Purpose of Collins Commander patterned axes

A

AttilaTheHun

Joined
Apr 10, 2011
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I came across a Collins Commander 36", 3.5lb single bit axe for a good price:
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What purpose do tracks on the upper and lower part of the blade serve?
 
After some research it appears this shape of bit is called the "True Temper Kelly Perfect pattern". It seems the cheeks reduce binding.
Would this be primarily a chopping or splitting axe, or an all-arounder?
 
They're called 'phantom bevels'. Their purpose is to allow deeper penetration with less sticking. They're call 'phantom' because they're not as deep or pronounced as similar historical bevels used to be.

Someone here will likely correct me with a more accurate history of phantom bevels. But my understanding is that earlier axes made of lesser steel needed to be thicker in the blade. But the thick blades cut less efficiently. The bevels were added for the reasons stated above. However modern steels allow thinner blades and the bevels are usually replaced now by more subtle curves.

In modern axes 'phantom bevels' are more a stylistic thing then serving any real purpose.

Regarding new 'Collins' axes - they're cheap import junk. The Collins name was once synonymous with great axes. But Wall Street has reduced it to nothing but a marketing tool. If you want a quality new axe look toward Council Tools or pricey European imports. If you want a great axe for a reasonable price then start shopping garage sales and figure on re-handling an old axe.
 
Square_peg, you're right on the money regarding change in steel quality mid-19th century. Reference: excellent "An axe to grind", where the "Kelly Perfect pattern" is also described.
Got the axe for $5 at a garage sale. Collins, made in Mexico. Handle is straight, sticker says "hand-forged". Came dull, now sharp following "An axe to grind" manual above.
Council tools has something comparable here: http://www.counciltool.com/product.asp?pg=product&item=35JC36C
35JC36C.gif

According to council, "Phantom bevels or hallows are designed to reduce sticking and burst wood chips."
 
For $5 you did fine. Imports are a decent way to get introduced to using and caring for axes. I keep a few around for tasks that I don't want to subject one of my good axes to.
 
Square_peg said:
For $5 you did fine. Imports are a decent way to get introduced to using and caring for axes. I keep a few around for tasks that I don't want to subject one of my good axes to.
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Exactly. For $5, no regret. The steel is hard to sharpen and brittle. The edge stays on a while. Despite the bevels, the bit sticks like crazy while chopping. I guess a felling axe is not a splitting maul, even with phantom bevels. I like it.
Do you know any cheap source for a head cover?
 
AttilaTheHun said:
Do you know any cheap source for a head cover?
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I've seen a guy on ebay selling them. A lot of guys make their own. And I've seen some really nice customs here on the forum. Maybe one of the other guys can point you to a maker.
 
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