Hardware Store Ax

OutdoorEnvy said:
They're nothing like the older ones.
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+1

I just got back from (the helpful place). I just finished hanging a no-name rusty boy's axe I found at a garage sale... when I picked up the new Collins boy's axe to compare I was NOT impressed. Not even sharp, handle grain was wacky, etc. To further support this, my dad recently purchased a 3 1/2 pound "Collins" axe for the farm. He was beyond dissappointed, more like depressed, when he found that cheap axes are not good axes and vice versa.

I'm no expert, but I would look out for some rusty alternatives to fix up. With any luck you cand spend a couple bucks on a head, $12 for a handle, and with a little bit of elbow grease have a much better alternative. At least that worked for me.
 
Alright, surprising that they'd sell that rather than any Council axes, which in my mind are the moras of the axe world.

~Zim
 
Seems there is no comparison between old and new. 'Collins' is a great name of old. I have a beautiful 41/2 lb Collins named 'Kathleen' she's a twin sister of another who resides in Montana with the name of 'Big Betty Collins' both super models.

I often look at and feel new Jersey pattern Collins axes here. Thick ugly hafts with the balance of a gumboot. Maybe they could be reshaped into something ok with a lot of work, bit personally I would much rather wait for something old to come along.

regards...Frank
 
Zimbabwe said:
Alright, surprising that they'd sell that rather than any Council axes, which in my mind are the moras of the axe world.

~Zim
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The Council boys axe sells for 40$ compared to 20$ for the junker. The Council is obviously a much better value but most people probably wouldn't know that if they had both axes in front of them.
 
The new 'Collins' axes are crappy import steel with flat cheeks that stick in the wood.

slaroy said:
I'm no expert, but I would look out for some rusty alternatives to fix up. With any luck you cand spend a couple bucks on a head, $12 for a handle, and with a little bit of elbow grease have a much better alternative.
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The choices now are:
1) find a good old axe and fix it up
2) pay a lot of money for a boutique axe (which may or may not be of high quality)
3) get a decent axe for a decent price from Council
4) order a custom axe from a well regarded blacksmith
5) live with hardware store junk

The best deal on a top quality axe is #1. I was surprised to find a wide selection of Council Tools axes at a local chainsaw shop. Might be worth making a few phone calls.
 
Frank-New Zealand said:
Seems there is no comparison between old and new. 'Collins' is a great name of old. I have a beautiful 41/2 lb Collins named 'Kathleen' she's a twin sister of another who resides in Montana with the name of 'Big Betty Collins' both super models.

I often look at and feel new Jersey pattern Collins axes here. Thick ugly hafts with the balance of a gumboot. Maybe they could be reshaped into something ok with a lot of work, bit personally I would much rather wait for something old to come along.

regards...Frank
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LOL Frank...
yes, yes indeed Frank... they ARE twins and both are supermodels :D
 
I agree with Operator1975. The quality is very disappointing. You can pick up a Fiskers axe for a few bucks more. I bought a splitting axe made by them and I'm very satisfied.
 
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