Beginners Luck? My new Norlund Saddle Cruiser

Square_peg said:
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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They are indeed for equestrians. My uncle had one that went on all our summer pack trips and fall elk hunts. I suspect his was a Collins as it had a very nice cover. Every time I see one it takes me back to my youth and the Colorado high country.
 
No sellers remorse?
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Just the littlest bit. The guy who bought it was super excited, so I know it went to a good home. I would like to find a little cruiser axe someday for myself. Something other than a Norland, though
 
JPA88 said:
Just the littlest bit. The guy who bought it was super excited, so I know it went to a good home. I would like to find a little cruiser axe someday for myself. Something other than a Norland, though
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I think there are several makers offering them. I can't personally say how they are though.
I like the concept and have an older cruiser that I am going to hang as a saddle axe when the weather is decent enough to work out side.
 
i have a true temper black prince cruiser in my basement waiting to be hafted, got the handle and everything, just havent got around to it. :D
 
I've tried to think of a situation where I would prefer a saddle axe to a polled hatchet and I've never come up with one. I can't find an excuse to buy one.
 
Congrats on the sale! I really don't understand the following Norlunds have. Personally I think dropping that kind of money on one is insane, but if they're happy...
 
JPA88 said:
Just the littlest bit. The guy who bought it was super excited, so I know it went to a good home. I would like to find a little cruiser axe someday for myself. Something other than a Norland, though
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Vintage examples are pretty scarce as far as I can see, but I just ordered a marbles ( made in El Salvador ) double bit hatchet for 20$ and I've heard good things about the steel in these marbles axes. Might be worth it to try one of these out before you spend time and money tracking down a vintage example.
I don't want to get in trouble for naming the source, but I got it from a certain monthly knife catalog that owns the rough rider pocket knife line.
 
The saddle axes actually come up pretty regularly on the bay. Both Collins and Norlund. I don't recall seeing any other makers but I no others had similar offerings.
 
Hickory n steel said:
Vintage examples are pretty scarce as far as I can see, but I just ordered a marbles ( made in El Salvador ) double bit hatchet for 20$ and I've heard good things about the steel in these marbles axes. Might be worth it to try one of these out before you spend time and money tracking down a vintage example.
I don't want to get in trouble for naming the source, but I got it from a certain monthly knife catalog that owns the rough rider pocket knife line.
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The Imacasa-produced axes are strong values, but do need some edge/bevel thinning from the factory. As long as you don't mind that, they're fantastic for the money.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
The Imacasa-produced axes are strong values, but do need some edge/bevel thinning from the factory. As long as you don't mind that, they're fantastic for the money.
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I'm sure I can handle that on this little hatchet.
I have an idea of the size based on the listed specs, but you just never really know until you get it in hand.
 
Square_peg said:
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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During my U.S. Forest Service timber cruising days, a single bit boy's axe was the issue tool. Among other things, you can used the poll to sound logs for hollow spots.
And like you say, it seems like most mounted trail riders these days carry large knives or small machetes.
 
I would put it up for auction rather than buy it now, I sold one of those for 200, it had the original handle and reddish coloring/orange paint still but was definitely in used condition. I could be wrong but I've seen NOS norlunds saddle cruisers go for upwards of 500. You will definitely make out nicely. Congrats on the find and enjoy the proceeds!
 
Well looks like I'm late to the party, didn't read all the comments till after I posted. $760 is a great price, congrats. I honestly was going to say 750 in my last post but the comments on the first page said 300 so I thought I may be thinking of a different pattern, guess not! But glad it worked out well! Trust me you will not miss that thing, don't get me wrong, my mini norlund Hudson Bay definitely comes in handy and I like the looks of it but it definitely isn't better quality than most of my other vintage axes. You can buy a whole lot of nicer axes with that money
 
Square_peg said:
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 eeque
markv said:
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.
????????
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Square_peg said:
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.
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Great reply from a typical cult forum asshole.
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