It followed me home (Part 2)

Curt Hal said:
View attachment 1088338 View attachment 1088339 View attachment 1088340 View attachment 1088341 Got this DB in a package deal. It was so rusted I was going to throw it out. But after 2 long vinegar baths, I took it out and cleaned it up. Once all the corrosion was off, it didn’t look too bad at all, and the edge was still sharp enough to cut me. No markings except for the “3 1/4” shown. Now I just need to locate a suitable haft.
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That's a nice ol double! I was hoping someone would recognize yours as I've got one that's pretty similar. Unfortunately mine only has the weight stamp as well. It has diamond eye.
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Old Axeman said:
Y. J.-- In that pattern the tool you have is a Pike Pole (still being made) It was used, usually with a long ash handle, for raising timber frame and pole frame buildings (houses, barns, out buildings, etc.); it was also used as a push pole when felling pecker pole stands of timber (pulp wood, fence posts); and until the use of heavy equipment, for setting and plumbing utility poles. The twist is actually a screw point to give it purchase on whatever you are pushing. Your pattern would not be used much on river drives because of the screw point. The last thing you want is a grabby point when you are balancing on a log and trying to push or pull floating logs. I used to compete in log burling contests and it is tough enough just to stay on the log.
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That's good to know! Thank you for letting me know the difference.
 
Curt Hal said:
0a21a286-ba31-43f6-b9a3-90ffdd8fece1-jpeg.1088339
Got this DB in a package deal. It was so rusted I was going to throw it out. But after 2 long vinegar baths, I took it out and cleaned it up. Once all the corrosion was off, it didn’t look too bad at all, and the edge was still sharp enough to cut me. No markings except for the “3 1/4” shown. Now I just need to locate a suitable haft.
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That's cool. Glad you cleaned it up.

Those top and bottom shots are the money shots. Shows you still have good material at the bit. But also shows why an inlaid bit is preferable to an overlay. With an inlay the carbon steel would reach further back in the center of the axe.
 
Square_peg said:
That's cool. Glad you cleaned it up.

Those top and bottom shots are the money shots. Shows you still have good material at the bit. But also shows why an inlaid bit is preferable to an overlay. With an inlay the carbon steel would reach further back in the center of the axe.
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That explains why slightly worn Snow&Nelly hatchet I looked at was so soft.
 
Old Axeman said:
The PA and New Orleans broad axe heads look usable. They are also my two favorite head patterns for actual hewing as opposed to looking at. The wear pattern on the New Orleans shows it to have been hung right handed, but either head could be hung right or left.
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Thank you Sir.
I was very patient. Few months ago I had a chance to purchase Goosewing broad axe, but I wanted a reversible pattern, first. It is very hard to find New Orleans in working shape (especially in my neck of the woods). I will definitely re-watch "Axe to Grind"
This morning when I was researching and getting ready to pull the trigger on those 2 axes, I learned 3 new facts. I stumbled on 2 patterns I have never heard before: Ramsey, and Pittsburg without letter "h"(Pattern created between 1891 and 1911 when that city temporarily lost its "h"?). Also, I learned that in early XX century hardware stores used to sell broad axes with long 32-36 inch handles.
pic taken from Dictionary of American Hand Tools, Alvin Sellens


Edit
To prevent any off-topic discussion, I moved big part of this post to new thread titled https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/curious-case-of-broad-axes-with-long-hadles.1648686/
 
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What they call Ramsey is usually called a Canadian pattern. I refer to what they call Pennsylvania and Pittsburg patterns both as just Pennsylvania pattern. I hope you get them both hung and sharp, ready to use. Then report back as you start to broad axe hew. Watch "These Old Cabin Logs" instead of "Axe To Grind" If I remember, there may be a little more information.
 
Old Axeman said:
What they call Ramsey is usually called a Canadian pattern. I refer to what they call Pennsylvania and Pittsburg patterns both as just Pennsylvania pattern. I hope you get them both hung and sharp, ready to use. Then report back as you start to broad axe hew. Watch "These Old Cabin Logs" instead of "Axe To Grind" If I remember, there may be a little more information.
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Some catalogs also used Ottawa broad axe name for Canadian pattern.
I need to study Square_peg's removable wedge system tutorial. I think I will buy wheelbarrow handle from Lowes (it says it is hardwood....probably Ash), cut in half and try to steam bend left and right offset hafts.
 
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jblyttle said:
Weeeee!

IMG_20190311_195238 by Justin Lyttle, on Flickr
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Damn Skippy !!!, Great haul.

I've wanted a classic jigged bone scout for a while and that one just above the Remington would fit the bill if it's in decent enough condition.
I'd like to see a pic or two if you don't mind.
And that second one up from the far right that looks like maybe a a Camillus #72.
 
Hickory n steel said:
Damn Skippy !!!, Great haul.

I've wanted a classic jigged bone scout for a while and that one just above the Remington would fit the bill if it's in decent enough condition.
I'd like to see a pic or two if you don't mind.
And that second one up from the far right that looks like maybe a a Camillus #72.
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PM me and I'll send you pics.
 
Thank you,these are indeed some excellent photos.
Hard to tell what exactly happened:If the smith needed to add to the poll by welding on an extra chunk...Or the steel itself was badly contaminated with slag inclusions,and later delaminated along those...(that poor axe Was beat up very severely).
Looks `like a great axe yet,could be straightened out(if need be...).
Great to see stuff like that,thanks again...
 
Only one thing today. I wasn't going to bother to post it but I need help figuring out the maker. I've been looking since yesterday afternoon and i can't find the handle maker
SALEM MFG CO
leader
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The "Salem" might not be correct but i think that's what it says. Also i can't see any other words on either side of the word "leader" underneath but that word is the clearest. Does any of that ring a bell with anyone? Thanks Jblyttle for the haft.20190313_153519.jpg 20190313_153532.jpg 20190313_153504.jpg
Thank you if anyone can help.
 
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