Grandfather’s Axe. Questions.

[demayod]

Hi all,
I found my Grandpa’s rusty axe sitting in his shed. I think there’s another rusty head sitting in his workshop. (He passed away last year. A carpenter by trade, and an amazing woodworker) I thought I’d try to restore his axe as best I could. I really know nothing about axes or much about restoration. I’ve mostly been going by YouTube videos to get an idea of what I would have to do. It looks like it’s probably just a craftsman or at least that’s what the handle told me. But even if it’s not a great axe, it’s sentimental for me. Anyway, I let the head sit in vinegar over night which loosened up much of the rust. Then used a cup brush to get rid of the rest, but had to switch to a file. I know it’s pitted in spots, and I noticed an area where it looks like he may have had it filled. (It looks like there was a chunk missing on the side at some point). After cleaning up the rust, I started to drill out the old handle from the head. I noticed a crack at the front of the eye. Is this something that can be repaired by weld? Either ways I’m going to continue sanding / filing. Just wondering what you all think!

thanks,
Dan

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kvQi8AY67K3Mtu5i9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ugAHi7z8A49DVQaH7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CEweJkbRsXQt97Fx9

 

[garry3]

Hi all,
I found my Grandpa’s rusty axe sitting in his shed. I think there’s another rusty head sitting in his workshop. (He passed away last year. A carpenter by trade, and an amazing woodworker) I thought I’d try to restore his axe as best I could. I really know nothing about axes or much about restoration. I’ve mostly been going by YouTube videos to get an idea of what I would have to do. It looks like it’s probably just a craftsman or at least that’s what the handle told me. But even if it’s not a great axe, it’s sentimental for me. Anyway, I let the head sit in vinegar over night which loosened up much of the rust. Then used a cup brush to get rid of the rest, but had to switch to a file. I know it’s pitted in spots, and I noticed an area where it looks like he may have had it filled. (It looks like there was a chunk missing on the side at some point). After cleaning up the rust, I started to drill out the old handle from the head. I noticed a crack at the front of the eye. Is this something that can be repaired by weld? Either ways I’m going to continue sanding / filing. Just wondering what you all think!

thanks,
Dan

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kvQi8AY67K3Mtu5i9
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ugAHi7z8A49DVQaH7
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CEweJkbRsXQt97Fx9

 

[garry3]

No, it's most likely a great axe. A vintage one with a forge welded steel bit. The weight stamp I can't make out but when they are stamped in fractions like that rather then just numbers I think of the axe makers from Maine. Hopefully one of our members that are so knowledgeable about those axes will weigh in and tell us more.
It's a very desirable pattern in great condition. That split is no problem and very common, don't worry about it. Drive that haft from the bottom out the top, just incase you didn't know.
I suspect your grandfather valued good tools. Your really fortunate to have that passed down to you.

 

[demayod]

Hi Garry! I appreciate the response! The weight stamp says 3 1/4. The crack is in the second picture on the bottom of the head. Running from the corner of the eye toward the business end of the blade. Is that what you see?

 

[garry3]

Hi Garry! I appreciate the response! The weight stamp says 3 1/4. The crack is in the second picture on the bottom of the head. Running from the corner of the eye toward the business end of the blade. Is that what you see?

Yes, it happens a lot during the manufacturing process, it's nothing to be concerned about.

I would probably just hit that with some cold bluing solution, reshape, file the bit and hang it.
Hard to find weight on that axe too, I hope someone here knows the maker. It's very nice indeed, thanks for sharing it with us.

 

[demayod]

Hey Garry,
so some of the guys over on bladesmiths forum think it’s an Emerson & Stevens jersey.
Now I’m just trying to source a good handle.

 

[Dusty One]

Real Nice, Great keepsake !