Introduction... and, recent ax find...

D

Drum4fun

Joined
Mar 21, 2018
Messages
371
Hello,
First post... historical lurker. I thought I'd share a recent
thrift store find. Found rusted, poorly maintained, pretty
much ignored by most. In the store I rubbed the rust
around and noticed I uncovered an embossed "original
Norlund" hidden . Paid the $5.00 asking price. Took the
ax home, massaged into reasonable "user" condition. Much
pitting on the blade. The dull business end looked like someone
used it to chop nails. No paint on the blade.I cleaned it up...
replaced the missing wedge, took file & stone to the leading
edge (most of the divots / burrs removed). Not quite paper
cutting sharp yet but will eventually get there. I sanded what
I believe to be the original handle and rubbed in some Linseed
oil. It will probably need replacing in the not too distant future.
Not sure what era Norlund this is but will be put back to work.
I believe this is the "CAMPER" model (but, please correct if I
am wrong). American made steel. I think a pretty good find
and rescue... will be a keeper. Any insights appreciated.
Charles
https://imgur.com/a/w9RF3
 
Drum4fun said:
Hello,
First post... historical lurker. I thought I'd share a recent
thrift store find. Found rusted, poorly maintained, pretty
much ignored by most. In the store I rubbed the rust
around and noticed I uncovered an embossed "original
Norlund" hidden . Paid the $5.00 asking price. Took the
ax home, massaged into reasonable "user" condition. Much
pitting on the blade. The dull business end looked like someone
used it to chop nails. No paint on the blade.I cleaned it up...
replaced the missing wedge, took file & stone to the leading
edge (most of the divots / burrs removed). Not quite paper
cutting sharp yet but will eventually get there. I sanded what
I believe to be the original handle and rubbed in some Linseed
oil. It will probably need replacing in the not too distant future.
Not sure what era Norlund this is but will be put back to work.
I believe this is the "CAMPER" model (but, please correct if I
am wrong). American made steel. I think a pretty good find
and rescue... will be a keeper. Any insights appreciated.
Charles
https://imgur.com/a/w9RF3
Click to expand...
I think this is the Camper, and I think this was a later production Norlund based on the roughly ground surface of the poll.
 
Thank you Hickory... I thought I had read somewhere that the quality
control at Norlund (P.A.) dropped off toward the end of their run. Still,
will work for what I need. thanks.

Charles
 
I agree hickory most likely a later production Mann head. And that handle looks like a replacement handle to me. It started out very boxy. If memory serves me right I believe they came with curved handles. But straight could have been an option. I can appreciate that fact that you saw a rusty tool and could see the potential in it. That is what it’s all about man!

Welcome to the forum!!
 
Thank you Brian. I'm kind of hoping it is a replacement
handle to relieve guilt feelings if I need to change it out.
(Silly, I know, but like to leave them original if I can). Ha !
I do check out all the rusted stuff....Tetanus is up to date !
Charles
 
Hickory & Brian....

Found this photo on the web of a Camper in original packaging...looks
like my ax handle could possibly be original... but I could be wrong. Handle
base appears different.

Charles
0
 
Thank you JB. The more I think about it ...need to re-hang, quite a bit of
wood loss is visible .

Charles
 
Nice job Bob thanks! I have never been too into Norlund myself explains why I was wrong. But regardless you saved an old tool!!
 
Thanks Brian and Bob ! I had not seen that advert. Pretty much nails it. Now,
obviously, I need to track a leather sheath ! :) Not everybody's cup of tea but
I think this is a functional piece of art. Thanks again Bob...very cool find.

Charles
 
Drum4fun said:
Thanks Brian and Bob ! I had not seen that advert. Pretty much nails it. Now,
obviously, I need to track a leather sheath ! :) Not everybody's cup of tea but
I think this is a functional piece of art. Thanks again Bob...very cool find.

Charles
Click to expand...

jCfAKQQ.jpg


8bBQ59Y.jpg


This one is 25" or so. I think you did well in picking it up :thumbsup:
 
Thanks Agent H....
Yours appears in much better trim than mine.... perfect. I really
like the coloration on your ax handle. Here is the other side of
mine.... not bad, but not as artistic as yours. It appears the
foundry paid closer attention to your blade fit and finish than
mine... mine must have been the Monday morning shift ! :)
(but, mine probably reflects post purchase neglect more than
anything).
Charles
https://imgur.com/a/W3PYn
 
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Just thought I'd include a "bullet list" for the CAMPER model
(just in case someone like me comes looking for info). Please
feel free to correct any errors. Thank you.
Charles

O.A. Norlund "Camper" ax
"Hudson Bay style ax"
American made (Lewistown, P.A.)
Circa 1968-1985
High carbon forged steel
Tempered
Single bit
Head length:
Toe of bit to top of poll: 7"
Toe to heel: 4 1/4"
Poll/butt width: 1 1/4"
Length: 24 1/2" (varies)
Weight: 2 1/2 lbs.
Handle: Hickory (straight)
 
Just to follow thru ... last p.m. spent some attention
to detail on the cutting edge.... filed, coarse stone,
fine stone, oil. Then, today , was out driving ... saw
a stack of 4x4's at a Dempsey dumpster. Brought them
home, pulled out the chain saw, cut a makeshift platform.
(I don't have an old school "stump"). Then tried out
my "new " edge cutting kindling for our cast iron stove.
The ax performed admirably... but, I learned that
my bulbous 6'1" frame does not go well with a 24" handle
length. I will re-hang a new (longer) handle.

This ax will cut ! :cool:

(apologies to true woodsman here.... this ax is all I need
for the tasks I have...).

Charles
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0
 
No sale... I have bonded with the blade.
emoji_u1f609.png
Looking
forward to re-hanging. I did pick up a sheath.... worked in
a little minwax stain and leather conditioner... might do one
more pass, but, I think it looks o.k. .

Charles
https://imgur.com/a/u0NbV
 
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