Collins Pickhead Axe refurb - advice needed!

N

Nichols747

Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Messages
41
So I picked up a great old Collins Legitimus Pickhead Axe from a guy over in Spokane, WA, a few hours from me. He got it from his father-in-law who was a fireman in the Puget Sound area of Washington in the '40s, he states.

http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums...0-8C63-26D90AE504C6-1305-0000016F07C21E9E.jpg


I want to refurbish it into a work axe, while preserving its mark and character. (I'm a fireman)

As you can see in the link, the toe of the bit has been filed down approx 1/2", relative to the heel (both lengths measured from the front of the eye). It's still got at least 1 1/2" of temper, so I can file it down to match no problem, which brings me to question 1: what is the proper geometry of the bit - can I trace a mark from another axe at work, simply laid back 1/2" to account for the missing material?

Question 2: where can I get the best quality haft? (Since my life, among others, will depend on it) Is there a vendor who will understand and take the time to pick out their best quality?

3: Once it's rehafted, should I take material from the pick/poll to balance the material removed from the bit? I would prefer a sharper pick anyhow.

4: Also, with respect to dating the axe, I was going to contact Larry MacPhail - he seems to be an authority on axe history, and is somewhat nearby. Any other resources?

Thanks for any information you can provide!

Andrew
 
1. Yes. Good plan.
2. In my experience Tennessee Hickory has the highest quality wood. But their handles come way too fat and need some work to make them a good handle. Your local saw shop may carry them. They're also available online. House Handle also has very nice wood. In my opinion House has better shape in their handles while Tennessee Hickory has better wood. You can also get lucky sometimes at your local Ace Hardware and find a nice O.P. Link handle. Look for wood with 5-20 growth rings per inch. The grain must run continuous the full length of the handle - not run out along the way. And it's best if the grain aligns with the axe head.
3. No. You're probably improving the balance of the axe by removing material from the bit. If you want to sharpen the pick also that's fine - but remove material there judiciously.
4. ?
 
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