Norvell Shapleigh hatchet

[cyc79]

I was looking for awhile for a hewing hatchet when I came across this one. The cutting edge is about 5'' and the weight is approximately 2 pounds.

I was somewhat acquainted with the Shapleigh Hardware Company before but with the stamp having Norvell preceding Shapleigh, I did some research and as best I can tell this head would have been made some time between 1901 and 1917, which is within the time frame that Saunders Norvell was with the company.

I haven't received this yet but I'm hopeful that the steel quality will be such that it'll hold a good edge. Overall it appears to be in very good condition for being over a hundred years old. I intend to make a handle for it and put it to work when time allows. Old tools bring such pleasure, especially when they're put back in service.

 

[garry3]

Pretty sure that one will serve you well and probably out last you. I suspect there is plenty of steel left in the bit on that one.

I have one with the same stamp, minus the St Luis. It's a size smaller than yours. Same age but from a different store?

The handle needed to be replaced while I was working a yew stave. The waste off the cut off stave became the new handle, because it was laying there with in reach and I had the hatchet in hand.. A down and dirty handle but serviceable.
The edge no longer holds on this one, despite there being some steel left in the bit. It starts out pretty good but then it feels dull and upon inspection the edge feels like it has a bur. There just isn't enough steel left to keep the edge rigid, it's too thin and rolls over.

It was already quite worn when I got it and I used it for a number of years with complete satisfaction.




The steel is visible on the flat side, it comes down very close to the lower toe. You beginners out there don't buy worn axes, I have had this one before I knew better.

Why do I still have this hatchet and what should a guy do with one? I couldn't sell it with a clear conscience and the juice isn't worth the squeeze to re-steel the bit.

 

[cyc79]

Pretty sure that one will serve you well and probably out last you. I suspect there is plenty of steel left in the bit on that one.

I have one with the same stamp, minus the St Luis. It's a size smaller than yours. Same age but from a different store?

The handle needed to be replaced while I was working a yew stave. The waste off the cut off stave became the new handle, because it was laying there with in reach and I had the hatchet in hand.. A down and dirty handle but serviceable.
The edge no longer holds on this one, despite there being some steel left in the bit. It starts out pretty good but then it feels dull and upon inspection the edge feels like it has a bur. There just isn't enough steel left to keep the edge rigid, it's too thin and rolls over.

It was already quite worn when I got it and I used it for a number of years with complete satisfaction.




The steel is visible on the flat side, it comes down very close to the lower toe. You beginners out there don't buy worn axes, I have had this one before I knew better.

Why do I still have this hatchet and what should a guy do with one? I couldn't sell it with a clear conscience and the juice isn't worth the squeeze to re-steel the bit.

Thank you for sharing, I appreciate the information.

 

[catspa]

I like the yew handle, Garry. If you wore out that edge, pull the handle and hang another head on it. Meanwhile, I bet that one would make a dandy doorstop, leaving your conscience pure (well, mostly pure).

Parker