Larger double bit axe.

I

IrishPerry81

Joined
Jan 22, 2015
Messages
4
First off, I appreciate any help that comes from this.

I'm looking for suggestion/recommendations for a larger double bit axe. I'm by no means a giant (6'3 200lbs), but the available ones I've tried just seem too light, 2.5-3.5lbs or so. I've been splitting wood and bringing down trees since I could lift my grandfather's old double bit and maul. As an adult, I still try to do it as often as I can as stress relief and would like to get back to a double bit. The problem I run into though is that I can't seem to find a company that makes them in the 4.5-6 range.

I understand the stress that the heavier head would put on the handle, but I'd have thought that there would be at least one company out there. Alas, not that I've found.

While not eager to pay hundreds of dollars, I also understand you get what you pay for, most times. Any leads, tips, suggestions, etc would be great, because so far I've just hit dead-ends.
 
I think you may have to pick up a vintage axe from either a member here or to check around on an online auction site. However, there should be a decent selection. I've seen a few in the 4+ pound range pop up on here. You may end up having to find a used head and refurbing and/or rehanging it, but they're definitely out there.

Edit: I think Plumb made a few, and I believe the Puget Sound swamping patterns tend to be 4+ pounds.
 
Found what looked to be a pudget sound at 5 lbs but the seller thought axes are much more valuable when an abbrasive wire wheel is taken to an axe head so all that's left is a scratchy half arsed looking axe head that still functions, but loses all collector value.
 
Council Tool still makes single bit axes up to 6 pounds. For a big double bit I think you'll have to go vintage, but you might not find anything above 5 pounds. According to An Ax to Grind, "The double-bit ax weighed from about 2½ to 5 pounds..."
 
What are you doing with the axe? And why do you think a 3-4 lb. axe is small? Would you say you are highly skilled with an axe? I ask because generally working on technique is a better way to relieve stress than just pounding away on something.

I think you'll have a very hard time finding an axe this big. Most axes in America were made below 4 lbs. and the larger ones were generally exports to South America and Australia. That's not to say you won't find one but you may have to look more in specialist vintage dealers rather than eBay, etc..

Good luck, it can take a while to find the right axe.
 
While I won't be participating in any Lumberjack comps, I'd like to think my skill is above average, while not an expert. I prefer to fell, de-limb, section, halve, and finally get my firewood all with just an axe, maul, sledge, and wedge. I have nothing against chainsaws, but where I'm doing this for stress relief/meditation, I prefer the extra work involved.

Like you said in your closing statement, it's just about finding the right axe. The 3-4 just feel too light. I've purchased and used them and while there was nothing Wrong with them per se, they just didn't have enough heft for my taste. My splitters and sledges range from 10-12, depending on what I'm doing, so I guess I'm just inclined to go heavier with the axe as well. The reason for the double bit is straight up nostalgia. Plain and simply it just reminds me of my grandfather.
 
3 1/2 lbs. are common. 3, 3 1/4, 3 3/4, 4 lbs. are uncommon. 5 lbs. and up very rare.
 
And a quick look shows that there are a few on the big auction site...in fact there's a Sager 4.5 pounder double bit head, as well as a Plumb, and a few others I'm sure.

Edit: yep, there's a few under the "double bit axe" search. Some Sagers, some Plumbs, and there's a "5-lb" one too but it looks rough. I think you'll have to go this route unless you want to wait a while and shop your local flea markets.
 
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What does the collective think about contracting to a blacksmith to get a 5-5.5 double bit? The overall product, quality, durability, etc. In the end, to get one in good shape, at that size, I'll be going over a 150 easy. I'd be tempted to see what they could offer.
 
Sounds like you know what you need. I guess I'm still surprised when I see axes as well, I have a 3.8 lb. double-bit and when I got it I thought it looked awful small.

Let us know when you do find one. As for getting one made, I highly doubt there are any smiths who approach the level of quality from some of the old axes, definitely not the best makers anyway. But I don't know a lot of the smiths today. Maybe there are racing axe makers or unknown custom makers who could do something like that. I'd guess it'd be 400 minimum, but again, I'm not really the one to ask for that.
 
Buy a used one, and cheap. And then (after 'sprucing it up') go 'right to to town' with it on anything that needs chopping. If then you decide you don't mind facing a 'sharpie' every time you lift it up to your face, take it from there. There are lots of different profiles for what you intend to do with one of these to try to make a living (softwood or hardwood, chopping or spitting) but otherwise (for 'office boy'-handed hobbyists) these really have become relegated to 'wall hangers' and/or macho statements by 'testosterone weekend warriors' only.
 
