Help with Kelly double bit find

J

Jdl04h

Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
4
So I have been bitten by the axe bug, and I have been on the search for a "project". I recently picked up a kelly perfect double bit for pretty cheap. It appeared to be in good condition the bits weren't badly chipped. There was a nice substantial layer of rust and the level of pitting couldn't really be seen, but like I said the price was right and if anything else could find its way on the wall of the man cave. So after a couple days in a vinegar bath and some attention with a wire cup brush I wound up with this.
8D125428-1697-4818-94AA-7A1676B5DFE3_zpsg3diydkt.jpg

There is some pitting but I don't think its anything too serious. What has me puzzled is the shape of the bit edge. I noticed when I first got it that the toe, and heel weren't symmetrical. It looks like the heal is further out than the toe. SO I originally thought that someone might have messed up sharpening it along the way. Well I was browsing the online auction and noticed another kelly double bit with the same asymmetry in a little worse condition. Seen below.
_57_zpsfff26fb1.jpg

So my question for you experienced collectors, Is this a particular pattern or shape? Or did two people mess up the grind on their axes the same way?:D Is this a viable head? Should I try and grind the edge symmetrical?

Thanks for the help.
 
From what I understand and have seen from the more knowledgeable members here, it typically means they've been used and sharpened a number of times, as the toes tend to get a lot more wear and damage. You'll see it a lot on vintage axes that have been well used. I have an old Maine pattern axe that has a short toe due to use.
 
Yes the toes are worn. Lots of folks split wood resting on the ground, the axe splits the wood and the toe goes into the dirt and rocks. This causes wear and damage/chipping so the user files down the damage to restore a sharp edge. Over time you get this worn toe look. You can use it as is or get it looking right again by carefully grinding down the heels to match.
 
Thanks guys, makes perfect sense. I don't know how I feel about trying to re grind the heels I have never tried doing something like that. I wouldn't want to totally ruin the head. I might just make this a wall hanger.
 
It would not be too much trouble to reshape that head if you have the tools and some time. I would draw the shape you want then carefully grind down the heels to match the toes, going slow a little at a time, keeping the bit cooled with water. Then comes the time consuming part of filing the bit thin as grinding it back will leave the edge too thick. A couple hours and some elbow grease and you are done.
 
With one that worn you might as well make it a wall hanger. Save the heroics for a better lesser worn axe.

Kelly Perfects are kinda hot right now. You might flip that one on ebay and see if you can't find some other axe in better shape for a project.
 
For me, a wall hanger would be one in near perfect condition, "too good to use" kind of stuff, original labels, original handles, near mint, etc... The axes that take some work are the best project axes and the best users. There looks to be over 1 inch of hardened bit left there, plenty of life left. Why someone would want to hang an axe that needs work on the wall is beyond me unless you live in a Cracker Barrel Restaurant.
 
Here is an axe that is very similar it might help to compare with. I have had it for years in my garage just to help with yard-work:

10928835_759755094115373_7165101096408134998_n.jpg
 
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