anybody know this hatchet maker? Large capital H, weight, no other marks.

screened porch · Jul 8, 2012

I got it at a very nice estate sale, the sort where the "shed" has two 15-ft square rooms.

The handle has a master mechanic label, but is clearly a replacement.
The head is stamped behind the eye with a capital h, and 1 1/4 is stamped behind the eye on the underside.

The edge was rounded when I bought it, but it still bit deep because of the thin bit. The steel is very hard but unchipped and uncracked despite hard enough use to break the handle and leave dirt in the eye.

As you can tell, I like it, no matter where it was made.

http://db.tt/K8AFq6h1

http://db.tt/LbXIBY7X

14.5 in overall, head 5 in, edge 3.25 in.

Square_peg · Jul 8, 2012

scrteened porch said:
The handle has a master mechanic label, but is clearly a replacement.

How are you certain of that?

screened porch · Jul 8, 2012

Square_peg said:
How are you certain of that?

Pretty certain. The handle is heavily whittled and the head has hammer-dings as if someone tried to hammer the head on to a handle that wasn't whittled enough. There was no metal wedge, but a beautifully cut softwood wedge that was too fat, too shallow, and too narrow.
I'll try to take some pix that show some of that. I should probably get a tripod so I can lose the flash-something else to look out for at these sales.

Whittled isn't quite the word- the dull area between the head and the handle label in the current pic looks like it was done fast with a disc sander. (Peace unto my predecessor- Ive done worse things)

Square_peg · Jul 8, 2012

Thanks. Yeah, that sounds like a replacement.

omniviking · Jul 9, 2012

I own an old Master Mechanic hatchetlooks to me like some one bought a less expensive hatchet to go camping or odd yard work and it got put up till it found its way to to where you found it. my old one has name forged in to head, yours looks newer. But it looks like it can do the job.

screened porch · Jul 10, 2012

omniviking said:
I own an old Master Mechanic hatchetlooks to me like some one bought a less expensive hatchet to go camping or odd yard work and it got put up till it found its way to to where you found it. my old one has name forged in to head, yours looks newer. But it looks like it can do the job.

I'm wearing a gauze pad where it did the job on my leg last night.
The only known master mechanic axe I have is stamped master mechanic like yours, but they could have changed their practice, as you say.
I cherish the fantasy that it's some rare exotic brand, but it doesn't really matter. It was $2 and I like the shape of it. If I manage to use it to death I've got others.

screened porch · Jul 12, 2012

Well, I think I nailed it. Truper-Herramientas has a logo that looks a lot like my H.
I got to wondering where my predecessor, Lord rest him, bought it. Do It Best Hardware stores seem to be burgeoning around here, especially in small towns that still have a hardware store. There was T-H, and there was the rounded sideways "H".
Truper used to belong to Northern Tools & Equipment in Minnesota. I can't find anything on Truper-Herramientas in English.
Still a nice hatchet, hard like my $2 Collins Mexican that I use for roots, and much better profile and finish.

Square_peg · Jul 12, 2012

scrteened porch said:
Do It Best Hardware stores seem to be burgeoning around here, especially in small towns that still have a hardware store.

I love my local Do-It-Best. Great selection of nuts, bolts, fasteners and useful hardware gizmoes. I'll choose them over the big box store almost every time.

screened porch · Jul 13, 2012

Square_peg said:
I love my local Do-It-Best. Great selection of nuts, bolts, fasteners and useful hardware gizmoes. I'll choose them over the big box store almost every time.

I'll have to check them out. The crown is lying a little uneasy on my current favorite.

Square_peg · Jul 13, 2012

Square_peg said:
.....nuts, bolts, fasteners and useful hardware gizmoes.

I'll give you an example. I have an old Coleman stove for which a replacement pump is no longer made. It was sitting in the garage because I just couldn't bring myself to throw it away. Then one day I'm going through the 'hardware gizmoes' drawers when I find a drawer full of leather pump diaphragms. I see a size that looks about right for my stove so I bought a few of them for 75¢ or buck apiece. Turns out it's a perfect fit. So I changed out my lantern and other stove as well. Ever find leather pump diaphragms at Home Depot?

screened porch · Jul 23, 2012

Square_peg said:
I'll give you an example. Ever find leather pump diaphragms at Home Depot?

Next time I pass a do-it-best I'll go in. We do have a local True Value affiliate where I've been able to get springs to fit mortise locks (danged things break after 115 years or so).

I've been back east nourishing my roots. Bought a few axes, passed on a few expensive ones. I did pretty well on jackknives and pen knives too.