My Discovery of the New World of the North America Axe, (Out West, As They Say)

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Ernest DuBois

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Mar 2, 2013
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So far my explorations consisted of a look in the rack at a hardware store and the tool table at a second hand shop because they seem like obvious places on my way. Plumb, True Temper and Council are the brands that have been there. Oh, and I did try using a Craftsman axe but that was some time ago and an axe that had been lying around neglected for a while. Till now notta one's followed me home but there is Sure to be one that falles into my grubby hands sooner er later.

I don't know if I am prime axe territory or not, soort of lower in the Rockies of Colorado, such a cool region, the best really, and fairly underreprestnted on this web site if my impressions are right but I am keeping eyes open for axes all the time.

Battery's running out otherwise I might go on and on and on....
 
Ernest DuBois said:
So far my explorations consisted of a look in the rack at a hardware store and the tool table at a second hand shop because they seem like obvious places on my way. Plumb, True Temper and Council are the brands that have been there. Oh, and I did try using a Craftsman axe but that was some time ago and an axe that had been lying around neglected for a while. Till now notta one's followed me home but there is Sure to be one that falles into my grubby hands sooner er later.

I don't know if I am prime axe territory or not, soort of lower in the Rockies of Colorado, such a cool region, the best really, and fairly underreprestnted on this web site if my impressions are right but I am keeping eyes open for axes all the time.

Battery's running out otherwise I might go on and on and on....
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Considering amount of XIX century mining ghost towns in Colorado I think it should be possible to find some gems among usual Plumbs Kellys in CO's antique stores.




Some trespassing required.



 
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My experience in Colorado was not real rewarding, in terms of finding decent axes. I spent about a week in the summer of 2019, and again in 2020, stopping in antique stores and flea markets between Denver and Cheyenne. I came home with one axe - a nice #4 Plumb Jersey with an original haft. We had lots of fun looking around though! Part of the "fun" was flying home with an axe..... rather than just package it and pay to ship it, I bought a rifle case to carry the axe in, and checked it with the airline! Lots of "interest" and questions at the airport.... but no problems!
 
Trailsawyer said:
My experience in Colorado was not real rewarding, in terms of finding decent axes. I spent about a week in the summer of 2019, and again in 2020, stopping in antique stores and flea markets between Denver and Cheyenne. I came home with one axe - a nice #4 Plumb Jersey with an original haft. We had lots of fun looking around though! Part of the "fun" was flying home with an axe..... rather than just package it and pay to ship it, I bought a rifle case to carry the axe in, and checked it with the airline! Lots of "interest" and questions at the airport.... but no problems!
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Like me coming through customs the other day packing an old wooden crate I'd saved full of tools and getting stopped and given the old shakedown. Opening up later on the security have left their calling card. Hopefully they were impressed by my Hjartum.

But it seems you were more in cattle country TS this area CSA shows, with forest and relative activities could be more fruitful and give up her axe history.

One certainty, I wont be taking one of these council axes at the hardware shop, those things look worse than what I've seen in comprable shops in Holland, though these are nothing to rave on and on about either by any means.
 
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Even before having a chance to look at axes I already did find one of these kerf wedges in an old out building here at the house. It is a first for me, never did have one in my hands before and that gives some encouragement.
 
Trailsawyer said:
My experience in Colorado was not real rewarding, in terms of finding decent axes. I spent about a week in the summer of 2019, and again in 2020, stopping in antique stores and flea markets between Denver and Cheyenne.
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I am pretty sure it has to do with demographics.
60% of Colorado's population are transplants with vast majority living in I-25 Corridor
Take a look at Colorado population chart till 1950 vs axe rich Pennsylvania chart
 
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crbnSteeladdict said:
I am pretty sure it has to do with demographics.
60% of Colorado's population are transplants with vast majority living in I-25 Corridor
Take a look at Colorado population chart till 1950 vs axe rich Pennsylvania chart
I
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I will stay put here on the westward side of the Divide thanks.

Till now the two Swedish hand mades I brought along are keeping me satisfied.
 
Interesting. Ernest you mentioned a wedge and while digging through a bin at the pawn shop yesterday i saw what was a wedge ( for splitting i guess) that was at least 5-7 lbs and about 6 inches long. Heck i will have to look at it when i go again as it all about axes and tools used for axe duties lol
 
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David Nowlin said:
Interesting. Ernest you mentioned a wedge and while digging through a bin at the pawn shop yesterday i saw what was a wedge ( for splitting i guess) that was at least 5-7 lbs and about 6 inches long. Heck i will have to look at it when i go again as it all about aces and tools used for axe duties lol
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. This wedge is one of four that were lying there half burried in the rotted floor of an old log utility shed. It is distinguishable by a thinner wedge profile and taper broader toward the bit. Also known as a felling wedge as far as I know. The difference from splitting wedges is clear when they are compaired Side by Side. A search of the forum gives plenty good info.
 
Ernest DuBois said:
Yesterday I got to run a few old axes through my hands at the shop in Delta. Very impressed with the feel of these slim handles they have on them.
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It is a real shame that most of fleabay sellers chop off those amazing hafts before posting them for sale.
Thanks for sharing. Finally, I will have a reason to stop for a lunch in Delta on the way from Colorado National Monument to Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park.
 
That's funny, I was at Colorado Monument on Tuesday hiking Ute Canyon, you know it, the trail that drops straight down the canyon wall?

Don't go with any high hopes, all the handles were severely weathered, only good enough to get a good feel so long I didn't slide a hand along to get a snag on loose grain,​
 
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Lovely Place. We have to thank WPA and CCC guys that worked so hard to improve that spot.


If you have a chance you got to see Rattlesnake Canyon (you won't have to worry about crazy crowds like in Arches NP). It is long trail: 13 miles each way (there is another, shorter option depending on the time of year, but you have to have high clearance vehicle). It is located on BLM land but most likely any Ranger from Colorado NM can give advice how to get there.

95 miles east of Grand Junction you can find another gem. I am pretty sure Hanging Lake Trail is officially closed till May but I hiked it not even knowing it wasn't open (the parking lot was full)

 
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Sign of the time
JyYrZLZ
 
Keep them coming :)
You don't need to use "image" option when using postimg.org
choose " share">>scroll down>>choose "hotlink for forums">>click"copy">> move to Bladeforums and paste the links (do not use" link" or "image" dialog boxes") and click "Post Reply"

 
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Your pictures drew me to the hosting server and I just bumbled around from there only intending to hoist up the turkeys which are in full ritual mode these days, really more impressive than what my poor shots can manage to show. But it's a step closer to posting shots and so be patient while I figure out this new method and thanks for the revelation though the extra unintended shots show me the need to proceed in a bit more informed way.
 
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