Quality of Vintage Plumb and Belknap tools

[Skiller1nc]

2 belknap carpenters hatchet

Plumb, maybe carpenter hatchet?

Plumb hatchet

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[FrankMA]

There's a few things on your bench you might want to clear off - before you know it, it becomes a big pile of junk....

 

[Lieblad]

ss...

 

[Skiller1nc]

Okay so what is a lathe hammer, and the work bench is my grand fathers, he shops local yard sales and buys crap he will never use, case in point, I found 12 axes with handles and 4 heads, and 5 or more of all types of hammers

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[Hickory n steel]

The first one is a riggers axe ( unless it's lighter than 28oz then it's for flooring )
The second one is a half hatchet with the bit pretty well worn down
The third is a underhill style lathing hatchet
And the fourth is a carpenters broad hatchet that should've only been sharpened on the stamped side.

The quality should be pretty good.

 

[Square_peg]

Both vintage Plumb and Belknap are high quality.

Those first two can be called either a rigger's axe, a half-axe or a half-hatchet depending on the manufacturer and date of production. In any case they should be hung on a straight handle so that both sides of the head, hammer or axe, can be used equally well.

Ditto what others said about the rest.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Both vintage Plumb and Belknap are high quality.

Those first two can be called either a rigger's axe, a half-axe or a half-hatchet depending on the manufacturer and date of production. In any case they should be hung on a straight handle so that both sides of the head, hammer or axe, can be used equally well.

Ditto what others said about the rest.

As far as I know, riggers axes from the 20th century never have the octagonal head on them.
That's why framing hammers have that style of head, guys would cut the axe bit off and weld on hammer claws. Half hatchets also way less that the standard 28oz / 1-3/4lb


personally I'd use a 22" curved handle on the riggers axe to turn it into a small axe that happens to have a hammer for a poll.
But that's just something I've wanted to do for a long time to make the perfect pack sized axe. ( I'd also slightly curve the bit )

 

[blade dude]

That plumb head on bottom two pics is not ruined but sharpened both sides right? Supposed to only be one like a chisel. So far my balknap head has held up to me and brother so they're good I dunno bout plumb but heard good things


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[rjdankert]

Here are some Belknap and Plumb catalog adds which may have some interest:

1932

1929

1938

As far as the double bevel on the Plumb, I have no info and have not looked. However, double bevel broad hatchets were made.

1901

If Plumb did offer double bevels that does not prove that the OPs hatchet was originally a double.

Bob

BTW, I like grampaws bench.

 

[Lieblad]

[QUOTgro

 

[Skiller1nc]

@rjdankert really cool articles and yeah the work bench is really a storage shelf, lol I may have been a work bench 50 years ago now it collects American made tools and dust

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[Skiller1nc]

Look at the hamon on this old belknap, is it still a hamon if it's on an axe? Anywho it's alot harder that the craftsman I have.

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[Hickory n steel]

Look at the hamon on this old belknap, is it still a hamon if it's on an axe? Anywho it's alot harder that the craftsman I have.

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FYI don't like anymore axe heads in vinegar.
Remove the rust with a wire wheel so you don't destroy the patina 👍

Here's what an axe with lost of character and a nice patina looks like

 

[Skiller1nc]

FYI don't like anymore axe heads in vinegar.
Remove the rust with a wire wheel so you don't destroy the patina 👍

Here's what an axe with lost of character and a nice patina looks like

It's a tool, I see what you are saying but it's not about looks it's about function and with use of will regain patina

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[Square_peg]

FYI don't like anymore axe heads in vinegar.
Remove the rust with a wire wheel so you don't destroy the patina

I've been preaching this on this forum and elsewhere for many years. 5 years ago most axes posted in this forum had been soaked in vinegar. Now most have been cleaned with a wire cup or wheel - especially those posted by the experienced guys.

A few things I'll add. Use either a knotted steel cup or preferably a brass wire cup. A crimped steel bristle cup will throw wires most readily. Knotted steel is fastest but brass wire leaves the most patina and gives the best look.

And never bear down hard on a wire cup or wheel. Take your time and let it do its work. Bearing down will only make it throw wires.

Finally, be sure to wear eye, ear and respiratory protection while using a wire cup or wheel.

Patina.

 

[rjdankert]

Who owns this axe?

just say'in. . .

Bob

 

[Hickory n steel]

It's a tool, I see what you are saying but it's not about looks it's about function and with use of will regain patina

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But it is about looks, the beauty they develop over time is part of what attracts me to them.
Why remove the original history and identity if the axe ?
It took years to developed such a nice patina why destroy it, it's like replacing a nicely aged and broken in pair of leather boots for a new pleather pair.
It's your tool do what you will with it, but just know that fellow axers will be gritting their teeth every time they see the pictures.