Modern Collins axes?

N

Nathan Welsh

Joined
Aug 14, 2012
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While on a trip to one of my favorite wilderness spots, I stopped in a hardware store. In the spot where I usually find Truper and Fiskars axes, instead I found axes marked Collins. Is the current Collins manufacturer any good? What are people's experiences?

Thanks!
 
Many of the new Collins I've seen in hardware stores are in fact made in Mexico with a piece of "American" hickory, just as a heads up. As for quality, I can't really speak to that.
 
I have one from a big box store. Bought it in 2000 or so. Lousy grind. Loses its edge quickly. Soft steel. Poor balance. Too heavy. Moderately straight grain handle and good handle to head fit.

When the time comes I will buy a good axe based on recommendations here.

Zieg
 
I have had pretty bad experiences with Collins axes. Do yourself a favor and bite the bullet on a Gransfors axe, or even better buy an Autine axe. I bought one Gransfors forest axe and quickly ended up owning 3 other models.
 
I picked up a Collins boys axe for my sons troop. I looked around & found one with good grain & OK grind. I sanded & BLO the handle and put a good edge on it. Scouts are hard on gear. I wanted something useable but nothing I would mind seeing abused ( can't watch them all the time).
So far it has only seen one day of real use but it held its edge & the head is still tight.
 
You pretty much get what you pay for these days. Collins is American in name only and the heads are Mexican. Big box store goods generally buy from lowest bidder and many made in India axes don't even have stamps nor Hickory handles. If you're looking to buy affordable 'made in USA' then visit the Council Tools website and order axes/hatchets from them. It is commendable that Scouts are introduced to and instructed in the use of tools that were commonplace for 100s of years.
 
The Collins name is owned by truper and are made in Mexico, if you want a good axe at a high value look at the el salvador made marbles stuff ( made by condor ) or council tools made in north Carolina for 100yrs.
Or find a vintage axe ( the best way to go bar none ) and restore it.
 
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