Rixford R57

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PsYCHoT|K

Joined
Mar 10, 2012
Messages
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Hi all. I just finished restoring an old slab of rust ax head that I picked up for $5 and wasn't quite sure what to expect out of it. I considered it a bit of a trial run (my first ax restoration). I removed the rust (and left the pitting for a "brute de forge" look), gave it a nice polished convex edge and, to my amazement, this ax actually outperforms my Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Ax (to be fair, it is heavier).

Being new to ax restoration (though not new to grinding razor-sharp edges both professionally and as a hobby) I am absolutely thrilled with the results. Not knowing what kind of ax I had was a bit annoying though. There is a stamp that has long faded away, but I can still make out some letters. Most obviously is a R57. Then what appeared to me to say "RIXFUR." After making a YouTube video where I push-cut through pads of paper with ease, sliced paper, and then shaved hair off of my arm, the not knowing what company made this excellent ax started to wear at me and eventually drove me to the depths of the internet. To my delight, with some work, I discovered that I do, in fact, have a Rixford R57 ax and I love every bit of it.

Unfortunately, I believe that I am not allowed to share pictures or videos on here, is that correct?

Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with Rixford axes, or if anyone has anything to converse about in regard to this post or ax restoration in general. I'm just an ax lover who is geeked about the results of my first functional ax restoration, and I can't wait for the weather to shift here in Michigan so I can put it to some heavy chopping work. Thank you for reading, and I hope to hear back from some fellow ax lovers!
 
You're allowed to share both photos and images but you have to be a paid member to upload them directly to bladeforums. You can still upload to some free offsite server and then hotlink the pics here. One of the guys will chime in with a good image hosting service.

PsYCHoT|K said:
to my amazement, this ax actually outperforms my Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Ax (to be fair, it is heavier).
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That doesn't suprise me in the least. The Rixford likely has better steel and better geometry.
 
Thanks Square_peg. I am currently looking into a paid membership, but I'm unsure what best suits my needs. I just sent a message to bladeforums so hopefully I will get that "squared" away soon =] As far as the edge geometry, I am responsible for that, and I'm not proud but I'm also not ashamed. I convexed it from about (rough estimates here) a 10 degree primary bevel and blended it into about a 30 degree cutting edge. I was really worried about the heat treat, or lack thereof, not knowing if someone had thrown it in a fire-pit 50 years ago or some other paranoid pessimistic anti-fantasy. I also didn't realize it was a Rixford until after I re-ground it, hung it, and tested it. To be completely honest, I was in the process of posting the ax for sale on eBay when I discovered it was a Rixford and I immediately proceeded to put that operation on pause. Thank you for your reply. I've been around here for a while, but I'm also incredibly green at the same time, so please forgive any sort of faux pas that I may unintentionally commit!
 
Thanks, muleman. The only major regret that I have is using a Link handle instead of one of my House handles. The grain runs diagonal, but like I said, this was my "test run" of sorts and I wasn't aware what exactly I had when I hung it. Live and learn, I suppose.

Is this allowed? https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...1151135339260.468726.706504259&type=3&theater

If not, I apologize and somebody please let me know or remove it.
 
That's fine. Lemme try something.....

29744439_10156486416079260_2402953540053592063_o.jpg
 
 
I like Rixford. Due to some cosmetic flaws such as light pitting that we all know is no big deal, you would never be able to sell that for anywhere close to what you would want to cover the time that you put into it. You are obviously proud of it and it works well for you. Keep that axe and use it with pride.
 
jblyttle, thank you for your helpful input. I do plan on keeping it and using it with pride and I will enjoy it, for sure =] Just a question for my own understanding, considering that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there's just something special about an old ax that works great, and also because a high quality ax can scarcely be found for under $100, do you think that if I made a similar ax with a better (House) handle someone would be willing to pay $90 for one? I only ask because I would certainly pay that for an ax like this and I am trying to understand your comment,
jblyttle said:
you would never be able to sell that for anywhere close to what you would want to cover the time that you put into it.
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I see hardware store axes selling for $40 and this one will absolutely outperform those any day, so I guess I am just seeking a little bit of clarification. Thank you for your help!
 
Hickory n steel said:
Thanks.
Btw what size is this axe anyways ?
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Hey, sorry for that lack of information. Size is sort of an important detail to be sure. It is a roughly 3lb head on a 28" handle. I wanted to keep the size down for portability's sake, but I understand that many may prefer a 30" or 32" handle with this size head. Let me know your thoughts on that! The total weight of the entire ax, as seen in the photos is 4lbs 6.4oz.
 
There's no money to be made refurbishing old axes because everyone believes they can do it themselves. Uncle Pimpy makes money on 'em for his art work, selling an idea to starry-eyed folks who wouldn't have a clue what to do with a working axe. But someone making really fine users like COTS or Agent H couldn't make $10/hr selling their wares. It's done purely for the love of making/owning/using a truly fine tool.

I'll say this though, when you swing an axe with excellent bit geometry and sharpness coupled to a really fine custom haft you will experience true bliss. It feels like part of your body and makes chopping a breeze. It really makes you appreciate a fine tool.

We should initiate a pass around with a few of the regulars in this forum. It might be an eye opener.
 
Well, I suppose this is one of those rare scenarios where everyone is actually right. I just chopped some very hard, 3 years dead, seasoned maple and even had a couple of non-ideal strikes and this ax, simply put, is amazing. The edge is still in perfect condition with no nicks, chips or rolls and it still shaves hair with ease. It penetrated the log better than the Gransfors Bruk (again, I know it is a bit of an unfair comparison as it is heavier) and seemed to take less effort to swing. I wouldn't sell it for $300 at this point. Also, the 28" handle is perfectly suitable for the 3lb head. As far as I can tell, everyone here wins!
 
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