Help with "Genuine Norlund" axe.

M

mammoth29

Joined
Aug 19, 2011
Messages
36
I purchased this axe at a local shop, saw it sitting in the back corner collecting dust and cobwebs. Wondering if anyone has any additional information on this- year, value, etc..

I think it's a saddle cruiser and it has a handle of 24".

Thanks!

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It's no good, I have a place where I take old stuff like that...

Seriously, that's a fantastic find. There will be people who are in the know much more than I am, but I suspect that you are seeing the original bronze paint on the axe with some surface rust. If you were cleaning it I would be careful not to strip it as Norlund's in this condition are rare (again, there will be people in the know who can confirm or challenge this one). A cruiser axe too - well done.
 
mrkus said:
If you were cleaning it I would be careful not to strip it as Norlund's in this condition are rare.
Click to expand...

Thanks mrkus! Any ideas on how to clean it up without harming the paint?

Anyone else have an idea on this cruiser?
 
Great find. It's in very good shape. As mrkus said the root beer colored paint is stock. These were made for Norlund by the Mann Edge Tool Co. in Lewistown PA.

http://yesteryearstools.com/Yesteryears Tools/Norlund Co..html

All of them that I find go straight to the internet auction site. They fetch a price well beyond their value as a usable axe. Folks just love the Hudson Bay and Cruiser style Norlunds. They're not a top line axe like a Flint Edge or Kelly Perfect or Collins Legitimus. They're made for 'sportsman' not for men who worked in the forest products industry. Some members here may be upset with me for for saying that but this is what the file tells me when I sharpen a Norlund.

It's a good quality American made axe. That puts it head and shoulders above the cheap import stuff that's sold in hardware stores today.

And I don't mean to dis the Mann Edge Tool Co. They made tons of great stuff. But they made Norlunds to the spec that Norlund gave them. And that means very good but not great, IMO.
 
Older Norlunds were of better quality than the newer ones, as in the ones from the late 70s into the 80s were poor quality overall. The older specimens were usually much better as there was more demand for those items.

As pegs said they go for nice money online as guys but for the name and that's about it.

I would wd40 it up and go put it away it will increase in value over time.
 
Pegs,
Yee break me heart, yee do.... :) I bought one of the 24" straight handle cruisers off the site and, yes, paid a premium for it, but I do love that little axe. Carries well when woods tromping and does a fair enough job, even splitting kindling one handed.

I just bought a second head to play with. Not as hard as woodpecker lips but easy enough to maintain for a hobbyist like me.

Bill
 
Mammoth,
That is a fine looking axe! The ones I find in shops are usually non branded, beat to pieces and priced at 50.00 plus. I have had some success at a local flea market but nothing like that one!

Ebay means higher prices but everyone needs a hobby and good tools are a joy.

;) Pegs- I have paid too much for some things on there for sure but I am finding out what I really like in configurations and that is worth the cost to me. The Norland does not sing to the file the way the Perfect Jersey does but it has found a place with me. It will ride in the back of the car and walk the woods when I am not intent on felling or bucking but know that I might need a little something. Nice that it fits in the tub for the chainsaw as well. I have some Plumb 2.5lb heads coming that might be interesting additions :)

Bill
 
Price is in the eye of the beholder. It's what it is worth to you. Only you can justify what you pay for an axe or any other tool. Hell I shelled out $1700 for an axe head. I'm ok with it.
 
:) I did buy a mint Kelly Perfect Jersey head for 6.00 at the flea show. Maybe that levels out a few other buys ;)

I figure the end justifies the means. When I see a hole in my tool/skills... I like to try a number of options, find the best one for me and then sell off the excess. Right now I am in acquisition mode. Some heads I bought for the pure relaxing pleasure of refurbing and rehandling as time permits. Cheaper than playing poker for a past time :)

I covet a Black Raven but it is above my budget now. Maybe a bit later....

Bill
 
lmalterna said:
:) I did buy a mint Kelly Perfect Jersey head for 6.00 at the flea show. Maybe that levels out a few other buys ;)

I figure the end justifies the means. When I see a hole in my tool/skills... I like to try a number of options, find the best one for me and then sell off the excess. Right now I am in acquisition mode. Some heads I bought for the pure relaxing pleasure of refurbing and rehandling as time permits. Cheaper than playing poker for a past time :)

I covet a Black Raven but it is above my budget now. Maybe a bit later....

Bill
Click to expand...

He covets......last time I heard that was Silence of the Lambs.....and that guys name was Bill too.....
 
LOL!!!! Hmmmm.... I can shave with an axe, can I flay with an axe?

There have been both famous and notorious Williams in history. I think I will likely be an inconsequential one.

Bill
 
LOL, now the thread is taking a creepy turn..... All I wanted was to know if my $5 paid was a good investment :)
 
Mammoth,
A VERY good investment :) I can offer you triple your investment right now. What brokerage firm can do that ;)

Bill
 
I was just cleaning up an old axe head, and it's stamp says it's a genuine norlund, and I was looking at the yesteryear website and I seem to have a voyager. Being a line of sporting axes, what's the difference between sport and work axes? and is there anything about a genuine norlund I should whether it be history, how to sharpen, etc. Thanks in advance.
 
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