Only one full size felling axe, what to get?

J

Jonthepirate

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Jun 8, 2013
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I've been really enjoying working on some boys axe size axes, but would like to have one full size axe (3.5 lb ish). I prefer single bit axes (personal ascetic preference only)

What are some recommendations if you could only have one (cause I only want one)? I'm leaving towards a Kelly Perfect jersey pattern, but those have been pricey on the bay lately. Maybe a Collins Ligitimus? Is the geometry on the Kelly Perfect (Dayton I think) that's not a Jersey axe about as good for feeling? Or should I wait for a jersey pattern to go in my price range?

Thanks!
Jon
 
I am certain that you will get quite a variety of responses on this one.

Someone who is more knowledgable than me may want to know what types and sizes of trees you will likely be chopping as that may effect patterns. Others may want to know how tall you are because that may effect the length of handle that you should use.

I will likely be speaking for a number of folks when I advise you to find a reasonably priced vintage head with "good geometry"/ convex cheeks and a lot of life left in the bit and then rehang it on a nice 30-36" handle (depending on preference). A nice vintage Dayton pattern from Kelly, Plumb, Collins, etc. can usually be found for less than $20.

My current favorite is a no name Dayton with nicely convexed cheeks on a 32" straight handle.
(Edit for spelling)
 
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A variety is good, I was leaning towards a Kelly Perfect until a couple of what looked like normal ones sold for 70+ bucks including shipping. I don't mind spending some money, but if they are that much I'll wait a little longer.

Truth be told, I probably won't be felling a bunch of trees any time soon, sadly. I'm a city slicker (I only have four trees at my house and I want to keep them all upright), but I really like axes for some reason and might get to chop one down at my uncles ranch or something or process some fire wood for my little fire pit.

Dayton pattern looks great (probably my favorite) but I've heard a lot of guys who like the Jersey pattern who have actually used an axe to cut down trees a lot.

The longer handles (36") seem more difficult for me to use. Seems like my aim is much worse with those long handles... Probably 32" curved octagonal handle from house handle, Square Peg has got me interested in trying one of those out.

Thanks for the input, I'll widen my net to look for some Dayton's too :)
 
Pindvin said:
Ain't full size feeling axes 5lbs and above?
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Above?? That's a man's chunk of steel right there! I work at a desk all day, I'm likely to max out at close to 4 lb. axes. You might be right though, I'm really new to axes, and my terminology might be wrong. What would you call a 3.5-4lb axe?
 
Jon,
I have been collecting heads and handles lately and have just started to figure out what will go with what. Two "full size" I like are a Kelly Perfect Jersey with HH 32" curved octagon and a Warren (I think Dayton) on a 36" HH straight octagon. I just started tapping the Jersey on the handle and it is wanting to cant... so it gets set aside until I have a day with more time to work with it.

Finding a gem can take time and luck. The Jersey is mint and was 6.00 at a flea market. Most trips I find nothing. I am impatient so many of mine came from the auction site and cost a pretty penny but they could last a lifetime so I bite the bullet and try to forget the cost and enjoy an antique that will outlast me ;)

Like you, I spend most of my time indoors for a living. I grew up on farms and have always spent time helping friends on farms. We do what we have to so we can do what we want to. A good tool is something to treasure.

Bill
 
If I were in your shoes I would go one of two routes, depending on available funds, on the high end of the spectrum you have the gransfors burks felling axe with a 31 in handle. Mine is came shaving sharp and with perfect grain in the handle.These will cost right around $200, but if taken care of it will outlast you and probably your children too. Or look on ebay for one of the later true tempers that have the ridges in the eye and a number/letter code from the factory such as A23. In my limited experience these are usually found in the Michigan & Jersey patterns and will chew up cheap sharpening stones the bits are so hard. Best of all they are much cheaper, I paid $17 for mine at a flea market, and I believe they run<$50 on eBay.
 
lmalterna said:
Jon,
I have been collecting heads and handles lately and have just started to figure out what will go with what. Two "full size" I like are a Kelly Perfect Jersey with HH 32" curved octagon and a Warren (I think Dayton) on a 36" HH straight octagon. I just started tapping the Jersey on the handle and it is wanting to cant... so it gets set aside until I have a day with more time to work with it.

Finding a gem can take time and luck. The Jersey is mint and was 6.00 at a flea market. Most trips I find nothing. I am impatient so many of mine came from the auction site and cost a pretty penny but they could last a lifetime so I bite the bullet and try to forget the cost and enjoy an antique that will outlast me ;)

Like you, I spend most of my time indoors for a living. I grew up on farms and have always spent time helping friends on farms. We do what we have to so we can do what we want to. A good tool is something to treasure.

Bill
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Thanks, I'll wait around and see what I can get a deal on. I good tool is something to treasure and if I feel like a got a deal on it (just less than it would cost new), I'll enjoy it even more.

Operator1975 said:
I would have U look at a vintage 3.5 lb connecticut pattern on a 32 inch handle. Very hard to beat IMO.
Click to expand...

