Massive 7lbs double bit

L

leadbelly01

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Nov 20, 2016
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My neighbor who's a axe hoarder acquired a 7lbs double and J.willliams hewing axe at a yard sale in Cincinnati some years ago. I've been trying to find any information on these large double bits for him. Still haven't found any info that would give an idea of who produced these. Figured I ask here in case someone knew.



For size comparison next to a woodslasher cruiser and a modded saddle axe




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7 lbs, i doubt this could have been used by just anybody back then, DAMN thats alot of steel to move and swing around all day... wow.
 
I believe axes up to seven pounds could be ordered from American Axe & Tool Co. If they offered that service I can't help but think others did also but I can't say for sure.
That's all I got but there are guys here that know lots more than I do.
 
A 1923 catalog from Collins shows the single bit "Yankee Axe" in weights up to 8 pounds, but the maximum weight listed for their "double bitt" axes was "only" 6 pounds.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone! It would take a stout man to swing this axe all day. Im sure it would throw some serious chips too! No way I could handle it!


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garry3 said:
Ok, this is where I think I got the information on AA&T Co axes to seven pounds. Clearly single bits to that weight at an extra premium. Unclear on the weights of double bits with out that option listed for them.

https://books.google.com/books?id=A...=onepage&q=seven pound double bit axe&f=false

The axe head does give use some clues as it is of an overcoat construction. It's not much though...
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot Gary ! I figured that this axe was some kind of special order. No way these would sell by the lot. I've tried researching
J. Williams since the hewing axe was purchased with it without any luck


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leadbelly01 said:
Thanks a lot Gary ! I figured that this axe was some kind of special order. No way these would sell by the lot. I've tried researching
J. Williams since the hewing axe was purchased with it without any luck


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Click to expand...

Your welcome, I found those weights on accident researching some other patterns. If I come across more I will link them to this thread.
 
I can't seem to find the thread now but I feel like there was a post here in the forums about double bits that big. Something about taking the ends of fallen logs at an angled shape for sledding or skidding?

That would be a big thing to use all day for sure.
 
I'm with you, agent H. I recall seeing a 7 pound double bit on here before but I don't recall the context.

I wouldn't call it a hewing axe.
 
Is it 7 pounds with the handle, or is it stamped with a "7" somewhere. Either way, that's an impressive DB.

Edit: Nevermind...I missed the 7 stamp when I first looked. That a monster.
 
Agent_H said:
I can't seem to find the thread now but I feel like there was a post here in the forums about double bits that big. Something about taking the ends of fallen logs at an angled shape for sledding or skidding?

That would be a big thing to use all day for sure.
Click to expand...


From a thread that mentions axes used for "sniping":

olybears57 said:
This would be considered a "Sniping" axe. It was used to chop a 45 degree angle into the bucked end of a log in a few swings, so that it would skid more easily.
Click to expand...

Square_peg said:
Thanks for that. I didn't realize that anyone used a special axe for that.

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/12223/sniping-logs

And:

Sniping
Previous to skidding, the forward end of a log is “sniped” or “nosed.” This consists of rounding off the under side of the log so that it will not catch on obstructions. Where the ground is rough and the log is likely to roll over, the entire front end is sniped. This work may be done by a sniper or by one of the swampers. The sniper generally prefers an ax with a 5- to 6-pound head.

https://books.google.com/books?id=T...ICh0iewmU#v=onepage&q=sniping logging&f=false
Click to expand...
 
I am not doing to good on finding out just what AA&T offered. This advertisement refers us to the "standard axe list" for weights over standard. Standard axes figured at 50lbs to the dozen. Anyone have this standard axe list or more on these.
https://books.google.com/books?id=1...rican axe & tool co standard axe list&f=false

Also of note was the extra for rafting pattern and then an additional extra if with a steel poll.
Extras for Phantom bevels and Buffalo bevels. What are these buffalo bevels? Off topic but you all know how how I am.:rolleyes:
I had some stuff that might have answered these questions but am starting over after computer problems.
 
Neat to see that these do exist. But I would view a 7 lb double bit in the hands of a tinhorn much the same as I would the lads that show up at a deer camp with a 375 H&H rifle. Chest thumping, mine's bigger than your's!
 
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