Norlund Axe

B

Born2Late

Joined
Mar 17, 2022
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I have an axe that I got around 1968 or 69. It is stamped "Genuine Norlund" , it's a Hudson Bay pattern and the head is drilled and pinned to the 28" handle. As I got it new, I am assuming this pinning was a factory procedure. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
 
Born2Late said:
I have an axe that I got around 1968 or 69. It is stamped "Genuine Norlund" , it's a Hudson Bay pattern and the head is drilled and pinned to the 28" handle. As I got it new, I am assuming this pinning was a factory procedure. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?
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That would be their " Tomahawk " model.
I'm not an expert on the Norlunds but I've seen them around the internet and never saw one that was pinned.
Is the head also wedged in place ?

I did do a quick Google search though and found a norlund " tomahawk " head with a pin hole in it.

Got a picture of yours ? If it's in the exact same place that could say something towards this being something they did.
 
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Hickory n steel said:
That would be their " Tomahawk " model.
I'm not an expert on the Norlunds but I've seen them around the internet and never saw one that was pinned.
Is the head also wedged in place ?

I did do a quick Google search though and found a norlund " tomahawk " head with a pin hole in it.

Got a picture of yours ? If it's in the exact same place that could say something towards this being something they did.
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I saw that picture, and the placement looks identical. As soon as I figure out how to post a picture, I will do so. I have carried this axe all over the country during my time with the U.S. Forest Service and I have replaced the handle twice. Sheath wore out years ago but it is still my favorite axe to carry. Thanks
 
I've never seen one pinned but that doesn't mean much. Plenty of Norlund collectors out there maybe one will chime in?
 
I do not think it left Lewistown factorty like that. Maybe the store you bought it from was US Forrest Service supplier and was installing pins if requested by a customer.
 
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crbnSteeladdict said:
I do not think it left Lewistown factorty like that. Maybe the store you bought it from was US Forrest Service supplier and was installing pins if requested by a customer.
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That could be possible considering they would know how prone the HB pattern is to loosening, and I know pinning is sometimes a requirement.
I think the Canadian forestry service may require it, and certain states in the US possibly could as well.
It's certainly not a crazy idea.
 
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