Is this a cruiser? (Kelly Flint Edge content)

[jnevill]

Hey all, I have this Kelly Flint Edge double bit, it is 3lbs, 10” wide, is this a heavy cruiser or just a light double bit?

FFEA7256-ED23-461B-B22E-B82355C3D126 by jim nevill, on Flickr

17DCD396-DEA5-45E2-908B-53B21382C9A8 by jim nevill, on Flickr

 

[jnevill]

The reason I ask is, the eye hole is small, the size of a cruiser handle, it is entirely too small for a felling handle. In case you were wondering....

 

[Nbrackett]

The eye size should answer that question. A cruiser should be 2 1/4” x 5/8” or close.

 

[Square_peg]

Looks like a well worn full size axe. A cruiser is typically 8"-8-1/2" wide.

 

[muleman77]

I'd call that a full size as well. 3 lbs is not the most common size for full size doubles, but it's not really unusual either.

That ones a good user, from the look. You should do well with it, cruiser or not.

If its indeed the cruiser size eye, hang it on a nice 28", and no problem!

 

[A17]

Just for fun I drove into town to check out the Portland Expo Center Antique Fair. Some very interesting tools and bladed items. There was some interesting stuff i.e. Norlund-ish Hudson Bay with "US" log stamp welded to the poll- no markings, guy selling one- and two man crosscuts in a variety of tooth patterns. Might have to revisit tomorrow..., lots of Northern King hewing hatchets for 40-45$, Plumb Boy Scouts hatchets in mediocre/recoverable shape to dead for way too much - $45-$75 and a guy with barrels of NOS/used handles and about 12 hafted axes of notable marks - Marshall Wells, Stiletto, Northern King, Collins (simple Collins logo in a rectangle), etc.


I ran across a Plumb rafting pattern that was reeeeeaally toe worn. I'd like to try a rafting pattern and the poll on this one was pretty much untouched. The gentleman wouldn't do less than $65. Half-sorry I didn't get it actually.

I did run across a two-man log carrier with a cracked but holding handle with solid tack on it for $15. It is marked PAT APPLD FOR (as far as I can see) on one side and (S)T & HWKS 15 on the other. The "S" could be another letter but without cleaning it up right now that is all I can make out.

Seems medium weight and in good shape. The vendor was cool and enjoyed talking about it before selling it to me. When someone says they remind you of someone they know and lighten up, talk price when appropriate lol.

Here is a broad axe(?) head that I talked into 48$. Nice guy. I had to hop on the scale with it as I don't have a scale over 5.2lbs. Took the difference three times with and three times without it held to chest was 7lb,9-10oz. It has some evidence of banging on the top of the eye and some bit damage at the toe. Canadian pattern? The only other I saw was already handled and in really intact condition but $175 firm isn't my bag. Different pattern as well - tie-hacker or Pennsylvania.

Unsure of the maker's mark but maybe someone here recognizes it?

I think this will be fun to restore to action and try my hand at it. If nothing else, then some rough-hewn borders for a stone trail out back. The handle will be a good little project.

The same guy was willing to part with a Plumb double bit he kept calling a "topper's axe". it's marked 3'2 which sounds close to full-size at 3.5# but the eye is pretty close in size to one of my cruisers.

Did Plumb make a 3.2# cruiser or is it just a very evenly worn full-size head? It measures 9" In width.
It's pretty where it's not damaged but will need to be replaced to actually use it safely.


Fun morning.
*no hole in handle. Was head down with a recent purchase that does have a hole... Over-rationed myself I do believe...

No its not a cruiser. These topping axes were usually hung on shorter hafts and will have a hole through them. Eye sizes are not standard and I have axes that fall in between a full size eye and a cruiser. It seems that the older axes had a tendency to have eyes wider and not as long as the more modern ones, just in general, you will find all kinds of exceptions.
http://www.washington.edu/uwired/outreach/cspn/Website/Classroom Materials/Curriculum Packets/High Lead Logging/I.html

If you'll notice Square_peg, the head is only stamped 3, not 3². Therefore, I believe it started life as a 3lber and is not a worn down 3.5lber. Perhaps it is a topper's axe? I think that's the right name for it. Agent_H has a plumb one I think.

 

[jnevill]

It indeed has the cruiser sized eye, I guess that makes sense then, it is a heavy cruiser/topper. It appears to have minimal wear, I’ll post some pics after I haft it.

Thanks all for the input.

Jim

 

[Agent_H]

Jnevill, I can't speak to your axe but this one is a worn full-size axe:

 

[junkenstien]

Thought cruisers are 2 1/2 lbs.Have a 3lb double on a 32 inch handle and like it a lot.

 

[Jasper33]

I also have a 3lb on a 32” handle, and it definitely has a full size eye. One thing I noticed that is different is that mine has the 3 stamped on the back, opposite side of the Kelly stamp, yours has it on the same side. At any rate a toppers axe is a nice find!

 

[quinton]

I grew up with, and love a 3lb. DB.

 

[Yankee Josh]

This is a timely thread! I just got a snow and neally that's kind of in between. Weighs a bit much to be a cruiser in my way of thinking. But it has a
2-5/8 " eye. Also i could've sworn that this was a mono steel axe but it does indeed have overlaid bits. I'll post more pics in it followed me home.