Need Help... Collins Legitimus Double Bit Axe...

[Marion David Poff]

Howdy,

I found a Collins Legitimus Double Bit Axe.....

I did not buy it.

I am trying to decide if I should.....

It was in well used, but not destroyed condition. Steel is scabrous, logo is visible to someone who knows what to look for....

Problem is.... There is about a 1/4" or better bite out of one face.... In addition to general evidence of abuse....

I am wondering if it is worth my time to fix it up? And if it is, how much is reasonable to pay for it in it's current condition?

Marion

 

[Junkyard]

I say do it! Fixing an old axe makes a great winter project. And when you use it, you'll get a sense of satisfation that you gave it renewed Life.

I have a Collins Legitimus that I found on my property when I bought my house, that needs love. I just need more time. Let me know when you'll be at the goat next, and I'll bring it in to show you.

Jason

 

[Brian Andrews]

I did the same thing a while ago, but with no chip.

Here is the before

And after,

Just a thought.....you could always turned the "chipped" end into your thicker "dirty" edge. However, just be aware that you want to keep the balance even. If it starts to get unbalanced, you will need to grind the other side as well, or live with an unbalanced axe.

Balance is the beauty of a double bit.

 

[Carolina River Rat]

I say get it and fix it up. Sounds like a fun project.

 

[Junkyard]

Really nice work Brian! I've read your tutorial on reprofiling axes for use and I loved it so much I saved it. Can you tell me about how you finished it? Specifically How did you do the final finish on it? Sand paper...What grit? or did you polish it and how.
Thanks.
Jason

 

[Big Mike]

I’m with the others, …go for it. :thumbup: :thumbup:

Even after cutting it down and re-balancing, you’ll still have plenty of material left for a dam fine chopping tool.

Those old forgings rule.




Big Mike

”Scaring the tree huggers.”

Forest & Stream

 

[Les]

I agree fully.
Especially if the price is right.
It would make a nice winter project!
Snowed in, a good single malt and a bowl of MacBaren's finest Virginia flake!

 

[TheGame]

Go for it. You will get plenty of satisfaction when using it if you put in the time to get it back to good condition.