New Here

[Rabbit81586]

Hey All,

I'm new here to the forums. I've been backpacking for a couple of years now after getting out of the Marine Corps and recently started to develop an interest of American Made Axes.
Mostly because I like taking them on my treks. I really like 2Hawks and have a Longhunter I've been using for about 2 years. I'm starting to look for something a bit heavier. I like the single bit and double bit trapper hatchets from 2Hawks but it's tough to drop the premium price without any reviews. So I've been looking at Council and Snow and Nealley.

Anyways, along my journeys to find new axes the google search came up with this site several times so I said screw it, might as well join the community. So here I am.

 

[Operator1975]

Welcome aboard Rabbit! You will find a wealth of knowledge here, along with pics, know how, and good old boy(and gals). It is a great place and I have learned a lot.

So in your search as stated above, are you looking for more tomahawk type, or more hatchet type? Council is a USA maker with a variety of options, and sounds like you are already somewhat familiar with. Snow and Neally I do believe outsource their axes, I know there has been discussion on it, and if you search the forum/thread archives you should be able to find info.

Most of us on here(not speaking for everyone but most I would say) go the older/antique/vintage usa makers, such as Kelly, Plumb, Collins, or Mann Edge. These can be found online, flea markets, antique shops, guys trade on here, etc. They are of great quality and if you look enough can be had at a decent price.

Hope this helps!!

Thanks!!!

 

[Rabbit81586]

Thanks for the response! I will definitely start doing some forum searches. Mostly what I'm looking for is a hatchet type axe. I currently have a tomahawk which is fun but doesn't have enough ass behind it to get good cuts. Like I said, I backpack so weight is a factor. I'm also going to be looking at those older manufacturers you mentioned.

Thanks again!

 

[lmalterna]

Rabbit,
I have recently picked up older hatchets from Plumb, Warren, Craftsman, Collins and Walters. Plumb made bazillions of hatchets in different formats. I have them or plan to mount them soon on hafts from 10-18". Really a fun undertaking to take a previously banged up hatchet and give it a new life- one suited to the use you have in mind.

Bill

 

[Skiv]

I backpack so weight is a factor. I'm also going to be looking at those older manufacturers you mentioned.

Welcome to the forum! Lots of fun to be had looking for hatchets and axes, that's for sure.

One place to look is your local ReStore run by Habitat for Humanity, or some similar store on the idea that they're providing jobs and homes for the economically disadvantaged. I find a lot of old tools coming out of the woodwork and ending up in my local ReStore. I've bought several axes, lots of files (either good or good for knifemaking), and lots of still-good hand tools like braces-and-bits, etc. Plus you get good karma for helping out a worthwhile charity.

Last week I bought a nice little Granfors Bruks 1 1/2 pound hatchet for $2.00. (Yes, I did the "Snoopy Happy Dance") Look in the Lee Valley catalogue and you'll see them for a lot more than $2.00. Looking in flea markets, second-hand shops and spending a few Saturdays "Garage Sailing" will usually turn up some barely used gems that will do exactly what you need. If not, you can pick up a beater for cheap, or buy lots of styles and see what spins your toque.

Nothing against eBay, but when you're dealing with used tools you kinda need to get your hands on it and assess it for yourself, unless you trust the dealer or you're going to buy it no matter what and don't care what condition it's in. Besides, steel is heavy and international shipping ain't cheap.

That's my $0.02. Glad yer here. Show us what you find where you are!