Axe metal testing

[Square_peg]

I think it would be great to know what some of the more common brands of axes were actually made from. I have found a local lab that will test the metal of an axe for $70/sample (min. 3 samples). Testing would be done by the spark-OES method (optical emission spectrometry).

We would need to provide them with samples approximately 1/4" square by 1/8" thick (can be slightly irregular). I've culled my herd where I don't have a lot of beaters that I'm willing to sacrifice. But I could at least donate a Woodslasher sample and maybe pay for someone else's sample to be tested.

Are any of you guys interested in participating in this? Can you donate a sample? Or can you pay to have some else's sample tested? Do you have a better idea how to do this? Do you know a lab that will do it for less?

Samples from the bit would be best unless it's a brand we know used homogeneous steel like Plumb.

I will update this post with a list of which types of axes have been offered and how many tests are paid for.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Might take you up on that with a Rinaldi since their steel is a trade secret and they'd only give me partial stats on it. Whatever it is they use is great stuff, and it'd be interesting to see what the composition actually is.

 

[phantomknives]

I have a Flint edge that I could cut up, you said a square that's 1/4 wide/long and 1/8 thick?

 

[Square_peg]

That's right. But hold on, don't cut anything yet. I'm looking into another testing method that is non-destructive.

 

[Square_peg]

I have a Flint edge that I could cut up, you said a square that's 1/4 wide/long and 1/8 thick

I'd love to see a Flint Edge tested.

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

That's right. But hold on, don't cut anything yet. I'm looking into another testing method that is non-destructive.

I have called buddy of mine who works for CNC Machining company. What I have learnt is their Quality Control department tests incoming alloy materials with handheld x-ray gun to test for alloy chemical composition. He will try to find exact name and model of that x-ray gun.
I have found on big auction site xrf metal analysis testing service for 19.99 plus shipping, but I am not sure it is the same process my buddy described
I gogled xrf testing:

https://www.labcompare.com/10-Featu...rtable-XRF-Nondestructive-Testing-in-Seconds/
https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/...id/portable-xrf-analyzer-selection-guide.html

 

[junkenstien]

Got an old overlaid wore out keen kutter double bit i can send.

 

[Square_peg]

I have found on big auction site xrf metal analysis testing service for 19.99 plus shipping, but I am not sure it is the same process my buddy described
I gogled xrf testing:

Yes, XRF spectroscopy. That's the other one I'm looking into. A chemist friend suggested it.

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

I think it would be great to know what some of the more common brands of axes were actually made from.

What do you think?

Collins, Kelly are obvious choices
Plumb and Mann Edge Tool as they are usual suspects for manufacturing hardware store brands.

I am curious how movement of the factory affected chemical composition of the products... Kelly is probably the best choice.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
ALEXANDRIA, INDIANA (Kelly Axe Mfg. Co.)
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA
and one more test, maybe, True Temper era to test for technological advances after takeover of AATCO

 

[Yankee Josh]

What do you think?

Collins, Kelly are obvious choices
Plumb and Mann Edge Tool as they are usual suspects for manufacturing hardware store brands.

I am curious how movement of the factory affected chemical composition of the products... Kelly is probably the best choice.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
ALEXANDRIA, INDIANA (Kelly Axe Mfg. Co.)
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA
and one more test, maybe, True Temper era to test for technological advances after takeover of AATCO

This is the best idea ever! I am interested. I'd like to have one of the "M" stamped axes tested. Once we have a big enough data base of tested ones we might actually know who made em. I can donate a piece of one and pay for it.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Would be interesting to see what the composition on Sager Chemical Axes was.

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

This is the best idea ever! I am interested. I'd like to have one of the "M" stamped axes tested. Once we have a big enough data base of tested ones we might actually know who made em. I can donate a piece of one and pay for it.

I think the cost effective way of doing this is to find geologist or quality control guy that uses that kind of tool. Give him few axes, get him addicted to collecting sharp objects

 

[Glenn Bailey]

This is fascinating. I've always wondered about the pre-during-post WWII effect on axe material composition for individual manufactures. Building on crbnSteeladdict's idea, we need to find a grad student looking for dissertation ideas.

 

[junkenstien]

Maybe a votech,my brother had an aluminum boat all welded up for nothing at one a few years back.