School me on quality axes...

I

ignatius

Joined
Jan 13, 2012
Messages
126
So I definitely have an appreciation for well made knives, and I have realized that the quality of the steel in the axe I bought at Lowes leaves a lot to be desired. I would love some advice on what to look for in a quality axe blade. I mainly use mine for light chopping chores in the yard and splitting kindling for the fireplace. What brands are good and are there any "price performers" that stand out? Please share input and pics- you will be guiding me to a purchase at some point. Most likely size would bigger than a hatchet but not a heavy duty blade for felling a tree- I think my scoutmaster of 30 yrs ago called it a 3/4 axe. Input or advice anyone?
 
ignatius said:
So I definitely have an appreciation for well made knives, and I have realized that the quality of the steel in the axe I bought at Lowes leaves a lot to be desired. I would love some advice on what to look for in a quality axe blade. I mainly use mine for light chopping chores in the yard and splitting kindling for the fireplace. What brands are good and are there any "price performers" that stand out? Please share input and pics- you will be guiding me to a purchase at some point. Most likely size would bigger than a hatchet but not a heavy duty blade for felling a tree- I think my scoutmaster of 30 yrs ago called it a 3/4 axe. Input or advice anyone?
Click to expand...

I agree with Grub the axe forum here has a wealth of knowledge. What your referring to in my mind is a boys axe. Usually refers to an axe of 2lb to 2.5lbs. As far as patterns theres many to choice from if your not picky even on the bay you can find many for fair prices for just the head. Flea markets, auctions, and the such are where I find most of mine for fairly cheap though. If your looking for one already hung and ready to go you'll pay a premium. However refurbishing an old vintage axe is quite the rewarding experience you may come to enjoy.

As far as brands I prefer Plumb axes. Few of the older stamps that aren't too hard to find are Plumb Victory's which have excellent steel. My files just skate across them. Also Genuine Plumb.
When you get into stamps on axes theres TONS! Another popular brand that comes to mind is True Temper Flint Edges. Lots of both out there.

Hope that gets you started but definately go to axe forum here.
 
This is a picture of my council tools hudson bay velvicut axe. Velvicut is there premium line of axes. These are new and run around $120 with a 2lb head and I think 18 inch handle.
They also sell a standard pattern head called the boys axe weighing 2.25lb.
kdgJIvO.jpg
 
Most common answers are gonna be Council, as seen above. Snow & Nealley now makes their axes in the US (but the move is somewhat recent so you may have to make sure you get a US head). Condor is popular for high value tools. Husqvarna markets some European-made axes at a good value from what I hear. Then you have the big Swedish names - Gransfors Bruk and Wetterlings. Lots of the guys in the Axe subforum, myself included, enjoy restoring old axes which can offer huge price to quality value and a fun project for a weekend afternoon. As a shortcut I understand there are some folks who sell refurbished vintage axes but I'm not sure who or where exactly, or how well done they are.
 
Fiskers, Council tool and Husqvarna are great quality for cost.

Boutique axes like Wetterlings, Gransfors and CT Velivcut line are something more. They are more refined but performance is marginal to the lay person when compared to the axes above.

Rehandling an old Axe head is the best kept secret for getting the best Axe for the least amount in money.
 
Plumb, Collins, and Kelly/True Temper are all great vintage axes, and many don't go for too much $$$ if you want to put some time in fixing them up.
 
The Husqvarna multi purpose axe sounds like it would be what you are looking for. The handle leaves a little to be desired as far as finish goes, but overall it is excellent quality with a beautiful head. Otherwise I would recommend a vintage Collins or Kelly as well. FYI, I ordered my Husky off of Amazon and it came with the handle all dinged and beat up. You might have better luck with an ebayer shipping it, they might care a little more about feedback.... or not, I guess.
http://www.husqvarna.com/us/accessories/axes-pruning-saws/traditional-multi-purpose-axe/
 
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