Refurbing an old Collins ax

D

DocGP

Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
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What are the feelings on the old (25-30 yrs) Collins axes? I found one of my dad's old axe heads that hadn't been swung for 25 yrs. Was all rusty and neglected. Got it all cleaned up and wire brushed. Edge was REALLY beaten up. Spent about an hr on file, belt sander, and buffer and got both edges shaving sharp!!!! In the process of rehanging it, it bit a chunk out of my left index finger about the size of a dime!! OUCH. Should have waited till after hanging it to sharpen it!!

Anyway, I know they are cheap axes, but just the fact that it was dad's is enough for me. Will post a pic or two when I get home. Sharpened it in the Kephart style......one edge more obtuse for rough work and one more acute for clear cutting.

Any thoughts on the old Collin's? Just wondering.

Doc​
 
A few pictures

IvV4EM3.jpg


Tu3LvJn.jpg


l2hxzP5.jpg


Y7lzN36.jpg


And finally one for effect!!

WifpedB.jpg


Doc
 
It's older than 25 years. More like 50.

DocGP said:
Spent about an hr on file, belt sander, and buffer and got both edges shaving sharp!!!! In the process of rehanging it, it bit a chunk out of my left index finger about the size of a dime!! OUCH. Should have waited till after hanging it to sharpen it!!
Click to expand...

No, you should not have waited to sharpen it! They are much MUCH easier to sharpen before hanging. What you should have done is taped off the sharpened bits before hanging. A layer of blue painters tape will leave no residue when you pull it off. Top that with a layer of duct tape for protection.
 
DocGP said:
A few pictures

IvV4EM3.jpg


Tu3LvJn.jpg


l2hxzP5.jpg


Y7lzN36.jpg


And finally one for effect!!

WifpedB.jpg


Doc
Click to expand...

Collins made exent axes at one point, this one would be 1960's or earlier and should be a pretty great axe.
It's just a standard box logo Collins and not one of their more premium offerings, but make no mistake it has nothing in common with modern or even 35 year old Collins branded axes.

Btw what you refer to is not exactly Kephart style, it was common to most woodsman and lumberjacks back in the heyday.
One bit for ground work and for cutting through bark which can carry lots of rocks ..ect and the other razor sharp for the clean work.
 
Last edited:
Hickory n steel said:
Collins made exent axes at one point, this one would be 1960's or earlier and should be a pretty great axe.
It's just a standard box logo Collins and not one of their more premium offerings, but make no mistake it has nothing in common with modern or even 35 year old Collins branded axes.

Btw what you refer to is not exactly Kephart style, it was common to most woodsman and lumberjacks back in the heyday.
One bit for ground work and for cutting through bark which can carry lots of rocks ..ect and the other razor sharp for the clean work.
Click to expand...
A "keen" edge and a "stunt" edge was the verbiage around here back in the day. Self explanatory which was which. I don't do that personally on a user axe. I sharpen both bits keen and bring a mattock hoe or another axe for dirty work or grubbing out.
Nice Collins btw! I would set it down on the shoulder more too for sure.
 
Yankee Josh said:
A "keen" edge and a "stunt" edge was the verbiage around here back in the day. Self explanatory which was which. I don't do that personally on a user axe. I sharpen both bits keen and bring a mattock hoe or another axe for dirty work or grubbing out.
Nice Collins btw! I would set it down on the shoulder more too for sure.
Click to expand...
I like that, keen edge and stunt edge.

Yes I'd definitely set it on the shoulder.
 
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