Can this Axe be revived?

O

OneHeckOfAFeller

Joined
Nov 5, 2018
Messages
8
I am a new owner of this axe. I have rehung (sp?) a few heads so I already have a plan for that. In looking at this head though, clearly the previous owner only used one side. My question is, has this been used too much?

I understand this is a newb question but it showcases my lack of understanding in the anatomy of an axe head. I am unsure if the axe is one solid piece of metal or if it is a fused piece that has a tempered blade on the ends and then the main body of the head housing the eye.

A quick measure shows that there may be as much as 0.5” of extra material on the unused side. Is the side that has been used, “used up”. I don’t mind working the edge of the unused side to even out that edge.

it is important to say that I intend to rehang and use this axe (not a decoration).

I apologize for my ignorance, just hoping for some knowledge from this board.

Thanks in advance for helping me learn.
https://m.imgur.com/a/4QtuZqg
4QtuZqg
 
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Y
FortyTwoBlades said:
Looks to be a Plumb Champion (not my picture)

94318_1000x.jpg


One side may have seen more use than the other, but it looks like it has plenty of life left in it.
Click to expand...

Yes, that is exactly the head. The stamping is hard to read with all the patina and (ahem) rust. That said, was able to confirm this to be a Plumb Champion when I was trying to figure out what I had. Good to know that it has life left. I have worked on hatchets and small boys axes in the past. This is my first double bit. I restore these to be used on the homestead not resell etc.
 
You'll have to check with a file to see. I have a well used and worn double bit head that I found in the back of a shed that actually ran out of hardened steel while I was shaping/sharpening it up - you'll tell right away with your file when you are out of hardened steel - once that happens, the axe is done. You can't really tell by eye unless you soak in vinegar or evaporust - but the file will know whether you have any good steel left where you need it.
 
FLINT77 said:
You'll have to check with a file to see. I have a well used and worn double bit head that I found in the back of a shed that actually ran out of hardened steel while I was shaping/sharpening it up - you'll tell right away with your file when you are out of hardened steel - once that happens, the axe is done. You can't really tell by eye unless you soak in vinegar or evaporust - but the file will know whether you have any good steel left where you need it.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the post. Yes I think that is the plan. Vinegar soak to see what I have. Maybe worst case is I only use the side that has more material after shaping and sharpening.
 
I've got one in just about that condition I use for chopping roots while digging garden beds, ditches etc. No hardness left in it but it still has a use
 
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