Plumb splitter/pseudo-maul?

sashae · Sep 17, 2014

I'm a bit vexed, but I whiffed on el Bay on this Plumb #5 splitter/pseudo-maul. I've been looking for an option for a quality splitter and this looked a treat, with what looks like a hardened poll and good geometry. I've never seen something like it before... anyone seen one like this? What pattern would this be considered?

Double Ott · Sep 17, 2014

Your Plumb is a Rafting pattern. Very, VERY nice. They make sweet splitters.

Tom

sashae · Sep 17, 2014

I wish it were mine!! I didn't bid enough, sadly. If anyone's got one they'd be interested in trading, let me know!

300Six · Sep 17, 2014

Former owner of this did not abuse it and also knew how to sharpen it. Had I known hardened polls existed and were available when I was buying new 35 years ago I would have jumped! Bugs me no end to have a lovely axe on hand and have the reticence not to use it to pound rebar pegs into the ground or drive spikes into wood retaining walls. None of my axes are pristine even though I've gone out of my way not to use the polls as hammers. The metal readily mushrooms once you've had the occasion or determination to really want to drive something home. And guaranteed that does happen (even briefly) over the course of 20-30 years.

Square_peg · Sep 17, 2014

That one caught my eye, too. Nice axe. I think it went for a fair price.

I still like my waffle-poll Plumb rafting axe better.

It will split a little wood.

Axe Master '94 · Sep 29, 2014

I scored this baby recently

is it a rafting pattern too?
5.5 lb Norlund
I've heard these referred to as "log-splitting pattern."

Steve Tall · Sep 29, 2014

Axe Master '94 said:
I scored this baby recently

is it a rafting pattern too?
5.5 lb Norlund
I've heard these referred to as "log-splitting pattern."

I wonder if it was ground/filed down somewhat to give it a "pointy" heel and toe?

Square-peg's Norlund rafting axe, for comparison:

Square_peg said:
I've seen Norlunds up to 5 pounds. I sold this 5 pound rafting axe last year.

Axe Master '94 · Sep 29, 2014

I honestly haven't even been able to look mine over yet in person (I'm living at college and won't get home for another month) but that sounds likely. The thing that caught my eye was the claim of it being over 5 pounds, and I didn't question it much. It was a good enough deal that I couldn't go wrong.