Straight handle palm swell/knob? Jersey question

Agent_H · Jun 3, 2016

This is a Jersey that I believe to be a 4lb Plumb but it would have been a label only model.

Did other American makers take on the rounded ears for their Jersey axes?

The head is fitted and the handle slimmed but I am not sure what would appropriate (or interesting for that matter) to do with the swell end being a straight handle.
Im not done with it just yet but it feels great in hand.

Standard knob/swell I guess would be evenly cut across behind the upsweeps and rounded off?

There is a lot material there still to shape or not I figure.

Any ideas?

BG_Farmer · Jun 3, 2016

Would look good simply rounded off.

The later Collins jersey imports have rounded lugs, so maybe, if they were copying earlier axes.

Unetched pedigree or not, that will be the one axe you want when you can only have one!

Agent_H · Jun 3, 2016

BG_Farmer said:
Would look good simply rounded off.

The later Collins jersey imports have rounded lugs, so maybe, if they were copying earlier axes.

Unetched pedigree or not, that will be the one axe you want when you can only have one!

I didn't think about Collins until you mentioned it. It has what I think are die marks so it's newer.

Rounding it off - I like the idea of keeping as much material as possible.
Creative rounding.

Square_peg · Jun 4, 2016

Agent_H said:
The head is fitted and the handle slimmed but I am not sure what would appropriate (or interesting for that matter) to do with the swell end being a straight handle.
Im not done with it just yet but it feels great in hand.

If it feels great now then just leave it alone. Looks great. Feels great. What more could you want?

rockman0 · Jun 4, 2016

Nice Jersey, looks good, I would sand the base of the knob and go with it.

rjdankert · Jun 4, 2016

Agent_H said:
. . .

The head is fitted and the handle slimmed but I am not sure what would appropriate (or interesting for that matter) to do with the swell end being a straight handle.
Im not done with it just yet but it feels great in hand.

Standard knob/swell I guess would be evenly cut across behind the upsweeps and rounded off?

There is a lot material there still to shape or not I figure.

Any ideas?

Use it as is. If it doesn't feel right, tinker with it until it does. It is a lot easier to take wood off than put it on. I think it's great that you are thinking of making a handle specific to your own needs and preferences. :thumbup:

Bob

Park Swan · Jun 4, 2016

Square_peg · Jun 4, 2016

That 'extra' wood in the swell might be part of the reason it feels so good.

Agent_H · Jun 4, 2016

All of the responses are sound and I appreciate it.

The "extra" wood will stay - Wildernessknife&tool, thanks for the quick mock up of rounded off.

gben · Jun 5, 2016

Maybe it isn't a Jersey. Usually in vintage axe catalogs a "Jersey" with it's points rounded-off is called something else, a Rockaway for instance.....

Old Axeman · Jun 6, 2016

I bought new Plumb Jerseys late 1960's and 70's with rounded lugs.

Agent_H · Jun 6, 2016

Maybe so Gben but I dont think I have seen a Plumb Jersey with pointed ears I was under the impression that the rounded ears was Plumbs take on the Jersey pattern whereas a Rockaway is a different pattern altogether and made by several companies. Its unmarked as well. Looks like a sticker was affixed at one point. It weighs 3lbs 14oz off the handle and doesnt seem too abused.

BG_Farmer mentioned Collins potentially making a rounded ear Jersey.

Ive been operating under the following assumption:

Jersey in general:

Plumb Jersey:

Rockaway (internet shots)

Originally posted by A Visitor

A Visitor said: