My Most Precious Possession | KATCO | Show Me Your Favorite Axe

J

joshiecole

Joined
Apr 29, 2012
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This is my favorite axe. It might even be my favorite possession. It's a 2-1/2 lb boy's axe from Katco. I'm not sure exactly when this was made as there seems to be some discrepancy over when Katco wound up. But it's probably not from later than the 1940s. I love the weight and feel on a 27" oak handle that I carved. Hopefully I'll be able to get this on a canoe trip or two this summer.

Let's see your favourite axes.

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joshiecole said:
...'m not sure exactly when this was made as there seems to be some discrepancy over when Katco wound up. But it's probably not from later than the 1940s...
Click to expand...

Some clues about KATCO, and the most detailed source says the company (King Axe and Tool Company) produced axes until 1946:


"...King and Messer from 1902 to 1906 produced axes, and
probably became the King Axe and Tool Co from 1907 to either
1912 or 1917. It became the John King Axe Company, in
business from 1923 to 1925, then Marsh and Sons from 1926 to
1944. However, King Axe and Tool Company also operated
from 1933 to 1946, and John King Products produced axes from
1944 to 1946."
quoted from Some Tidbits of Oakland History, by Michael J Denis, page 43


"At the opening of the new century the numerous firms manufacturing edge tools during much of the 19th century were reduced to three; the Dunn Edge Tool Company, Emerson & Stevens, and the American Axe and Tool Company. The last was to be out of business soon after the century began, leaving only two, but in 1907 they were joined by the King Axe Company. With an earlier existence as King & Messer, the company continued under its new name until 1922 when it was sold to others, then some twenty years later was resurrected and survived for a brief time as King Axe and Tool Company."
quoted from Kallop, Edward L. Jr. (2003). A history of the North Wayne Tool Co. manufacturers of axes, corn hooks, scythes and hay knives. Wayne Historical Society, Wayne, ME, page 109, referenced at http://www.davistownmuseum.org/bibToolMe.htm
 
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The only picture I got at the moment. Hultafors 0.9kg with a Smedbergs handle! Sharp as f*&k
 
Some clues about KATCO, and the most detailed source says the company (King Axe and Tool Company) produced axes until 1946:
Click to expand...

Thanks Steve! In my research I had found the latter quote but not the former.

I don't suppose you'd venture to suggest your favorite axe?
 
I have quite a few that are pretty enough that I haven't used them. This one has gone camping the last few trips. Seem to be grabbing this one more than others.

 
Tough decision either my Peavey Mfg. Hudson Bay.
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Or my Witherell

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Halfaxe - both those are great looking. Don't see those often - at least I don't.
 
I guess the 'show your favorite axe' idea has probably been done to death around here many times before. But if anyone still wants to play, I'm eager to see what treasures are out there. :D
 
Really hard to pick one. I like the Collins Connecticut, because it has been my most satisfying rebuild so far. I just like the combination of the grain on the 32 haft and the head shape combined. My second is my Granfors Bruk. What's not to like about a GB. Plus, it was a birthday present from my wife, which makes it pretty special. The third is the Collins Boy's Axe. I really like the head shape - kind of reminds me of the HBC shape.
 
A lot of nice Maine axes in here. Man. And here I am IN Maine being the oddball. This is my truck axe, and Ive done more work with this one alone than the rest of my collection. Theres something comforting about an old friend.

Please ignore the awful felling job. If I remember right this was after 8 hours of hard work. Probably shouldnt have been swinging at that point.
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Otter, I'm a fan of my CT boy's axe too. It gets plenty of use. Btw, you're contributions to the Maine axe thread ages ago made me get one. Became a bit of an obsession :D

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