-American or if they are still quality. Bought a True Temper recently, made in India. Check flea markets, yard sales, and other sources of used stuff for Bluegrass, Keen Kutter, or Kelly or older Plumb or Vaughn. They have already lasted forever, which is more than you can say for most of the new stuff with similar names.
 
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