Another random axe head identification thread...

I

Irongun324

Joined
Mar 22, 2012
Messages
67
Hey all, lurker here. My brother dug this out of my parents yard, and I've only lightly cleaned it, but can not find any markings. Any thoughts on source?

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=1619&ppuser=0
(hopefully that works where you guys can see it)

Only unique thing I noticed besides shape is that there are ridges in the hole, a pair per side, and not spaced the same apart to offset each other. It also has hints of red paint.

Also, the side that's worse for rot has thinned out some, you can see around the hole. I realize this isn't a quality head right now, but I wonder if it could still be useable, even if only enough to sharpen it and swing it once.

Thanks!
 
Could be a vintage Kelly head. Kellys had ridges inside the eye on many/most of their axes. They also made a Jersey style head, w/ lugs on it like yours.
Their Jerseys were branded, Flint Edge and Perfect.

Clean her up, a good soaking in a vinegar bath for three or four days and a good wire brushing may give her new life. You just might be surprised at how nicely she will clean up. At the least, she'll be a nice family wall hanger.

Double Ott
 
I'm gonna guess a an old Vaughan. They made axes for other retailers which they didn't put their stamp on. I know Vaughan made axes with ridges in the eye just as several other manufacturers did. But the color reminds me of the way old Vaughans fade over time. Just a WAG. It could be anything.
shrug.gif


Without a stamp you'll never know.
 
So I cleaned it up more, via vinegar bath and angle grinder/knotted wire wheel. Definitely see the metal better with a nice patina. I also have attempted my first handling, putting a 36inch hickory handle from Lowes in it. It took me several sit downs of shaping just to get it to lodge all the way in axe, and I still messed up a couple times. I didn't get the axe head down on the handle far enough, and didn't wedge it enough, and after a few hits it was almost completely unhandled. Redid it with a new wedge, which came with a metal cross wedge. This time looks a lot more solid/seated. I also epoxied around the wood to help set it better... there were 1/8in or so gaps at the front and back of the wood.

And lastly, I put a very hasty edge on it just to be able to swing it the first time. I haven't bumped it since setting the epoxy, gonna give it the full cure time.

Is there a specifically good way to sharpen axe/hatchets in general? My current primary axe (Ames True Temper Total Control Elite -- what a mouthful, but for reference), as well as 2 hatchets I have could probably all use a good sharpening better than bumps against a grinding wheel. I have a stone, but no experience. I don't have any flat
 
Ah, hafting an axe correctly is no easy 3 minute project. Depending on the head style, your haft, wedge, etc, it can sometimes get down right complicated. Glad to see you getting after iit and learning.

there are different techniques for sharpening - depending on what u need to do to the axe - might need a large file, then small file, round stone, etc. might have to thin the cheeks or might not. There are some threads on here about sharpening - u can search for them and find them. Take your time and wear gloves and you will get it.

Levees us posted.
 
Yeah i meant to preface the comment about sharpening with im already reading and learning, was more of a tip or extra suggestion inquiry that is good for these axes. i need to look into some good files it seems...

Does anyone know when Kelly made this Jersey pattern with the ridges in the keyhole?
 
Piggybacking on this old thread as to not annoy everyone with multiple 'what is this axe?' threads.

Any idea what this thing is? The stamp does not look overly inviting? Has weight stamp on other side.

YARchv0.jpg


fMjhd6x.jpg
 
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