First Axe (Collins) and I got a few questions

[Widerstand]

I got this for free on Craigslist so I am happy with it already!

This is my first real axe, Ive had a shitty one from Home Depot in the past.

Anyways its a Collins, in good condition, tiny bit of mushrooming on the pole, not sharp at all but it has never seen a grinding wheel it seems, only small amounts of rust. The haft is in pretty good sharp but the head is slipping off some.

So I was wondering if anyone has an idea of how old this might be? Also the Haft right now is 39" long and it seems to long to me so what would be a good length for a new haft would 28" be to short for a 3 1/2 LB head?

 

[Pipeman]

Hi Widerstand, welcome to the axe and tomahawk forum. This link may help you
http://www.yesteryearstools.com/Yesteryears Tools/Home.html
There is also a member named operator who has a big collection of early Collins axes, he will likely see your post and comment.
Look at the top of the page in the link, there are 4 sections on Collins axes etc.
Best regards

Robin

 

[Widerstand]

Thanks Pipeman!

 

[VintageAxe]

I'll defer on the age question, but as for size, you should use whatever feels appropriate to you. But 39" sure is a lot for a 3 and a half pound head. I'm partial to 28 or 32 for that size myself, as even 36 seems rather long for that weight. Depends on use too... a 36" handle with a 5 pound head makes for a pretty good splitter, though I'd hate to have to actually have to chop through a log with it.

 

[Widerstand]

First off guys thanks for the info and help! I decided to just re-haft after watching some of Skogniv's videos and calling a local hardware store where they have a TON of new hickory hafts that are 28" or 33" for $11.

I took the head of and just hit it with some sand paper. I think it will clean up nice when I am all done with it.

The profile seem pretty good to me at least from what Ive seen and read so it should sharpen up nicely.

 

[Dusty One]

Free on craigs list....Heck of a deal...Great shape too !
Welcome and have fun.....

 

[Operator1975]

Hard to say with that Collins axe. Looks like it might be one of there Mexico jobs, but hard to tell, I dont see the M marking for it. When you start to see the rounded poll ike that, that isn't that old of an axe overall, but still a good one. 3.5 head you could do a 36 inch head if you like, or smaller, really up to you. Biggest thing is hope you enjoy it, that is all that matters! Nice axe!