Hello

[Gingerman]

Hi group.
New here, old everywhere else.
Somehow, I lost my Plumb hand axe that I had for 50 years, and so have been trying to replace it. As the brain cells go, other things disapear too.

I've bought a couple of hardware store axes, and have been sorely disappointed. They won't hold an edge. This seems to be a common complaint. Another old guy complaint I have is that folks confuse axes and hatchets. This may seem like old geezer crap, but they have different forms, and different uses.

Anyhoo, i'm zeroing in on Husqvarna or Collins. They seem to use good steel, and good wood. They're really well priced too. I just can't pay Granfors or Wetterling prices.

I use my axe for many large knife functions, so need steel that HOLDS an edge as well as taking a good one. My old Plumb would take a shaving edge, and hold it for fine work, and remain sharp for rough stuff.

 

[M3mphis]

Hi, Gingerman. Welcome.

I had an old Plumb cruiser, which I gave to my dad. That thing takes a ridiculously sharp edge and holds it. Just from the feel of sharpening it, I can tell you that it is one of the hardest axes I have or have had, and yet has proven to be plenty tough. I've never used a husky, but I think you'd be disappointed in a modern collins. The two modern collins axes that I have used have been okay, but holding an edge was far from their strong suit.

To get the kind of performance you did from your old Plumb, I think you'll have to spring for an expensive axe - OR just peruse ebay till you find an old Plumb like you had before. Then again, maybe the husky will do it for you, and they aren't too expensive. I've read some pretty favorable reviews on them. Personally, I'd look for another Plumb.

 

[bearhunter]

welcome gingerman.
yeah, im with memphis. id stay away from the 'made in mexico' collins axes and find myself another nice old plump...

 

[Log cutter]

Hear Hear! Id also try looking for another old Plumb. Another modern axe that may suit is the Baileys work/race axe. I havent used it but I have read some reviews and people seem to like em. Bahco is another modern make. The old Plumbs were hard to beat though!

 

[HandAxeProMan]

I have an old Plumb hatchet that is great. If you can find another one on ebay or somewhere for a reasonable price, I would jump on it. I'm a little surprised on your comment on the Wetterlings. I have a Wetterlings that I love. It cost less than half the price of a Granfors and only a little more than the Husky. I think I only paid $70 or so for it.

 

[screened porch]

Gingerman, I'm curious-
If your Plumb was a hand axe instead of a hatchet, are you reserving "hatchet" for things like shingling hatchets and lathing hatchets? I'd like to hear about your classificatory scheme.
As for the replacement hand axe, I agree with the others. Get an old one on e-bay, or try garage and estate sales, flea markets, antique shops. You can get them cheap enough to take a chance on the quality of an unknown brand.
Or Council makes great axes, in my opinion. Look for them at Smoky Mountain Knifeworks or Forestry Suppliers.