Revived Jersey

[ljcsov]

Before:

After:

Not too sure of the make, since I did not uncover any marks on the head. However, I like the feel of the Jersey and the steel sharpened up nicely. It's different than my Swedish axes where the head cuts deeply due to weight, not due to thinned cheeks. It seems to blow right through wood, but it also has a tendency to dangerously deflect when performing angled strikes.

 

[jurisprudence]

Nice work. Rewarding to bring an old tool back to life.

Also, notice the stump it is in. Looks like a big'un.

 

[Blunt Forged Edge]

Jersey Axe Revival! Did you paint that handle end?

 

[Square_peg]

Well done. I like how you fitted it deep down onto the shoulder of the haft.

You might spend some file time on that mushroomed poll, though.

 

[ljcsov]

I ground off some of that mushrooming since it was so bad when I received the head. I really like the patina on the head and I'm afraid if I take anymore mushrooming off it'll mess that up.

Addressing the handle, yes, I decided to paint it since the grain wasn't so great on that handle. I hope it holds together but we will see. I thought it would be a bit different to have it blue.

It took quite a bit of beating to sit the axe into the handle. I carve it out some and then had to do plenty of sanding in order to fit the head as seen above. It was actually about a quarter of an inch off still since I couldn't get the handle in any further. Since it took so much work to get it on, I figured it was on good enough to be alright. I drove both the wood wedge and metal wedge and noticed that the handle filled out the eye fully. After that I filled in the top with a bit of gorilla glue to top off that quarter inch and to ensure a tight fit.

Overall, I'm digging it. It definitely sinks into the wood differently when comparing it to my CT Hudson Bay or Wetterlings Large Hunting Axe. Although the edge is razor sharp, it doesn't seem to sink in the same way. Due to the extra weight and width of the cheeks it seems to plow through the wood more than slice. Regardless, it goes deeply into the wood and even pulls out easier than my thinner profile axes. Just need to be careful since it deflects a bit easier on those angled cuts!

 

[Square_peg]

Sounds like the edge profile is still too thick.

 

[ljcsov]

That could be. I worked on it a bit last night.

 

[markv]

can you show some close ups of the axe head?
i usually grind off some of the poll slag when it is mushroomed out.
more photos are always welcome

thanks for your reply

buzz

 

[ljcsov]

can you show some close ups of the axe head?
i usually grind off some of the poll slag when it is mushroomed out.
more photos are always welcome

thanks for your reply

buzz

Here are two more showing the head close up, and the edge after I worked on it some more.

Next I'd really like to find myself a 2.5lb double bit cruiser! Unfortunately, I nearly won one tonight but was outbid in the last minute on an old Granfors.

Close up before I touched up the edge:

Close ups after:

Distant pic:

Have this little guy one the way...doubt it'll need much work: