Tell me about this craftsman

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
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8,250
Just bought this one on the bay. Was wondering if you guys knew more about Craftsman axes. This is my first full size axe. I bought this one to practice sharpending and hanging before I get into more expensive ones. Thoughts?

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Both bits look to be great shape. It doesn't appear used very much. I think once it's cleaned up and sharpened and hung you will have a nice user. Good notion too about practicing on a less desireable axe, I still think it's awsome though. You'll have to show us your finished product.
 
Craftsman, from the Sears line obviously. They made many products, single bits, double bits, hatchets, etc. Depending on the craftsman logo, you can somewhat date the axe. That logo there is a newer logo overall in the grand scheme.

Nice thing about those craftsman axes, you break em, you can still take them back to Sears and get a refund. Pretty neat.
 
Operator1975 said:
Craftsman, from the Sears line obviously. They made many products, single bits, double bits, hatchets, etc. Depending on the craftsman logo, you can somewhat date the axe. That logo there is a newer logo overall in the grand scheme.

Nice thing about those craftsman axes, you break em, you can still take them back to Sears and get a refund. Pretty neat.
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Pretty neat, indeed. It's good looking too.
 
ive got got a nice crafstman DB that my father-in-law gave me. it was his fathers. its in perfect shape and is what i used for years when we moved 'to the woods' to limp trees and split rounds with. it even has a reaaly nice sheath with it...
 
OutdoorEnvy said:
Both bits look to be great shape. It doesn't appear used very much. I think once it's cleaned up and sharpened and hung you will have a nice user. Good notion too about practicing on a less desireable axe, I still think it's awsome though. You'll have to show us your finished product.
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Yep there's a couple of dings in the edge but nothing that won't come out in the first sharpening. And I would hate to get a kelly perfect and mess up the bevel the first time out. It's on my to-buy list for the future though.
 
Shotgun said:
Yep there's a couple of dings in the edge but nothing that won't come out in the first sharpening. And I would hate to get a kelly perfect and mess up the bevel the first time out. It's on my to-buy list for the future though.
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Which one do you think there was technically less made of overall - Kelly Perfect or the Craftsman ??
 
a wire wheel mounted on a bench grinder does a great job of removing surface crud, but leaves the aged patina intact.

a hand grinder with a wheel works also, just harder to handle

if you can do the wire wheel thing i think you'll like the results.
of course sand paper will take all the surface history off and leave it shiny
i prefer the wheel.

all good
nice looking bit

buzz
 
I carry a Craftsman double bit always in the back of my pickup. I don't use it an awful lot but it seems to be a fine axe and just as good as the other makes. I think Craftsman made very good axes.
 
Operator1975 said:
Which one do you think there was technically less made of overall - Kelly Perfect or the Craftsman ??
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M3mphis said:
Personally, I've seen significantly more of the KP's than craftsman's.
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Interesting. I never thought of it like that. Well, I fully intend on doing my best to get the bevel right because I do want to use this axe. Okay, now you guys have me nervous. :eek::D
 
Shotgun said:
Interesting. I never thought of it like that. Well, I fully intend on doing my best to get the bevel right because I do want to use this axe. Okay, now you guys have me nervous. :eek::D
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Ah, don't be nervous...unless your using power tools to sharpen...then be a little nervous. Just don't use an angle grinder.
 
markv said:
a wire wheel mounted on a bench grinder does a great job of removing surface crud, but leaves the aged patina intact.

a hand grinder with a wheel works also, just harder to handle

if you can do the wire wheel thing i think you'll like the results.
of course sand paper will take all the surface history off and leave it shiny
i prefer the wheel.

all good
nice looking bit

buzz
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Thanks but I like doing things by hand. Any recommendations for getting rid of the rust and gunk and still leaving the patina? I was thinking of a vinegar soak and either a brass or steel brush. Or is there a better way?
 
M3mphis said:
Ah, don't be nervous...unless your using power tools to sharpen...then be a little nervous. Just don't use an angle grinder.
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Nope straight up file work. To be honest I probably wont touch the main bevel unless there's something seriously hinky about it. I'm just going to use the file to work out all the dings and then sharpen with a stone. I gotta say I've never been so excited to do work before. Ha! :D
 
Shotgun said:
Thanks but I like doing things by hand. Any recommendations for getting rid of the rust and gunk and still leaving the patina? I was thinking of a vinegar soak and either a brass or steel brush. Or is there a better way?
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When I use vinegar, I just use a toothbrush. Good long soaks in vinegar make everything loosen way up. No chance of messing anything up with a toothbrush.

A wire wheel is certainly more expeditious, though!! :D
 
The common practice with double bit axes is to sharpen one end to an ideal edge at a narrow angle. The other end is sharpened to a wider angle. It makes for a tougher edge for utility work or any work where your fine edge might be damaged.
 
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