Gransfors bruks american felling axe

[Moonw]

Good point. As long as it's an inserted or overcoat bit, I think they could go even higher in carbon.

I wonder whether Imacasa/Condor have somE of their axes in 1075, as that's what they are using for pretty much everything else.

 

[Square_peg]

Makers used to advertise the use of razor steel in their axes (e.g. the Fulton Razor). Typical razor steels of the period had 100 pointc of carbon or even higher. Obviously temper was important.

 

[Moonw]

Yes, exactly. Not quite around here, but have found people other places on BF that miss this detail, automatucally equating high carbon with brittleness.

 

[paleomanone]

I'm not really a fan either, but then again, I don't like new axes in general. That being said, I do know that the GB axes tend to have a concentration of manganese bronze in them. The reason they stay relatively sharp for a long time is that they work harden easily that way. So it kind of harders itself on impact, time and time again.

Can I ask what you mean by "Manganese Bronze? Manganese is an single element or metal but Bronze is an alloy consisting of a particular ratio of the metal copper to tin. Just wondering.....

 

[garry3]

I don't think anyone ever made 1055 arguably better when used in axes, than the Swedish guys. They don't have qualms about running it harder than Council does 5160, either.

Well that might be debatable. But since we don't know what most manufacturers used your statement might go unchallenged. But ya, they have it right.
Not sure why Council bothers with 5160? Just as well use 1045 at that low of a RC.

 

[David Martin]

I don't think anyone ever made 1055 arguably better when used in axes, than the Swedish guys. They don't have qualms about running it harder than Council does 5160, either.

I think your right as I have a 1957 Hults Bruk 4lb.. This being my 2nd year using it and it takes patience to sharpen it using a Norton India stone. After working up the burr keep flipping it to remove it. Then it starts giving you a better edge. DM

 

[Ugaldie]

Jauregi uses 1045 in his standard axes, sharpness holds well, they are tough and easy to sharpen.

 

[Moonw]

Well that might be debatable. But since we don't know what most manufacturers used your statement might go unchallenged. But ya, they have it right.
Not sure why Council bothers with 5160? Just as well use 1045 at that low of a RC.

Well, fair enough , point taken. Some will tell, some will keep it a mistery .

Good point on 5160 as well.

 

[Moonw]

Jauregi uses 1045 in his standard axes, sharpness holds well, they are tough and easy to sharpen.

I have no doubt, I have the impression it's the same in other parts of Europe as well. I would not hold anything against one made out of 4140 either, TBH. Toughness is more important than edge holding imo at the end of the day, especially for "hobby" users. OTOH, it depends on what type of implement we are considering as well...would it make a night to day difference, for example, in a splitting maul? I don't think so.

But yes, if fancy steel is used and paid for handsomly, it would be nice to see every ounce of performance squeezed out of it.

 

[garry3]

Well, fair enough , point taken. Some will tell, some will keep it a mistery .

Good point on 5160 as well.

I know some of the Americans manufactures were making axes from more than just simple carbon steel. Just what it was I don't know. I think nothing to fancy. It would be interesting to find out though.
This guy had some vintage saws tested. The carbon content in the old backsaw is interesting. It didn't test well at all. Probably a crap shoot as to what you were working with at one time.
http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/steel.html

 

[Kevin Houtzager]

X

 

[Moonw]

I know some of the Americans manufactures were making axes from more than just simple carbon steel. Just what it was I don't know. I think nothing to fancy. It would be interesting to find out though.
This guy had some vintage saws tested. The carbon content in the old backsaw is interesting. It didn't test well at all. Probably a crap shoot as to what you were working with at one time.
http://www.disstonianinstitute.com/steel.html

That seems like a very interesting read...thanks Garry!

 

[Hickory n steel]

Why not just get a better made actual American felling axe ? Vintage heads are common, often better, and much less expensive.