Firestone Belt Axe...?

V

Venice Will

Joined
Jan 11, 2007
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Anyone have any experience (pro or con) with the McGowan Industries Firestone Belt Axe...? or any other Firestone axe?

pic attached

I'm lookin' for a scary-sharp, durable belt carry....other suggestions are welcome ;)

Thanks for the input -
 
thanks bro ' - I really like that blade geometry...I wonder if anyone else makes something similar - might have to see if I can find a local dealer and check it out BEFORE I buy...

They're made by McGowan Industries in the Northwest...
 
Well, the Firestone came in todays mail - GREAT head geometry, and the edge does come shavin' sharp.

I'm not quite so wild about the handle though - can anybody recommend a creative mind for a 2nd go at the haft???

I'm COSIDERING stripping it, and making some cosmetic changes - but I'm not all that "wood artistic"...:rolleyes:

Here's the scoop on the handle from their web site: The handle is made from laminated Baltic birch, which is known for its strength and durability. The laminate design was chosen because a conventional straight grain handle might be prone to cracking along grain lines given the ergonomic curvature of the handle. The handle design closely resembles the patterns and shapes of the Viking ship builders’ axes found in burial sites dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. The axe head is hung on the handle using two methods of attachment: a stainless steel set-screw to hold the handle in the head and a stainless steel roll pin that “locks” the head to the handle.


Thanks much -
 
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All I did to mine was wrap the handle with some leather for grip. Put a brass lanyard tube in the end of the handle. I love mine. Use it alot.
 
Baltic birch is strong and depending on the finish the mfg. used you might be able to strip it, then use a stain and refinish. Remember to show some photos....
 
thanks for the input - my thoughts are....

the handle feels "OK" ...but strikes me as being
1) a bit short in length (11.25" OAL)...
2) too thin on the lower handle to establish a strong grip...and
3)too strong on the bottom curve - I think a little straighter handle bottom, with a slight flare at the base, would prove more versatile.

So....can anybody suggest who might take on the task of re-handling it???


thanks again -
 
I really like the handle on my firestone. It took some getting used to but after I chopped with it a few times I really grew to appreciate the handle.
 
Well Vector DID respond to my inquiry - they're swamped with a new order, but would love to work with it.

So, if I can't find anybody in the meantime up to the challenge, perhaps they'll get the chance....:cool:
 
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