How many axes... do you actually buy?

C

Crazyotter

Joined
Jun 26, 2010
Messages
334
Got thinking based on the hatchet thread, but didn't want to thread jack. When your out and about, ignoring the axes abused almost beyond restoration, how many axes do you actually buy of what you see?
 
I rarely see anything worth buying around here. That being said, I've bought almost every good, vintage axe I have come across locally other than those at antique shops that ask antique shop prices.
 
The only axes I have found that were worth anything have been from family members or co workers. I have come across a few in antique type stores, but nothing I would be willing to work on. I buy mine off of the bay, and even then it can be a disappointment. I think its just the thrill of waiting for its arrival more than anything. "How many plumb DBs does 1 guy really need?" my bride may ask. Apparently 36 was not the correct answer...
 
I stay off the bay, because I'm so cheap and I begrudge the shipping. I've found a lot at garage and estate sales. Old Plumbs, Craftsmans, Collinses.

It's gotten so I won't buy another axe unless it's incredibly cheap or in superb condition or a name I don't have. Or a name to conjure with. Or a strange pattern. Or it has an indefinable something that grabs me.

The last one I got I wouldn't have paid more than a dollar for, but since they were asking a dollar, and the helve seemed pretty sound, I bought it. It turned out to be an un-abused plumb under the rust of neglect- still a pretty good edge on it.

The last one I passed on was marked $3 and had a fat weld on one side of the eye and a couple of box nails through the other side of the eye. Just now it occurs to me I should have bought it for the helve- it was half-price day. Rats.
 
almost all the bits except at antique shops if they are marked retail.
bought five double bits last week at auction
two are in very good shape and marked
two are so so, but can be brought up to snuff.
one is chipped but has a good side

i figure the axes have a good home with me. i can clean them up ,hang new handles and sharpen them properly
if someone needs an axe i have them

i reckon i have close to forty five to fifty hatchets and axes. obviously i can only use one at a time.

i don't have them just to have them, i've had to spend hours on them to clean and sharpen them and hang new handles, enjoyable project i like doing it and not many people around here mess with them anymore.
busted handle, they go buy a new axe, usually. although i did help a young fella re-handle a cross pein hammer the other day.

buzz
 
Today I bought an absolutelly new Ochsenkopf Forstaxt with 1,2 kilogramm headweight. Light axe for heavy duty. Tomorrow I´ll gonna be in the woods for making firewood. I´ll test it tomorrow, though I already know the result ;)

Kind regards
Andi
 
Humppa said:
Tomorrow I´ll gonna be in the woods for making firewood. I'll test it tomorrow, though I already know the result ;)

Kind regards
Andi
Click to expand...

Tell us the result anyway. And if you get a chance then take a few pictures.
 
I have a Ochsenkopf Universal coming in the mail probably late next week.
Still learning how to handle something at this length.
 
@square-peg: I used the axe in a normal way. No real heavy duty. Just removed branchets of the trees we fell. The coating isn´t as nice as it was on friday, when I bought it. The polished blade has some scratches. But that´s pretty normal. I think. The axe works good and fast. It has just 1,2 kilogram headweight. The one with 1,6 kilogram headweight is a pretty heavy forest axe. My personal fave, when a quick result is needed. Felling smaller trees and having no gas for the chainsaw ;) I can post a pic of the used axe, tomorrow. When I find time for this.

@JayGoliath: Which axes have you used yet? Which axes are traditionally used in Malaysia?
We in Germany have something like this (I gave it already an extra thread)

IMG_1167.jpg


Kind regards
Andi
 
Cool, ty everyone for the replies. I was curious about other people here, since I pass up almost 3 out of 4 plain usable axes I see here, all at decent prices (10 or under). Mainly because their full size axes or hatchets.
 
nice pieces are generally hard to come by around here, but i have 'lucked' up a few times...

if i do come across a nice one i try to get it if i can...
 
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