Small Jersey pattern?

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beaudro

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Feb 20, 2011
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I'm in need of a small jersey pattern axe, most I have found weigh 3 to 3 1/2 pounds. I would like one that's under 3lbs. , if there is such a thing? I can have this custom made, but they run 150 bucks or more. I don't need a handle, but wouldn't turn down one with a straight handle.
 
Since that's mostly a felling axe pattern, you might have a harder time. I've never seen one smaller than 3lbs.
 
I don't think they exist, atleast I've never seen one.. It's a good idea though

You could have a fun project and find a full size dayton head and get a hacksaw and shape it to a jersey pattern. That would probably remove enough weight to take it to 2.5lb or so. That'd be one cool project
 
Some of the Maine made axes are Jerseyish and they made them in a whole slew of different weights. The problem is finding one-- they ain't easy to come across.
 
From past experience, if you cut one down, your going to run into two problem. Finding a 28'' handle that fits a full size felling axe eye, and most importantly, the shape of the cheek. The one I cut down was convexed (thicker in the center), and left a really weird profile when I was done. I wound up giving the axe to a friend, not sure if he ever managed to finish it.
 
Yeah - I don't believe I've ever come across one in the weight range you're looking for either... as already mentioned, they were predominantly a felling pattern so you'd be hard pressed to find one in a boy's axe size. One of the main appeals of jerseys for me though is the 5"+ cutting face and you really wouldn't be able to get that with a smaller size. I'd say the closest you're going to get get is something like a rockaway with the lugs (like a gransfors).

All that said though, I don't see what the issue with a 3lb Jersey would be. My 3lb Keen Kutter Jersey on a 28" straight octagonal is currently my favorite axe by far. The head has the same dimensions as a standard 3.5, but I believe the .5lb was taken off the cheek area, making the bit thinner and the balance better (since it's more in line with the poll weight). After having used it for awhile now, I've adjusted to the weight and I honestly don't see how a boy's axe would have any advantages over it..

IMG_20130423_114434_zpsa75602db.jpg
 
Last edited:
Crazyotter said:
From past experience, if you cut one down, your going to run into two problem. Finding a 28'' handle that fits a full size felling axe eye, and most importantly, the shape of the cheek. The one I cut down was convexed (thicker in the center), and left a really weird profile when I was done. I wound up giving the axe to a friend, not sure if he ever managed to finish it.
Click to expand...

House Handle sells a 28" handle for a full size eye, also a 30"
 
I have a nice but pitted Kelly Perfect Jersey that started around 3 lbs. If I really wanted to smooth everything out, square everything up, etc., I am sure I could get it down to 2.5 lbs. without changing the basic profile. And then one of the 28" handles mentioned above...
 
I've got a little 3lb Kelly Flint Edge.
I've never seen one smaller, but I'm sure that they prolly existed.
 
Thank you all. There is an axe in the Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron, Nebraska that has the typical profile of the Jersey axe. This is probably before the axe was ever given the name Jersey, Kentucky or others, the ears are the main feature. The axe in the MOFT is smaller than the felling axes , most would agree it's a half axe. These being so hard to find, I could hope to find a later made axe or have one made. A number of good smiths are making them, Hoffmans Forge does a real good job, but they run about 150 or more. It's feasible to modify a 3 or 3.5 pound , thanks for the suggestion.
 
Just recently on that auction site there was a maine axe with the lugs like a jersey.. looked like a jersey but was stamped 2 with a smaller 3. Most likely for 2 3\4#. It was an emerson and stevens. They are out there but really rare. That one weighed 2 lbs 13 ounces. As mention before house handle makes a single bit 28" handle. I bought one and hung a 3lb jersey on it. Good cutting axe
 
They definitely exist but are hard to find. I have a Keen Kutter boy's axe in Jersey pattern. It was abused a little but no mushrooming and the eye was straight so I grabbed her and fixed her up. She's on a House octagonal boy's axe handle.



 
I did see an older NOS Gransfors Bruks jersey pattern head with a 2# stamp on a 24" handle(not original) at a flea market in new mexico of all places. the old man wanted $50 for it.....im still kicking myself for not grabbing it. IT HAD THE MASK TOO!!!! not really sure what i was thinking
 
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