Black Raven Broad Hewing Hatchet

C

cmarostica

Joined
Jun 25, 2016
Messages
3
Hi All,

I just found a reason to finally join the forum. I picked this up at an estate sale yesterday. The (probably original handle) was trashed, so I pulled that off and cleaned it up with oil and a wire brush. I have not been able to find another example of a Black Raven broad hewing hatchet anywhere online, so I am guessing that it is quite rare. I am not sure what handle to hang it on, or how much more to clean the head. Thoughts?



 
That is a great find, anything Black Raven in good shape is very collectable. If you post up pics of the handle maybe someone could shed some light if it's the correct one for the axe.

As far as cleaning it up, I would not clean it any further than it is. It isn't overly rusty and has nice patina. Cleaning it could lower the value.
 
I wouldn't even hang it. That might temp somebody to use it. It's in nice shape and very collectable. Clean it no further. Oil it and hang on to it - or sell it as you see fit.
 
If I had that and a need for it, I would use it but take very good care of it.
If it could talk it would not want to sit around unused.
 
Hickory n steel said:
If I had that and a need for it, I would use it but take very good care of it.
If it could talk it would not want to sit around unused.
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Nice way of describing something that is well made, in good shape and could be made useful again but has immense value merely as a collector piece.
 
It will probably end up on a 14" straight hickory handle. I am new to the process, but that will be half of the fun!
 
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Thanks for all of the advice, guys. I am definitely going to treat it like the antique that it is, but I know that I will not be able to stop myself from sharpening, hanging, and carving with it though.
 
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cmarostica said:
Thanks for all of the advice, guys. I am definitely going to treat it like the antique that it is, but I know that I will not be able to stop myself from sharpening, hanging, and carving with it though.
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I love to hear that an old tool was purchased primarily for resurrection and physical use rather than hanging on the wall or for monetary gain. Not only should the steel quality be good on this but it will make a wonderful conversation piece.
 
cmarostica said:
Thanks for all of the advice, guys. I am definitely going to treat it like the antique that it is, but I know that I will not be able to stop myself from sharpening, hanging, and carving with it though.
Click to expand...

That's definitely the way to go, but one suggestion would be to try an octagonal or half octagon handle. Trust me it will look awesome and feel great in hand ( take your finger and thumb and make a circle, you'll notice that actually more of an octagon )

The edge has a few nicks, but a fine stone should take those out and polish it up no problem , as far as cleaning it just oil it up and rub it with beeswax if you have it ( oil helps cut through the beeswax so it coats ) it'll give it a protective coating that isn't just all oily.
 
I have 16 black ravens, none of them are broad hatchet patterns, they are a tad more uncommon than a typical single or double bit, but they don't carry much more value than a similar conditioned single or double bit. A full sized broad axe with a raven (If one even exists) would be a shocker to the collecting world, but as far as known patterns go, the puget brings the highest price tag, followed by probably Tasmanian, cruiser, then jersey or Connecticut. Salesman samples are up there with the cruisers.

But that's just my opinion, everyone has one.
 
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