HURD RAZOR BLADE HATCHET

[the-accumulator]

I found this in an antique mall yesterday. I couldn't read the mark until after I bought it and cleaned it up a little:


I think it says: HURD CAST STEEL RAZOR BLADE. I read that that mark could go back well into the 19th century if it was made by Jamestown Axe Company, or it could be an AA&T Co mark used as late as 1921. Can anyone narrow it down a bit for me? Thanks, T-A

 

[the-accumulator]

I guess not too many of you know much about Hurd (or you're just keeping it a secret!). I've read that Hurd was one of the many companies that became part of American Axe & Tool Company. So I found it a coincidence that two days after I acquired the Hurd, I stumbled on a nice AA&TCo hatchet in pretty good condition. This one has phantom bevels and a patent date of 1900. Below are photos of the two hatchets along with a MASTERCRAFT/ Coast to Coast Stores 3+ pounder:






I'm still looking for more info, so please share it if you've got it. Thanks T-A.

 

[the-accumulator]

I cleaned the HURD with a twisted wire cup on an angle grinder and found a line of demarcation.



Is this differential hardening or a steel bit in an iron frame? Thanks T-A

 

[lmalterna]

I do not know anything about Hurd but it looks like differential tempering to me. Have a look along the top or bottom and see if you see a distinct V shape to the harder steel.

I REALLY like AA&T. I do not have one right now as they bring premium prices but a hatchet with a nice full bit is high on my wish list. I had one that was a favorite and I gifted it before I knew how hard they were to come by.

Bill

 

[Dusty One]

A couple nice finds. Both are in great shape !

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

I found this in an antique mall yesterday. I couldn't read the mark until after I bought it and cleaned it up a little:
View attachment 1515761
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I think it says: HURD CAST STEEL RAZOR BLADE. I read that that mark could go back well into the 19th century if it was made by Jamestown Axe Company, or it could be an AA&T Co mark used as late as 1921. Can anyone narrow it down a bit for me? Thanks, T-A

1900 Sears catalog had Hurd's/AA&Tco products for sale, however my reprint is missing page #515 with the list of hatchets.

Very unscientific, but maybe you can compare the shapes of the hatchets?
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/blairs-victor-warranted-axe-hatchet-1866507750
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-hurds-04-carpenters-hatchet-1854493791 (#04 is most likely year of production, not the size)

 

[Square_peg]

100 years ago razor blade steel was very high carbon, typically at least 100 points of carbon with some as high as 140 points of carbon. "Razor steel" was a mark of quality for an axe - understanding that only the bit was made with this very high carbon steel. Sears' "Fulton" brand frequently boasted of being made with razor steel.

Regardless of the carbon content you can only make an axe so hard before the bit becomes brittle and inappropriate for an axe. I'd love to put a file to one sometime. I'd bet they aren't harder than high 50s RC. But they might have great edge rentention so long as you keep them out of the dirt.

 

[the-accumulator]

1900 Sears catalog had Hurd's/AA&Tco products for sale

100 years ago razor blade steel was very high carbon, typically at least 100 points of carbon with some as high as 140 points of carbon. "Razor steel" was a mark of quality

They look very much like mine. It seems to all point to c.1900-1920. Wish I owned the one in the photos still sporting its original paper label! Thank to all for your interest and for sharing. T-A