RFI buying an axe off ebay

J

JLKII

Joined
Jun 4, 2009
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I'm new to buying things off ebay, and am writing to seek advice about how to insure that a purchase is going to be worthwhile, and not a waste of money. There seem to be many ads that are suspicious --- the ones that promise "this item will be delivered by my sister, who looks like Scarlet J., and who, for a slight renumeration, might be persuaded to linger a while."

My particular interest is older double-bitted heads make by one of the classic American manufacturers that I could refurbish and then use.

Any thoughts about this?
 
JLKII said:
I'm new to buying things off ebay, and am writing to seek advice about how to insure that a purchase is going to be worthwhile, and not a waste of money. There seem to be many ads that are suspicious --- the ones that promise "this item will be delivered by my sister, who looks like Scarlet J., and who, for a slight renumeration, might be persuaded to linger a while."

My particular interest is older double-bitted heads make by one of the classic American manufacturers that I could refurbish and then use.

Any thoughts about this?
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The best that you can do is look at feedback and try to buy from someone who sells a bunch of that type of thing, not seller who has toys, car parts, craft supplies and the odd axe head.
 
jblyttle said:
The best that you can do is look at feedback and try to buy from someone who sells a bunch of that type of thing, not seller who has toys, car parts, craft supplies and the odd axe head.
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+1 , dead on. And I have my eye on the Plumb cedar pattern boys axe JB :thumbup:
 
i've bought a few. you might

buy a job lot of promising heads, lots can be shipped in a flat rate box for the same amount of $ as one head, you never know, there could be a real gem in the bunch
know what you are bidding on, learn something about axe size/weight, quality steel/manufacture so forth
don't assume you are bidding on the last and only axe ever to be offered, there are b-zillions out there.

hope this helps.
buzz
 
" not seller who has toys, car parts, craft supplies and the odd axe head."
generally speaking this is good advice,but there is the off chance this type of seller will offer an axe at a real bargain because he is glad to get something for it, if only a few bucks.
 
markv said:
" not seller who has toys, car parts, craft supplies and the odd axe head."
generally speaking this is good advice,but there is the off chance this type of seller will offer an axe at a real bargain because he is glad to get something for it, if only a few bucks.
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True and this goes back to your advice of knowing what you are bidding on. I stick with good clear markings on known quality axes with a clean eye and a bit that isn't sharpened down too much.
 
yes, good advice
stay away from axes that look too "short in the tooth"
nothing wrong with well used , but worn out is not good.

buzz
 
JLKII said:
My particular interest is older double-bitted heads make by one of the classic American manufacturers that I could refurbish and then use.

Any thoughts about this?
Click to expand...

Wanna keep it simple? Go find a Flint Edge or Kelly Perfect from a reputable seller (check feedback). Make sure you choose one that doesn't have a worn out toe. The toe is the upper point of the bit. It's the part that gets worn down and ground off after hitting rocks or other abuse. Find an axe with a strong toe and you're good to go. There are a million other good axes out there but it takes time to learn the good from the bad.
 
All good advise here. rockman0 mentioned a "clean eye". I believe that was a reference to an eye that is not deformed. The seller should include a clear picture so you can determine that the eye is not deformed and the head is straight.

Bob
 
rjdankert said:
All good advise here. rockman0 mentioned a "clean eye". I believe that was a reference to an eye that is not deformed. The seller should include a clear picture so you can determine that the eye is not deformed and the head is straight.

Bob
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Yes sir Bob, that is what I meant by clean eye. Even if it still has wood in the eye a good clear picture will show any deformity or battered down iron.
 
pattern does have a lot to do with the choice you make, as far as double bits go.
a. Feller will have a differnet purpose than a Scandi type or similar.
of course if you can snag a Cruiser for less than a $100.00 all good.

buzz.
 
Thanx all for the advice.

Looks like I shall venture into an unknown (for me) field and see what happens.
 
When paying, use a credit card through PayPal instead of instant withdrawal. That gives you an extra layer of protection.
 
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