Old Collins axe needs revival

ISKski

ISKski

Gold Member
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Apr 11, 2011
Messages
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A few years ago, I found this axe in the woods, laying in the mud obviously long forgotten> I took it home, used it a little, or tried to use it. but it is in pretty rough shape - I do believe it may need to be re-hafted and the edge is all torn up, does anybody know someone who I could message about bringing this axe back to life?

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You can see here that the head is slipping off, this is where it sits after i pushed it back on

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Hard to tell, but the front of the haft is also all chewed up making it really uncomfortable to use

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Top shot

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Full view

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You can see here that the edge is really torn up

ideally i'd like to get this axe back up and running ASAP so if you guys have any suggestions that would be great!

Thanks
ISK
 
nobody 'round here can help!!! sorry.
that old chopper is shot, spent, wouldn't cut hot butter in July

too far gone

ah shame too because it has a very interesting mark


buzz
 
markv said:
nobody 'round here can help!!! sorry.
that old chopper is shot, spent, wouldn't cut hot butter in July

too far gone

ah shame too because it has a very interesting mark


buzz
Click to expand...
WHAT?! Really?! That would be a surprise to me. I think it could have the life brought back my a master restorer, but if I am wrong please correct me.
 
I think he was being sarcastic and expected to see "send it to me for disposal".
I'd toss the old haft and find/order a new one. Clean it up with a wire brush at least. A file will bring back that edge - it will be some work, but nothing that can't be done in a couple evenings.
 
Mark was funnin' ya. The gang here in the axe forum fix up axes like that one every day.
 
That axe is a real beauty...Great, and very readable markings. I know a few people who would pay good money for an item like that.

I really like the pattern. Nice rounded face and plenty of weight in the poll. I would file the mushrooming off and tidy the face slowly but certainly would not remove the patina.

regards...Frank
 
Many guys are real good and experienced at doing that, however it is your axe, you need to do it, and we can all help you. There are many restoration threads on the forum, heck I just posted on tonight on a couple hatchets.

What kind of tools do you have, or at your disposal? We can start with that.
 
All you would need is a new haft and a file and she would clean up great. Hope it cleans up well looks like it should from the pics)
 
Nice axe! Might rehang on the same handle too. I never find anything worth a darn. Lucky!!:thumbup:
 
Operator1975 said:
... however it is your axe, you need to do it, and we can all help you. There are many restoration threads on the forum, heck I just posted on tonight on a couple hatchets.

What kind of tools do you have, or at your disposal? We can start with that.
Click to expand...


This is the best solution. You'll be happier with it in the end and you'll know something about maintaining an axe.
 
Operator1975 said:
Many guys are real good and experienced at doing that, however it is your axe, you need to do it, and we can all help you. There are many restoration threads on the forum, heck I just posted on tonight on a couple hatchets.

What kind of tools do you have, or at your disposal? We can start with that.
Click to expand...

Operator is right on. This is not rocket science as I've learned. An old axe is perfect to learn on. I've compiled a bunch of axe restoration resources. Probably the first stop is "An Axe to Grind".

http://www.evernote.com/shard/s96/s...9209d2c8308a/99226366dde92d17af5273bb3b478eff
 
That should clean up very nice and give you many more years of service....
 
pictures
you should be almost done with the sharpening by now.

sure i was kidding, just wanted to see you prove me wrong with some work in progress images, all good

you have a fine tool there, i did some work on an axe in very similar shape just a few days ago. man it took some filing and grinding , the bit was pretty hard, harder than usual, but will make a nice chopper when i find a handle for it.
you'll be the man when you get your axe going again. hanging your own handle and putting an edge on her is very satisfying work

buzz
 
The very best wood splitting maul I've ever owned are both my Collins mauls ( 6lb & 8lb respectively). I've only gotten to use a Collins axe ( older model that is) on one occasion but it was just like the mauls are >> which is extremely well balanced and really performs well.

I was very sad last winter when I went to my very favorite hardware store here in Kansas City, MO USA to see that most of the newer Collins axes are now made in India or China :confused: I have heard however that their competition axes are still made here in the USA but I'm sure any of their newer foreign made stuff is questionable at best.

But I will never get rid of my Collins mauls and I hope to snag a couple of their axes maybe like at garage sales or some flea market maybe.
 
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