Help identify this double bit

[jeremy1517]

My Grandparents gave me this old double bit axe of theirs. I cannot find any markings other than it was at one time painted red. Anyone have any idea what brand it is?

Also, what refurbs should I do? Planning on putting on a new handle and sharpening it. Should I do anything else?

 

[Col Defender]

If you havenot already done this,soak it in vinegar for at least a day and get all the rust off. I just did this to what I thought was a no name axe and found out it was really a Kelly! At least it's worth a try.

 

[Square_peg]

It's a western pattern DB and appears to be vintage so it's likely a good axe. Many good axes were sold with paper labels and no stamp in the metal itself. There's no way to be certain of the manufacturer without finding a stamp. But one sign you might find are ridges in the eye. Several vintage axe makers made eyes with ridges. I've never seen them in a cheap import POS. But lack of ridges doesn't mean your axe isn't good or even great. The real test is the file.

A vinegar soak is a good idea. It works well and no special equipment is needed. OTOH, if you happen to have an angle grinder you can remove the rust with a wire cup brush. This process leaves the patina on the axe. Many of us prefer the look of a natural patina on an axe. But it's not important - it's just a personal preference.

At a glance it looks like a very good axe to me. The tips of the bit don't show excessive wear. The cheeks appear to have a convex shape to them. That's the norm for vintage axes - not so for modern import POS's. And the fact that it's been in your family for some time just makes it that much better. I hope you get it hung and enjoy using it.

 

[jeremy1517]

My Grandfath purchased the axe in Pennsylvania in the 1950's. It's been used a bunch but he has taken good care of it. It hasn't been used much the past 10 yrs but it has been out of the elements. The pics aren't the greatest but there is hardly any surface rust on it. I haven't been sure what to do. Personally, I love the "used" look. I don't want a polished look. I'm going to put a handle on it. Not sure what length though. It has a 32" handle but I can't find replacements that length. I've found 36" on handle house but the head seems to be more of a cruiser double bit. I was thinking a 28" handle might be better.

So, take the grinder and wire brush to the surface. File for the edges, although, I like the edge profile, nice convex, may just sharpen it. Is it bad to use Ballistol to kinda clean it?

 

[jeremy1517]

it does have ridges in the eye.

 

[Square_peg]

Then it's probably a True Temper/Kelly axe. I've also seen the ridges in Collins and Stiletto axes.