Collins Question: No high center line

N

nickzdon

Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
398
So I'm getting ready to hang a Collins 3 lb SB last week and I start thinking about the profile (this is after reading Zatch's thread about reprofiling his Collins 2.5#) and I notice something I hadn't seen before. The Collins I'm about to hang lacks the high center line that is so widely found on American axe heads. It's completely flat from toe to heel, much like a European head; Iltis, GB, etc. It doesn't look as though it's been reprofiled. Has anyone seen this before on a Collins, or any other American axe head? Anyone know if this was specific to a certain model or date of manufacture.


photo-2.jpg

IMG_1105.jpg

IMG_1108.jpg
 
That IS unusual! I can't add anything much beyond that, though. I'm more familiar with Collins' machetes than their axes.
 
This one is not the same pattern but has no real high centerline. It has worked well for me on medium to light splitting duties. I haven't used it for chopping/bucking. I have nothing else to add.



 
I have a Collins Hudson bay pattern that is completely flat, although that may not be unusual with Hudson Bay patterns. I also have a completely flat axe marked only with an "M" directly above "3 1/2". In an old thread, someone here thought axes with those markings might be Collins made in Mexico.
 
All of the newer Collins axes are like that. After say, 1950, the quality went down. The steel is still good but they are flat ground, some even hollow ground. I don't like em. I think they were drop forged into dies that produced flat cheeks.

Steve, I think the wedge and half-wedge patterns are similar to a Maine pattern. See most old snow and neally axes, most of the oakland companies also produced them.
 
Operator: I figured you chime in sooner or later. It's the first of mine like it. Can't wait to hang 'er up and give 'er a swing.
 
Well I should say you dont see that everyday, what you are talking about is usually the norm, but you do see the flat boys, they are not that uncommon I guess. Would be interesting to see if you could corespond that to a time frame, forging technique, etc.
 
The one I had bit really well, but stuck and didn't throw a very good chip. Would make a good swamping/limbing axe.
 
No no no! It's already done all those and that's why it's flat! It needs some CURVES now. :D
 
I have re-ground flat faced axes to incorporate a centerline. A lot of work but doable. Power tools helped a lot.
 
I think I'm going to leave it like it is. I don't have any axes now that have the same characteristics.

And Operator, with the size of your collection, saying you have many like it doesn't surprise me. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top