Finding Axe Heads

jeremy1517

jeremy1517

Joined
Sep 11, 2012
Messages
1,036
Where do you all find your used axe heads??

I'm trying to build my axe collection but can't find anywhere in Wichita, KS that sells used axe heads. The antique malls and other used places rarely have anything. I really hate the idea of buying online, especially from EB**.

Any thoughts?
 
Ask around with friends/family/neighbors and see if they have any old axes sitting around. Works well if you live in a rural area. Usually the heads are beat up, but you might strike gold.

Yeah, eBay can be expensive, but if you're looking for something specific, there's no better place. Ask a lot of questions. Be picky.
 
Use the net! E*** can be a good resource but jpeeler is right ask before buying. As fat as local goes...If you can't find anything used and old to fix up don't be afraid to find something you like at the local hardware store and make it your own.
 
Yep, I have trouble down here in Texas.

Best axe I have was used once and put away by my Grandfather.
When my father was a boy they needed an axe for some kind of emergency, and that was what he purchased.
At least that is what my father remembers.

It is a "True Temper Kelly Perfect 3 1/2lb" according to the side of the axe.
The hickory handle has almost perfect grain, and is a beautifully sclupeted faun's foot.
It has a little rust, and some scratches, but it gives it character.

Friends and family are the place.
Nobody wanted that treasure but me.
 
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ya, axe's aren't really useful for wheat fields. I do use my axes on my hunting land. I like the tradition and history of axes and all you enablers feed my addiction. I really like collecting American made axes......
 
Flea markets and yard sales for best deals. Mentioning your interest to friends and neighbors helps. I have never found one in a thrift type store but some do. The word "antique" usually adds mor money than I have to spend. Craigslist turns a few from time to time.

The auction sight is a great market for variety but can get pricey.

Bill
 
eBay for selection. You can still catch some good deals especially if you're looking for a user not a collector's piece. I've only gotten lucky once locally. It was a really old American form axe for a whole $4. I still haven't decided whether to restore it or keep it as is.
 
If there are any of those local shopper type weekly papers around there put in an ad asking to buy a used axe. This may work on craigslist too.
 
I got many of the ones I have during 20 years as a general contractor. Whenever I spied a unique axe at a job site (people's homes) I offered to replace it with a new Garant from the hardware store. Most folks have axes with by-now-cracked/worn/warped/ugly handles and dull blades so a swap over to a shiny new one was attractive to them.
Garage sales and flea markets also yielded some prizes over the years.
Patience is a virtue when it comes to this unless you have lots of money and can troll around in Ebay.
 
We're aided my the fact that a man just can't throw away an old axe. It sits there in his garage needing re-handling for decades. But with the recent axe renaissance the pickings are getting slimmer and fast.
 
Most of my good finds were in sitting in the corner of a garage or barn with a broken handle. I usually ask at garage sales for axes & knives. I picked up 5 for 15$ last year. Had a d.b. Collins, a Plumb and a True-Temper in the bunch.--KV
 
Check out some farm auctions . Many auctioneers have online listings with photos of upcoming auction items . I have purchased many well used old axes for very little money .
 
Ya, been looking. I'm trying to find a good american felling axe head or a bigger single bit head. No luck so far.
 
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