OOOhh I do like the looks of these, but this pattern seems like it's a little harder to find. I guess since I'm not in immidiate need, I can take my time looking though

Axe nut said:
If I were in your shoes I would go one of two routes, depending on available funds, on the high end of the spectrum you have the gransfors burks felling axe with a 31 in handle. Mine is came shaving sharp and with perfect grain in the handle.These will cost right around $200, but if taken care of it will outlast you and probably your children too. Or look on ebay for one of the later true tempers that have the ridges in the eye and a number/letter code from the factory such as A23. In my limited experience these are usually found in the Michigan & Jersey patterns and will chew up cheap sharpening stones the bits are so hard. Best of all they are much cheaper, I paid $17 for mine at a flea market, and I believe they run<$50 on eBay.
Click to expand...

Yeah, if i find out I'm going to to be some where I'll want a bigger axe than one of my boys axes and I still haven't found one on the auction site I like, Granfors is always an option. I'd prefer not to pay full GBA prices if I can wait for the perfect one to come along. I don't know why though, I really dislike the rounded lugs on them... It's stupid, but the pointed ones on a jersey look "cooler" to me... for no good reason.

I've been wondering what some of the ones with just a A# or A## were, are those exclusively True Tempers? Some of those do go pretty cheap for the heads, and I could hang that myself :)

Thanks for all the good options/opinions!
 
The pattern isn't that important. A Dayton or Michigan would do fine. The old Kelly/True Temper stuff is fantastic. You also can't go wrong with Vintage Plumb. Many other vintages axes, too. A beautiful stamp is not required for felling.

If you will truly use it for felling then I suggest a 36" handle. The extra length helps. And it's good for splitting, too. But 36" is a little long for bucking or hewing unless your a tall fella - maybe 6'2" or over.
 
Don't give up on the double bits. Western pattern DB is the best in my opinion. It depends on the size and species of tree you're felling.

I love Kelly Perfect Jersey pattern, but they're not the best for hardwoods. They work great for softwoods. You can knock out a nice size chip in pine or red fir.
 
Jonthepirate said:
Thanks, I'll wait around and see what I can get a deal on. I good tool is something to treasure and if I feel like a got a deal on it (just less than it would cost new), I'll enjoy it even more.



OOOhh I do like the looks of these, but this pattern seems like it's a little harder to find. I guess since I'm not in immidiate need, I can take my time looking though



Yeah, if i find out I'm going to to be some where I'll want a bigger axe than one of my boys axes and I still haven't found one on the auction site I like, Granfors is always an option. I'd prefer not to pay full GBA prices if I can wait for the perfect one to come along. I don't know why though, I really dislike the rounded lugs on them... It's stupid, but the pointed ones on a jersey look "cooler" to me... for no good reason.

I've been wondering what some of the ones with just a A# or A## were, are those exclusively True Tempers? Some of those do go pretty cheap for the heads, and I could hang that myself :)

Thanks for all the good options/opinions!
Click to expand...
I don't think it is known for sure but one of my users is a paper label true temper wood slasher and it has the A23 stamp and the ridges in the eye
 
My parents got me one as a gift that had an A9 on it. It was sold to them as a true temper. I think Square Peg had one that was an A6 that he called a true temper too. Close enough for me I guess. Seems like very little in the vintage axe world is for sure :)
 
CouncilTool.com manufactures reasonably priced, high quality, working tool finish axes including felling axes. They have a very good reputation for well tempered heads and quality hickory handles; high value.
If you have funds you feel obliged to spend, Council also has a Velvicut felling axe of 5160 alloy, Dayton pattern.
Made in USA.
 
Operator1975 said:
I would have U look at a vintage 3.5 lb connecticut pattern on a 32 inch handle. Very hard to beat IMO.
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VERY hard to beat. When it comes to felling, the only axe that can outdo my 32" Connecticuts is my 32" Keech racer, which is 5 or 5.5 lbs (can't remember exactly). I like a nice, heavy head, but the more experience I get, the less I like anything longer than 33 or 34 inches.
 
Distel - I like those, but for the price, I can get almost any vintage one I want. I think I'm too cheap to buy one of those given my current budget =)

Memphis - I really like that option. I think I'm going to go with that or a Jersey Kelly Perfect on a 32" handle. I'm kicking myself for not getting the Legitimus Connecticut pattern that was just on the bay. Even though I'm 6'5" I still have trouble with 36" handles.
 
Distelfink said:
CouncilTool.com manufactures reasonably priced, high quality, working tool finish axes including felling axes. They have a very good reputation for well tempered heads and quality hickory handles; high value.
If you have funds you feel obliged to spend, Council also has a Velvicut felling axe of 5160 alloy, Dayton pattern.
Made in USA.
Click to expand...
I'll second this recommendation. Although the standard offerings (except the Velvicut) don't come razor sharp, if you have the ability to properly edge and hone the bit, the Council tool axes are very well made and hardened/tempered to hold up to hard use. The Dayton 3.5 would serve you well.
 
If you are looking for a felling axe to do actual felling...A Kelly Flint Edge or a Kelly Perfect double bit is hard to beat. One could also look at a vintage Plumb or Collins for that matter.



A felling axe that has other uses such as splitting, bucking and felling a 3.5 Lb. Dayton or a Michigan pattern is hard to beat. One can use a double bit for splitting, but I would prefer a a single bit for that use.

Whether a single bit or a double bit, I prefer a 36" handle for that size head.

Just some random thoughts, Tom
 
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