Kelly Vintage Axes- hardening

Based on ones that others have posted after soaking them a vinegar to clean them...I would say at least one to two inches.

Tom
 
Moving off topic a little to Plumb (instead of Kelly), Plumb advertised its axes as having "twice the life". Below is an ad which said that the bits were "double tempered for two full inches above the cutting edge".

These days, ANSI standards call for hardening at least a half inch back from the cutting edge, and Council Tool aims for 1-1/4 inch from the edge.

books

ad from the December 3, 1921 Saturday Evening Post
 
Hi Guys

Thanks for replying. The reason I asked you what you knew about the amount of heat treatment is because I just purchased a vintage Belknap Bluegrass 2lb.
axe head. I read somewhere that someone was sure that Kelly was the manufacturer. If so, then Kelly put a 1 5/8 inch heat treatment back from the edge. I just pulled the axe head out of the vinegar bath and was really surprised.

I am so glad that you sent to me the Plumb advertisment telling about the approx. 2 inch heat treatment. I saw this sometime ago on Tools of Yesterday(?).
I am a huge fan of Plumb axes and own 5 of these vintage axes. I have sharpened all 5 to razor sharpness on a belt sander. They are just wonderful. Also, really hold an edge extremely well.

What go you guys know about the reputation of the Belknap Bluegrass Axes and who was the manufacturer?

Ripshin
 
Hi Guys

Thanks for replying. The reason I asked you what you knew about the amount of heat treatment is because I just purchased a vintage Belknap Bluegrass 2lb.
axe head. I read somewhere that someone was sure that Kelly was the manufacturer. If so, then Kelly put a 1 5/8 inch heat treatment back from the edge. I just pulled the axe head out of the vinegar bath and was really surprised.

I am so glad that you sent to me the Plumb advertisment telling about the approx. 2 inch heat treatment. I saw this sometime ago on Tools of Yesterday(?).
I am a huge fan of Plumb axes and own 5 of these vintage axes. I have sharpened all 5 to razor sharpness on a belt sander. They are just wonderful. Also, really hold an edge extremely well.

What go you guys know about the reputation of the Belknap Bluegrass Axes and who was the manufacturer?

Ripshin
 
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