Another axe head ID: This one doesn't seem to have any markings :(

[Samot]

I got lucky again at the thrift store and found another nice looking axe for 5 bucks. The head on this one seems like it is in better condition than the last one, but the handle was cracked and useless, and this one doesn't seem to have any identifying marks.

I took pictures during the restoration process I've used so far, and after a CLR bath to clean up the rust inside the eye, something showed up that I felt I needed to ask you guys about.


Before pictures:

After a bout with the wire wheel and bath in the CLR, it looked like this:

So, my questions:

I know it's a long shot, but can anyone identify this axe? Does anyone see any identifying marks I'm not seeing? (Sorry it's not pictured, but the other side of the handle had nothing either.)

The change in coloration near the edge of the axe (the last 1 1/4 inch) is not a shadow or trick of the light. Is it possible this head was made from two different types of metal, forged together? (I've heard of the technique before, but I don't know what they call it.)

What do you think of the restoration so far? Show of hands, you think I should shine it up like the last one or keep it antiqued like it is now?

Thanks for reading and any feedback you can give.


EDIT: More info, I just weighed the head and it's 3 lbs 8.1 oz. Is that a common weight? Seems a bit odd, but I'm basing this on both jack AND squat.

 

[M3mphis]

The bit may not be forged in, it's more likely just the heat treat line. The steel that is hardened will show up darker after the CLR bath than the steel that is softer.

I vote for keeping the old looking patina, since your other is shiny.

 

[M3mphis]

If you can see a difference in color between the hard and soft steel, look at the top and bottom of bit. Normally, if the bit is forged in you will be able to see it.

This bit is forged in between the mild steel:

This one appears to be forged around the mild steel:

It seems like there might be terms for these different methods, but I can't remember. There are some guys on here that will know any terms that exist.

 

[thriller100]

ok now im still very new to all this,but ive been reading alot and watching alot of vids......so i guess i have a question that may be an answer.
dont council axes have those ridges in the eye?
...if so maybe an old council?
idk but very nice score none the less:thumbup:
...ill take that handle off yer hands if you dont want it laying around

 

[Samot]

The bit may not be forged in, it's more likely just the heat treat line. The steel that is hardened will show up darker after the CLR bath than the steel that is softer.

I vote for keeping the old looking patina, since your other is shiny.

Thanks for the response!

I don't know why I jumped to the "forged" conclusion, the heat treat should have been my first guess, as I'm sure it's much more common. I was probably thrown by the fact that I didn't see the same phenomena on the last axe (which constitutes 100% of my experience to this point.)

The discoloration is visible on the top and bottom, but not in the v pattern that would indicate a forged bit like that, so it must be the hardening. Thanks for the reply.

BTW, it's 3 pounds 8.1 ounces.

 

[Operator1975]

That is an old Kelly Woodslasher

 

[Samot]

That is an old Kelly Woodslasher

Oooh, an ID, how can you tell?

 

[Operator1975]

Im not 100% sure, but I bet that is what it is.

Those teeth inside the eye - a few manufacturers used those - and in the pattern you show, the one side has them on the outside, and other side has them on the inside - atleast from what I can see. This is very common in all the Kellys I have and have seen, especially in their Woodslasher line that they at one time only ever put paper stickers on.

Are there any small markings on it anywhere, like c23 or m18, something like that?

So am I 100% ? No. But I think that would be a good guess.

 

[Samot]

Im not 100% sure, but I bet that is what it is.

Those teeth inside the eye - a few manufacturers used those - and in the pattern you show, the one side has them on the outside, and other side has them on the inside - atleast from what I can see. This is very common in all the Kellys I have and have seen, especially in their Woodslasher line that they at one time only ever put paper stickers on.

Are there any small markings on it anywhere, like c23 or m18, something like that?

So am I 100% ? No. But I think that would be a good guess.

That seems like good evidence. I don't see any markings like that, but the sides are pretty beat up. I'll keep an eye out for them. Thanks!

 

[G-pig]

It's a good axe. I have one made by the same company (whoever it was). The ridges, red paint and high centerline are all similar in proportions. I like mine a lot, although its not currently hung.