Old Kelly Splitting Axe?

[CloudsRest]

Does anyone know anything about this old Kelly? It weighs about 5lbs and is really thick, I'm guessing it's an old splitting axe? I haven't found any info on old Kelly splitting axes, or seen any pictures for that matter, which is why I ask--I did read something about some older axes coming with thick grinds so the new owner can create his own profile though. It definitely has grind marks on it like someone tried to thin it out (no idea why they would do that with a splitting axe).

Any reason not to clean it up and put it to work splitting logs? It definitely has some chips on the edge that need to be filed off.

 

[muleman77]

That's a bruiser. Thick eye walls, heavy poll. It should be a great splitter.
It's probably worn down quite a bit, so the edge would have been thinner from the factory.
But it was never very thin, by the looks of it!

 

[garry3]

I suspect an old rafting axe with a hardened poll. They have a bevel around the poll so they don't chip. I think I see a bevel on that poll in places but it could have been cleaned up through the years.

 

[David Martin]

I bet is has a hardened poll. Thick eye and hardened poll. A good ax to have. DM

 

[CloudsRest]

Thanks! I didn't know what a rafting axe or bruiser was until I read the responses here. I cleaned it up and fixed the edge today with my belt sander. I'll put it on a straight 36" handle put it to work. I feel like half the fun of old tools is using them tbh. I can't bring myself to just fix them up and never use them. I'm the same way with old hammers and ratchets--I have a ball peen from circa 1900 gets more use than my new Estwing.

 

[garry3]

Good choice on the straight handle. I have a little 3 1/2 lb on a 28'' straight haft that I use for demo or all around abuse. I get some sideways glances.

 

[Square_peg]

I suspect an old rafting axe with a hardened poll. They have a bevel around the poll so they don't chip. I think I see a bevel on that poll in places but it could have been cleaned up through the years.

I agree. Looks like a worn rafting axe. Should make a fine splitter!