Check out Iltis Ox-Head axes. I used an Iltis double-bit for years until I gave it to a buddy. (Worked great for field dressing moose, too.)
 
Steve Tall said:
Council Tool still makes single bit axes up to 6 pounds. For a big double bit I think you'll have to go vintage, but you might not find anything above 5 pounds. According to An Ax to Grind, "The double-bit ax weighed from about 2½ to 5 pounds..."
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Thats your best bet. Just buy a heavy Dayton from Council.

IrishPerry81 said:
What does the collective think about contracting to a blacksmith to get a 5-5.5 double bit? The overall product, quality, durability, etc. In the end, to get one in good shape, at that size, I'll be going over a 150 easy. I'd be tempted to see what they could offer.
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There are plenty of smiths who could do this.
 
300Six said:
Buy a used one, and cheap. And then (after 'sprucing it up') go 'right to to town' with it on anything that needs chopping. If then you decide you don't mind facing a 'sharpie' every time you lift it up to your face, take it from there. There are lots of different profiles for what you intend to do with one of these to try to make a living (softwood or hardwood, chopping or spitting) but otherwise (for 'office boy'-handed hobbyists) these really have become relegated to 'wall hangers' and/or macho statements by 'testosterone weekend warriors' only.
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See, that's a shame. It's the type that I was taught on so it holds a sentimental value to me. For something that worked well for years to be called " a wall hanger for weekend warriors" makes me sad. You can find single bits up to 6 without breaking a sweat, haha, but god forbid you try and find one still made that's at least 4.5. Everyone's been great with the suggestions, and I'll keep plugging away. Bound to find something. And to Alberta Ed, the Iltis is a fine looking one for sure. Do you recall its weight, roughly?
 
I've seen a True Temper 5.5, and a few 5#ers on the 'bay in the last few months. Usually go for $50-75 for a decent head. Almost got one for myself.
 
IrishPerry81 said:
See, that's a shame. It's the type that I was taught on so it holds a sentimental value to me. For something that worked well for years to be called " a wall hanger for weekend warriors" makes me sad. You can find single bits up to 6 without breaking a sweat, haha, but god forbid you try and find one still made that's at least 4.5. Everyone's been great with the suggestions, and I'll keep plugging away. Bound to find something. And to Alberta Ed, the Iltis is a fine looking one for sure. Do you recall its weight, roughly?
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Didn't intend to diss anyone that actually grew up using one. Your dad (or mentor) was a brave man! For the modern generation ordinary axes are already deemed 'dangerous tools' and dbl bits will be right off the scale. Lee Valley Tools might still sell these Iltis dbl bits but they won't be cheap and if they do their website ought to fill you in on length and heft. You won't find much of a much-vaunted high centreline on these though. The Iltis Canadian that I've been using for 25 years certainly doesn't have a very pronounced centre.

EDIT The Iltis Oxhead dbl bit offered by Lee Valley is $145 Cdn and has a 2 1/4 lb head and overall length of 35 inches. It's claimed to be a 'competition' axe and with 10" long head and 5 1/5 inch wide blades you can be sure these are 'thin as a rake' and would get thoroughly hung up if you made the mistake of trying to split wood with one. A forum member took delivery of one of these about a year ago and promptly sent it back.
 
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300Six said:
Didn't intend to diss anyone that actually grew up using one. Your dad (or mentor) was a brave man! For the modern generation ordinary axes are already deemed 'dangerous tools' and dbl bits will be right off the scale. Lee Valley Tools might still sell these Iltis dbl bits but they won't be cheap and if they do their website ought to fill you in on length and heft. You won't find much of a much-vaunted high centreline on these though. The Iltis Canadian that I've been using for 25 years certainly doesn't have a very pronounced centre.

EDIT The Iltis Oxhead dbl bit offered by Lee Valley is $145 Cdn and has a 2 1/4 lb head and overall length of 35 inches. It's claimed to be a 'competition' axe and with 10" long head and 5 1/5 inch wide blades you can be sure these are 'thin as a rake' and would get thoroughly hung up if you made the mistake of trying to split wood with one. A forum member took delivery of one of these about a year ago and promptly sent it back.
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My grandfather was one of the few around who saw any use for a double bit, for felling and clearing mostly, but when I got one he made me promise not to use it for splitting. He said if it bounced it would cleave a head wide open. I don't know if he had seen such a thing, and I know it is uncommon, but my grandfather was not a nervous Nelly, so if he said something was dangerous, I took it pretty seriously!
 
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