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Double bit cruiser axes

J

Jonthepirate

Joined
Jun 8, 2013
Messages
76
I've been wanting to get one of these, but am having trouble in my quest. I probably just need to be more patient, but the ones I see are either in bad shape or pretty expensive (60+) on your friendly global monopoly auction site. Is there a better place to get one (I live in the Houston area, and there are virtually no used axes around).

Council tool used to make one, right? But I wasn't able to find that they make one anymore.

Any ideas?

Thanks!
Jon
 
Brarco still makes a cruiser. I bought the two pack and gave one to a friend of mine. They are adequate quality for the price.
BUT, I still prefer my vintage Kelly, Sager, Plumb, Collins and HB cruisers.

BarcoaxesWoodSlashersKellyPerfect005561x640.jpg


Tom
 
Best bet on the auction site is to look for no name double bit heads not labeled cruiser but have 8 1/2" measurements. They sometimes slip through cheap.
 
Thanks halfaxe, I'll keep an eye out. that 8-1/2" measurement will help. Most of them don't list a weight, so I use dimensions to help me find what i'm looking for (like boy's axes vs full size).

I really wanted a flint edge, but I don't see to many of those.

I've seen a few with "Tempering Tank" Flint edges, I for some reason assume those are pretty nice (as good or better than the text only Flint Edge line). Little pricey, but I might splurge :)

Thanks!
Jon
 
Jonthepirate said:
Thanks halfaxe, I'll keep an eye out. that 8-1/2" measurement will help. Most of them don't list a weight, so I use dimensions to help me find what i'm looking for (like boy's axes vs full size).

I really wanted a flint edge, but I don't see to many of those.

I've seen a few with "Tempering Tank" Flint edges, I for some reason assume those are pretty nice (as good or better than the text only Flint Edge line). Little pricey, but I might splurge :)

Thanks!
Jon
Click to expand...

Kellys are my favorite vintage axes / hatchets.

My Kelly cruisers...

CruisersConnecticutaxes011.jpg


Tom
 
Be patient and keep your eyes open. I found this pair at a garage sale for $7 apiece.

TT%20Flint%20Edge%20Cruiser.jpg


True%20American.jpg


True Temper Flint Edge and a Mann True American.
 
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My favorite cruiser is a one I picked up along with 2 Sager swampers for a total of $10 at an estate sale maybe 15 years ago. Totally unmarked like so many old axes that came with a paper sticker on the head. Red finish but many companies used that color. Good original handle. It has served as my pickup axe on many trips to the woods for sure. I also have one of the Council cruisers but I have never really liked that "cedar axe" bit they use.
 
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Double Ott, That's a very nice little collection of Kelly's.

Square-Peg, I really like those cruisers. They have not even seen enough use to even wear the paint off. Good stuff.
I don't have a lot of True Americans but the ones I do have seem to have a little harder steel than most. Wondering what your file tells you on them?
 
garry3 said:
Double Ott, That's a very nice little collection of Kelly's.

Square-Peg, I really like those cruisers. They have not even seen enough use to even wear the paint off. Good stuff.
I don't have a lot of True Americans but the ones I do have seem to have a little harder steel than most. Wondering what your file tells you on them?
Click to expand...

Thanks Garry. I have added a Forest Service issued Kelly Flint Edge to the collection since that picture was taken. I've also cleaned up the heads...I'll have to update that picture someday soon.

Tom
 
garry3 said:
I don't have a lot of True Americans but the ones I do have seem to have a little harder steel than most. Wondering what your file tells you on them?
Click to expand...

I haven't done anything with the True American yet. I'll let you know when I do.
 
Thanks for all the replies and advice! Looks like I need to be patient and keep looking at the old auction site. Too bad there aren't any local vintage axes to speak of!

Thanks!
Jon
 
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