New to Forum Grandfathers True Temper Kelly Works Axe Find - RESTORATION

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PWRstroke_smoke

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May 26, 2013
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My name is JJ and I am new to the forums and new to restoring axes. I recently had my axe and tool bag with several small hatchets stolen from the back of my truck. So I started researching axes and good brands in an attempt to avoid the cheapo lowes/home depot axes. Well the hunt got me very interested in all the old vintage axes out there. I have collected guns, case knives, RR locks and coins for many years from yard sales, flea markets, gun shows etc. so this fits in with my interests spot on.

After reading alot about all the vintage axe heads and brands thanks to this fourm, bushcraft and yesteryearstools.com I started remebering all the old axes we cleaned out of my grandparents house after they passed away 15 years ago. I remember saving them all but wasnt sure if my dad ended up keeping them these last 15 years. So i headed home this weekend for a visit after college finals asked my dad about them, we went out to the shed and there they all were! My grandfather was a logger in northern california and SE oklahoma for many years.

So here they are all cleaned up haven't sharpened them yet, they have great patina.
I was wondering about age mostly the 2 single bits are in great shape the double bit has some pitting. All the handles were broken except one.

Double Bit, Lots of pitting but no cracks, bit looks ok- True Temper-Hand Made-Kelly Works
Large single bit- great condition no cracks- True Temper-Kelly Works w/forging tank scene stamped in back
Small single bit-great condition also- True Temper- Kelly Axe & Tool Works

Enjoy! bring on any and all comments and suggestions I'm new!!












 
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Your grandfather must have appreciated fine tools. You have some beauties there.
 
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Wow! It's great that you were able to save them. I especially like the looks of that little True Temper boys axe. For some reason that style of bevels just appeals to me.

There's nothing finer than an axe that has been in the family for a long time.
 
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Im glad he kept them too!
Yes these old family tools are great to have while still being able to use them! I love finding this stuff especially after all these years.
 
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Got a nice edge on it today> went down to the leather shop in town and got a 50 cent piece of scrap leather and made a case for the kelly works true temper, still have to install a snap and shave the edge even. Used chicago style rivets and some old boot leather for a spacer at the bit. Just got to hang it now and do the same for the small true temper boys ax.













 
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Got them both hung. Sanded the new hickory handle down and soaked it in linseed handle. sanded the original old boys axe handle and soaked it in linseed oil and was able to re use it. They turned out great I just need to finish the leather cases.

This was my first time hanging an axe so hopefully i did it all right!











 
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All Finished ready to work, I will probably darken the leather with a little oil. I opted for chicago style rivets so the sheaths can be taken apart and cleaned.





 
Those are great - but we have a rule here. You have to ship ONE of these to one of the older hands on the forums.

Let me check the list.

Oh... wow. I am next up!


;)


Great looking axe heads bro!

TF
 
Thank you!
I better check around on this rule though!! Sounds a little fishy Haha
Doing these is a lot of fun and relaxing after a long busy semester of school and work!
Our Family randomly picks secret santas every christmas, and I picked my younger nephew. The only catch is that you cant buy a gift it has to be hand made or a combination of restoration and hand made.
I think im going to find another large kelly head and restore it, hang it, and make a leather case for his gift this year.
 
For the record, I am more of a fan of the WO (Willys Overland) tailgate than the axe heads. The axe heads are a close second, though.

More on what the tailgate is attached to please.
 
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