So, after getting to play with my bud's new Wetterlings throwing axe last week, I decided it was time to update my double bit inventory. I only had one, a 3 1/2 or 4 lb Michigan (?I think?) at 33" total length. I can throw the thing pretty well, but, hey, you gotta have a backup.
So, off to the world's mall, ebay. Spent the good part of a weekend bidding and watching and researching, and I came home with an armload. Still have one coming in the mail (a TT/Kelly Red Warrior that I paid too much for), but here's the haul minus that one.
I'll lay them out one-by-one, just for the heck of it.
Here's the odd man in the bunch, an unknown-German-maker 2 3/4 pounder. This came as head-only. It has that odd squished-"D" eye shape that many German axe brands have, but I just happened to have an old handle I'd cut off of an Oxhead last year (was the wrong style and length for the head it came on). After some sanding and angle-grinder action, I have a nice 25-inch German boy's axe.
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Next up would be the next-oddest-man in the bunch, as beat-up Warren Puget Sound. My first PS axe. Now, I just gotta find a source for good 44inch handles......
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Now, we get to the cruisers and potential throwers. First up in this group is the "Can not make out logo inside circle" Swedish double bit cruiser. This one came as head-only for less than 25 bucks, so I guess it's really a 40-dollar Gransfors.
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Next up are a couple of Norlund cruisers. One is marked "Trail Blazer" and cost too much, the other was a good deal, bears no model name, and has a significantly different set of dimensions, though about the same general overall size as the first. I really like both of these axes, though I'm having a hard time getting consistent throws with such a light axe. I guess it's practice, practice, practice. At least the overpriced one came with an original leather sheath in decent shape (and besides, can't blame anyone but myself for paying too much!).
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Last up is the nicest one in the pile, a well-used but well-cared-for Sager. Doesn't say "Chemical", but, looking at it, I suppose they all were? Stamped 3 on the backside, but it looks like it's been used enough that it's down into the 2.5lb-to-2.75lb range. This one throws the best, being a bit heavier than the Norlunds, but man, it's so nice, I'm probably going to use it for a chopper instead of abusing it in the backyard throwing area.
When it was all said-and-done, I spent a bit more than I would have on a new Gransfors throwing axe, but I got a lot of great toys (and I picked up a few spare handles). A couple of them need some attention w/regards to sharpening, but all were generally in good shape when I got them.
I'm done buying for a while!
Comments/questions/suggestions?
-ben
So, off to the world's mall, ebay. Spent the good part of a weekend bidding and watching and researching, and I came home with an armload. Still have one coming in the mail (a TT/Kelly Red Warrior that I paid too much for), but here's the haul minus that one.
I'll lay them out one-by-one, just for the heck of it.
Here's the odd man in the bunch, an unknown-German-maker 2 3/4 pounder. This came as head-only. It has that odd squished-"D" eye shape that many German axe brands have, but I just happened to have an old handle I'd cut off of an Oxhead last year (was the wrong style and length for the head it came on). After some sanding and angle-grinder action, I have a nice 25-inch German boy's axe.
-
-
-
-
Next up would be the next-oddest-man in the bunch, as beat-up Warren Puget Sound. My first PS axe. Now, I just gotta find a source for good 44inch handles......
-
-
-
-
Now, we get to the cruisers and potential throwers. First up in this group is the "Can not make out logo inside circle" Swedish double bit cruiser. This one came as head-only for less than 25 bucks, so I guess it's really a 40-dollar Gransfors.
-
-
-
-
Next up are a couple of Norlund cruisers. One is marked "Trail Blazer" and cost too much, the other was a good deal, bears no model name, and has a significantly different set of dimensions, though about the same general overall size as the first. I really like both of these axes, though I'm having a hard time getting consistent throws with such a light axe. I guess it's practice, practice, practice. At least the overpriced one came with an original leather sheath in decent shape (and besides, can't blame anyone but myself for paying too much!).
-
-
-
-
Last up is the nicest one in the pile, a well-used but well-cared-for Sager. Doesn't say "Chemical", but, looking at it, I suppose they all were? Stamped 3 on the backside, but it looks like it's been used enough that it's down into the 2.5lb-to-2.75lb range. This one throws the best, being a bit heavier than the Norlunds, but man, it's so nice, I'm probably going to use it for a chopper instead of abusing it in the backyard throwing area.
When it was all said-and-done, I spent a bit more than I would have on a new Gransfors throwing axe, but I got a lot of great toys (and I picked up a few spare handles). A couple of them need some attention w/regards to sharpening, but all were generally in good shape when I got them.
I'm done buying for a while!
Comments/questions/suggestions?
-ben
