Interesting find, some ruminations, and a question or two

Marcelo Cantu · May 25, 2016

So my dream store opened up near me. It's called "Dad's consignment". All second hand tools and power equipment. I pass by about once a week and today I found this:

After some clean up and sharpening, the only marking I can see is a "6". It's nine inches long, four wide at the poll and five heel to toe. It balances like not all all and I assume the weight is 6 lbs. To my eye, it may be of English origin due to the shape. Maybe an Elwell or a Spear & Jackson. what says you?

As ugly as that eye looks that hang is true and solid. I haven't decided if I'll rehang it. it does sit rather high and goofy. If I do I'll have to wait until after my carpal tunnel surgery next week.

BTW do you ever feel like you're secretly pampering yourself when you use Gojo? I do!

Marcelo Cantu · May 25, 2016

so as not to start a whole thread on some random thoughts and questions; I figure I'll just add them here.

I have a Collins 5 lb. rafting pattern axe. I got it a while ago and was new to resoring axes. I gave it a good vinegar soak and most of the rust came off, but so did all the good patina. I tried to use some cold blue on it but it just turns a lemony shade of steel. What gives? is this some different kind of steel? The only thing I can think is that the entire head is hardened and not just the bit and poll; but that wouldn't make sense. or would it? it does transmit a lot of vibration when splitting.

Next question: Last week I picked up a 3 lb double bit marked "Red Diamond" in script. Does anyone know who made these? I got it at the same shop BTW.

Square_peg · May 25, 2016

Cool big axe. I agree with your assessment of British made or at least inspired. With so many axe makers in the NE in the early days I'm sure somebody made axes like this in the US.

I would rehang it. There's plenty of shoulder left to drop it down.

300Six · May 26, 2016

Goes to show the value of a maker's stamp over and above collector value: what is it, who made it and where is it from. 6 pounds would be a brute by any Euro or Brit standards and the flat cheeks don't lend themselves to use as a splitter. Seems to me the Brits were generally anal about stamping stuff (just look at their knives, tools, guns, bikes and cars) with maker and inspection marks so I'd be looking elsewhere for Country of origin.

Marcelo Cantu · May 26, 2016

It has subtle but unmistakable convexity to the cheeks. The only reason I think it's from the"old country" is that I can't imagine a North American axe maker making an axe like this, the axis point being so far back, within the last 150 years. It does have traces of red paint on the underside of the poll.

Square_peg · May 27, 2016

Marcelo Cantu said:
The only reason I think it's from the"old country" is that I can't imagine a North American axe maker making an axe like this, the axis point being so far back, within the last 150 years.

The long bit is balanced by the large poll. It's within the range of American made axes, but does have a British look. What's the eye size?

Marcelo Cantu · May 27, 2016

I see what you mean. A rather large poll but held sideways, the bit quickly rotates down. I haven't tried any felling strikes with it but swinging it informs me that I would have to grip it much more tightly in order to aim it properly.

300Six · May 27, 2016

Marcelo Cantu said:
I see what you mean. A rather large poll but held sideways, the bit quickly rotates down. I haven't tried any felling strikes with it but swinging it informs me that I would have to grip it much more tightly in order to aim it properly.

What he's asking is length x width at the eye, and the poll counterweight. Mediterranean axes (Ugaldie are you there?) have no poll counterweight at all and yet the energetic Basque characters that use them competitively chop through logs and automobiles with wild abandon.