How did this happen (cracked axe head)

G

Grass Blade

Joined
Mar 6, 2022
Messages
40
I found an old axe head metal detecting. The face is split right down the middle. Could the hardenee bit have rusted away?
Nxd5YBZ.jpeg
1cyX8M3.jpeg
TRkmJUr.jpeg
DuvAnWg.jpeg
4xKZfpX.jpeg
 
In full seriousness in old wrapped-method axes that delaminated, a lot of folks would drill holes and put some rivets through to keep it shut. Granted, the bit portion seems to be completely missing here.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
In full seriousness in old wrapped-method axes that delaminated, a lot of folks would drill holes and put some rivets through to keep it shut. Granted, the bit portion seems to be completely missing here.
Click to expand...
Ive seen that with an old keen kutter! Im guessing this one is basically scrap now.
 
Grass Blade said:
Make a frankenstien axe!
Click to expand...
One of the benefits of this construction was that a smith could delaminate the bit and weld in a knew carbon blade once the old one was worn out. If you did that, you’d be keeping with a historical tradition that isn’t commonly practiced any more. I’d refurbish it just for the sake of saying I have it!
 
EngrSorenson said:
One of the benefits of this construction was that a smith could delaminate the bit and weld in a knew carbon blade once the old one was worn out. If you did that, you’d be keeping with a historical tradition that isn’t commonly practiced any more. I’d refurbish it just for the sake of saying I have it!
Click to expand...
Would a smith know how to properly set a new bit inside nowdays?
 
Grass Blade said:
Would a smith know how to properly set a new bit inside nowdays?
Click to expand...
Yes- they’re out there. I’ve met a few that do that kind of work. I’ve also seen a smith on these forums who produced a wrapped head axe, and I’m sure he could do that… though I can’t remember who that was.
 
For a smith of moderate skill it's not much trouble to do. The biggest challenge would just be getting the piece cleaned up well enough it'd weld well, and electrolysis and a wire brush would get it back to bright and shining metal.
 
I think it would be extremely cool to have a blacksmith repair this axe if financially practical.
I'm not sure what that sort of thing might cost, but I figure you could probably save money doing as much of the prep work yourself as possible.
 
"Blacksmith Johan Johansen from Fagernes in Norway is forging a new carpenters axe from an old axe head. He is giving a second life to this old axe. It was a common practice in the old days to restore worn out axes by replacing the steel inlay so the blade is like new again."


Bob
 
Hickory n steel said:
I think it would be extremely cool to have a blacksmith repair this axe if financially practical.
I'm not sure what that sort of thing might cost, but I figure you could probably save money doing as much of the prep work yourself as possible.
Click to expand...
It would be neat. Ive cleaned up most of the outside and havent found any makers marks. And am looking around.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top