Show Your Old Steel

jds1

jds1

Joined
Jun 9, 2007
Messages
6,346
I have always enjoyed keeping an eye out for old axes and hatchets. When we stop at a garage sale or flea market it's the first thing I look for. So far, I haven't spent more than $5 for any one piece (one was even a freebie ;)). Even re-hafting an axe only adds another $10 or so and look what you've got to show for it!

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Most of the time I start with an abrasive wheel on a hand drill to get the worst of the rust and crud off before hand sanding to a 400 grit. If the poll is banged-up I'll smooth it out on my little Delta 1 x 30 that I also use to bring back the cutting edge.

This axe is my latest project and I wish I would have taken a before shot. It was completely fuzzy with rust. I don't know where it spent the last several years, but it wasn't indoors. In spite of the thick coat of rust it looked to be in pretty good shape for $3. This is how it looks after spending five days soaking in CLR.

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I think it may be a Rockaway pattern. The only markings are 3 1/2 and M. If anyone knows anything about this one please chime in. The haft is actually in fairly good condition and the head is secure, so I think I'll just taper the gouges, sand and refinish the wood before working on the edge.

Anyway, I know several of you have worked on old axes and knives. I thought it would be cool to see them all in one place. So post 'em if you got 'em.

Jeff
 
Hi jds -

I don't have any old axes, but it sure is nice to see yours!

I did look at the axes and hatchets at the auction, but I did not get any of them.

I know more about working an auction now; when they pickers are working the tables, pick up what you want, hand it to a picker, and tell him you bid two dollars on this. The picker will then hold it up and the auctioneer will start the bidding on that item.

That is a good way to speed up getting to the items you want.

Alas, I learned this after several old axes sold while I was at the other end of the auction.

Thanks for posting your pictures- I'll be sniffing around garage sales and estate sales looking for old steel now you can bet.

best regards -

mqqn
 
So far this is all I've got, but the price was right- free!
Don't know anything about this one-it has 89-US on it.

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Found this one while deer hunting. It's a Fulton.

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I need to clean both of them up and sharpen. (I need better photos too, I didn't realize these old ones were so bad.)
Been thinking of picking up a proper hatchet, if or when I find one. Don't seem to have the time to go to many auctions. When I stop at antique or consignment shops they want too much for stuff.
 
kyturkey said:
Been thinking of picking up a proper hatchet, if or when I find one. Don't seem to have the time to go to many auctions. When I stop at antique or consignment shops they want too much for stuff.
Click to expand...

If you come in September I`ve got quite a selection. :D
 
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