Finding a "user" ax?

B

Buck268

Joined
Nov 5, 2006
Messages
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Looking for thoughts and opinions on picking up a user ax. I have no interest in a fancy beautique ax, I am looking for a tool. Possibly leaning towards a splitting maul but night do sledge and wedge for that.

Anyways looking for something affordable that will hold up well to general chopping and splitting chores. I'm over 6 foot and no stranger to heavy work, so it needn't be something too small either... Though it would be nice of the wife was able to use it should an occasion arise.

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Sounds like you want two tools, an axe and a hatchet. Or possibly a boy's axe if you are using a wedge/hammer for heavy splitting.

Assuming that you don't want to go find some good old thing at a yard sale, I would say go look at a Council Tool product. Good product, good prices, made in USA. You can get their stuff on Amazon.
 
Get an axe with a 26 inch handle I believe that's what I have and my 14 year old brother who is skin and bones can use it. Then use wedge and sledge


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Well I have a couple hatchets... Couple machetes.... One very very old ax that stays up north. Want a second.

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I'll be the broken record here and suggest the big auction site for a vintage axe head. Kelly, Plumb, Collins, Mann are common good ones. 3 1/2 pound single bit is a good all around size. With shipping included you should be able to get one for under $25. Then just buy a handle locally and hang it.
 
True Temper True American ax is another good choice for a 'user'. You do need to check the grain on the handle. With a little practice, your wife should be able to handle a full sized ax. I'd get a 3 1/2 lb. Michigan with a 36" handle.
 
ditto 3-1/2lbs. Some guys have really good luck with garage sales and auctions, and you can always try the flea bay and grab up one that isn't getting many bids - a beater or something unmarked. I'd also second the other option - just buy a new Council or Snow and Nealley.
 
Get yourself a vintage 3.5lb axe head and restore it, it's a great rewarding experience and a fun project. It also gives you experience with replacing a handle when you eventually need to.
You also end up with a better tool for a lot less money.
 
cityofthesouth said:
ditto 3-1/2lbs. Some guys have really good luck with garage sales and auctions, and you can always try the flea bay and grab up one that isn't getting many bids - a beater or something unmarked. I'd also second the other option - just buy a new Council or Snow and Nealley.
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Please stay away from the TT True American, I was very disappointed. I'll third it for Snow & Nealley and Council Tool, maid in the USA.
 
If you just want to buy off the shelf, you cant go wrong on Council Tools.
I suggest a boys axe as an 'all rounder. Its not too big either for smaller or less experienced adult to handle.
 
Council tools axe of your choice.. Can't go wrong. Just touched my 6lb flat head up today. This steel takes a beating, and I can't believe the hickory that came on mine.. Buitiful grain and alignment
 
My cousin swears by the fiskars and all he heats with is his woodstove so he has a lot of experience with axes. And for the prices it is hard to go wrong.
 
I'd just go to a yard sale and pick up a few cheap axes. Should be able to pick them up cheap (in the $3-$5 each range). Around me the yard sale early birds scoop up the good (perfect/excellent condition) tools quick and leave the used stuff behind. I usually go to two-day yard sales a little later on the second day, when they are looking to unload the stuff no one wanted to buy... You are looking for a user/tool, not a wall hanger --who cares if it's not perfect.

Spend $15-$20 and get a couple different sizes and start using them. Might not be a bad idea to get a couple new handles in advance (for when the yard sale handles break). Just use the stuff you buy. If you pick up 3-4 axes, through use, you and the wife will find the ones that each of you like best.
 
1215 said:
I'd just go to a yard sale and pick up a few cheap axes. Should be able to pick them up cheap (in the $3-$5 each range). Around me the yard sale early birds scoop up the good (perfect/excellent condition) tools quick and leave the used stuff behind. I usually go to two-day yard sales a little later on the second day, when they are looking to unload the stuff no one wanted to buy... You are looking for a user/tool, not a wall hanger --who cares if it's not perfect.
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Interesting concept. I've always figured on trying to find the least beat up, least worn, and preferably stamped (so you know where it came from)) head that I can. A pristine head with a broken or missing handle rarely has much value to anyone. When you have to devote considerable time and effort in setting up an axe for long term use (nice piece of wood, proper hanging, initial profiling/sharpening) it is anticlimactic to discover you wasted a lot of time in not being able to overcome the faults of a worn-out, abused or a poorly made '$1 end of the day bargain'.
 
We go to a lot of those whole block/neighborhood yard sales every few weeks. Gets us up & out of bed early and tires out the dog like no other (tired dog = good dog). I'm always looking for random tools and odd-things that are equally not very desirable and pretty hard to come by (for the right price) around here (obscure taps & dies, drill bits, countersinks & routing/mill/lathe tools, etc). If I happen to stumble upon an old box of well used heads or an old axe with a broken handle on a Sunday, usually they go for next to nothing. I/we do it for fun more than anything --and the neighbors & friends/family love me because I give away the things I end up with 3+ of the same tool.
 
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