Beginners Luck? My new Norlund Saddle Cruiser

J

JPA88

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Nov 16, 2014
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I got into knife making last winter. My knife making has slowed down and I have recently found an interest in axes. I took off this morning to visit a few antique shops and look for some old axes that I could bring back to life, make new handles for and re-hang. I came across this little guy and was very interested. A quick google search brought me to a recent ebay item that was bid up to $260 by 22 people (used, but good condition). Well after seeing that I clearly had to have it. It was priced at $45 but I managed to get it for $35. Norlund - Hudson Bay Saddle Cruiser. Brand spanking new. The head is a deep cherry red. The only bad thing is, I feel like I can't use it!



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Yep, you are going to make a nice profit.
I sell Norlund axes as soon as I get them.

You are not missing anything special by not using it. They are not even old, but they have a heck of a collector following.
 
Don't use it. Put it on ebay. With original packaging and unused condition it will net a handsome profit.
Can't beat beginners luck!
 
I've seen just a saddle cruiser, no packaging go for upwards of $200.00 you're in for a handsome profit.
 
Wow, I like what I'm hearing, Fellas! Sounds like I stole it! Now, do I sell it?... or keep it the rest of my life?? What gives these little axes their value? are they really that rare? maybe I'll let it sit around the house for a while and see if it grows on me or wants to head on down the road.
 
JPA88 said:
What gives these little axes their value?
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Unknowing cult followers.

Just be thankful and sell it before people come to their senses or the economy tanks again. We're at a peak for axe prices right now.
 
I would sell it, then buy a used one if you want to try one out. You will probably see $100 more for that one in the original packaging than a used one just by itself.
 
JPA88 said:
Wow, I like what I'm hearing, Fellas! Sounds like I stole it! Now, do I sell it?... or keep it the rest of my life?? What gives these little axes their value? are they really that rare? maybe I'll let it sit around the house for a while and see if it grows on me or wants to head on down the road.
Click to expand...

Strangely enough rare does not equal value.

I think people have a tendency to collect what they grew up with. Those sold in sporting goods stores in the 70's. Its what dad bought on his way out of town to take the family camping.
 
Its quite ironic really, because they are literally pieces of you know what when you examine one. It was the end of the axe era, and Mann Edge trying to hold on in a niche group that didn't know anything about what real axe quality was. Apparently the "collectors" buying them today don't either.
 
Get it out on ebay tonight! The longer you hold on to it, the less likely you are to want to part with it. You'll be able to buy three GB SFAs with the proceeds and have a tool(s) that outclasses the norland by a wide margin. You don't sound to me like a dedicated collector....flip it and get something you will USE. Please don't unwrap it....that's a rare find that a serious collector will pay a premium for.
 
Hmmm, I see. Interesting. Well it looks like this guy needs to set up an Electronic-Bay account. Just think of all the sweet, quality axes I could throw down on with the profit!
 
Norlund are way over hyped, look at the grain on this handle for exemple... nothing to be impressed about.

resell it for 300 on the bay and some fish will swallow the hook and sinker ;)
 
Careful how you talk about Norlund, one of my future buyers might see this!! haha. Yes the grain in the handle does run perpendicular to the head. The hang job looks pretty good and tight though. And the grinds, compared to those originally on the husqavarna i recently bought, look decent. It would be cool to have, but for what I could do with the money, not worth it.
 
handy little axes if you're a timber cruiser. lol rare these days, i mean timber cruisers that is.
true, you could prolly sell it on fleabay for upwards of 3 bills.
????????
 
JPA88 said:
Careful how you talk about Norlund, one of my future buyers might see this!! haha. Yes the grain in the handle does run perpendicular to the head. The hang job looks pretty good and tight though. And the grinds, compared to those originally on the husqavarna i recently bought, look decent. It would be cool to have, but for what I could do with the money, not worth it.
Click to expand...

A saddle cruiser measures about 6" to 6-1/2" from bit to bit. It's never going to be experience great forces in the haft. As long as there's little or no runout - and that one looks pretty clean - there will be no problem.

FWIW - one of our local trails gets a ton of use by equestrians. I've seen numerous of these little axes going up the trail. They use them to clear small limbs that occur at 6' to 10' above the trail. Small machetes are more common these days but either will do the job.

These little axes aren't for timber cruisers. They are for equestrians.
 
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