Recommendation? Looking for an "American Felling Axe"...

M

Molly Hatchet

Joined
Dec 17, 2013
Messages
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Right now, I've got a Husqvarna traditional/multipurpose axe. Great axe. I've also got a splitting maul, the head of which was given to me by a relative, and I have restored it and put a handle on it.

I'm interested in getting a larger "American Felling Axe" style of axe. Something at least 4 lbs, with a handle at least 32 inches long--maybe even more like 35 inches.

I've looked at the Gransfors Bruk American Felling Axe online. I really like that axe, based on what I see. The price tag I see for that axe at most online retailers is a bit much much for me, though. So I'm hoping to find something along those lines at a less expensive price.

I am most concerned about something that is made very well with good quality metal and ideally hand-forged. I'm not quite as familiar with the other offerings out there. Can you guys make some suggestions for me?
 
Molly Hatchet,
IF you are looking for new- I would look at Council Tool. Good quality and affordable.

My preference would be a good vintage US axe. Something like a Plumb, Kelly Flint Edge, oval logo Craftsman, Connecticut made Collins. My hobby right now is cleaning up old heads and putting on new handles. Very rewarding and results in a nice quality axe for not alot of money.- Probably 30-50.00 tops depending on make, patterna dn condition of head.

Bill
 
I agree with everything above. If you truly want hand-forged, you'll likely have to pay for it through Gransfors or Wettlerlings, or find an old, vintage axe (that was probably still not hand-forged) but will likely have the same quality. I have a GB SFA, and love it, but I also have a few full-size vintage American axes I refurbed, and they are awesome, and perform very, very well. Most new forged axes are drop-forged, but can still be great. I have held the Council Tool axes and they seem very good, though I haven't used one yet. They might need a little elbow grease (unless you get the Velvicut line which is more expensive due to better steel and fit/finish) to get them perfect (a little sanding and oiling, and some sharpening), but they all seemed great when I was looking at them. They have a very, very nice jersey pattern with bevels that I really, really want but can't bring myself to buy yet simply because my wall is a bit full at the moment.
 
Well, I like the idea of finding vintage axe heads and restoring/refurbishing them. I enjoy that process and I like putting handles on the tools, myself. (This is what I did with that splitting maul.)

Do you have any suggestions on the best places to find vintage pieces like these? eBay?
 
You can find nice ones on the bay- I buy plenty there. But look at pics closely, I have received a few with obscure pics that had deformed eyes. Also spend time reading here to figure out the correct vintage for the quality in steel and geometry that you want. Older vintage had higher centerlines and convex bevels.

There are also many patterns to choose from. My favorites happen to be Jerseys, Kentucky's and Connecticuts. But there are plenty more that work just as well.

The best is flea markets and yard sales... I have gotten heads as cheap as 1.00 and have never paid more than 20.00 for a complete axe with salvagable handle. Selection will not be as good and harder to find patterns are much easier to get over the net. Craigslist might work depending on the area you live in.

Bill
 
^Yup! I'm not sure where you're located, but some areas have a better "crop" or supply of used vintage axes compared to others. Think Pacific northwest (lots of logging) versus, say Arizona (where the logging industry wasn't as big). I've had good luck at flea markets for my best buys, but I've also overpaid a few times at both flea markets and antique stores. The hunt is part of the fun :)
 
How do you know where a Collins was made? Are the stamps/markings different?
 
I always stick to ones that have either Collinsville or Hartford on them. I avoid the ones with rectangular boxes around the name. Not to say they are not good axes, just that it makes it easier for me. Collins also had issue with other makers stamping axes with Collins name so, without alot of research, you can still get fooled.

In all honesty- most axes made pre 1970's are as good as most of us will ever need in real use.

Bill
 
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