True Temper Flint Edge

gruntmedik · Nov 2, 2012

This is my first step into the world of axes, and am afraid of where it will lead. I picked this up today for $15, hopefully not a bad price. A True Temper Flint Edge Kelly Works. The only other markings I could find is a 3 on it, as the pics show. I'm afraid the haft is done for, as it looks like a powder beetle has snacked upon it, but it is also marked True Temper. The pics are as I got it, I have done nothing but take pics, and eyeball the kitchen table...

Any info as far as age, or where I may find a replacement haft for it would be most appreciated. If you think the haft is salvageable, how would I go about it?

Sorry for the noob questions.

bearhunter · Nov 2, 2012

Well, that's a good looking axe with nice deep markings.
I don't know about the handle. Maybe it could be saved with a para cord wrap. It's a real shame that the original handle is banged up like that

markv · Nov 3, 2012

probably a 3.2 or 3lb. 8oz.
looks like the 2 is missing from the stamp

nice ax
buzz

daizee · Nov 3, 2012

I just re-hafted a similar head this evening - see the thread. The original haft was similarly marked, and I paid the same amount.

The new handle is a 36" Tennessee Hickory from JHollywood.
My head is marked 32.

Double Ott · Nov 3, 2012

Grunt, I collect Kellys. What you have is 3.5 Lb Kelly double bit. The Flint Edge was a mainstay of the Kelly line. They are great axes. You have a fine example here. The head is in nice shape, no pitting and her bits look like they are close to original condition. Her stampings (makers marks) are nice and clean.

She should clean and sharpen up nicely. Here haft is original and looks like it will work for your as she is. Looks like some over strikes have banged it up, but she will be OK. All I would do is set the head down to the original setting on the shoulder and add a metal wedge to tighten it up and keep her in place.

Good luck with her, she's a keeper, Tom

P.S. You did good for $15

gruntmedik · Nov 3, 2012

Thanks for the info! I still have so much to learn.

Daizee, nice job!

Double Ott · Nov 3, 2012

gruntmedik said:
Thanks for the info! I still have so much to learn.

Daizee, nice job!

I forgot to add...Her head pattern is called a Michigan pattern. Sweet axe, enjoy her.

Tom

CedarEater · Nov 3, 2012

gruntmedik said:
I'm afraid the haft is done for, as it looks like a powder beetle has snacked upon it, but it is also marked True Temper.

Powder beetle you say? Is that what the hole is in the top pic of the quote above? Also right under the TT logo in the second pic above it appears there is a crack running perpendicular to the grain and maybe another hole like the other one? Are there more holes or is that it?

I agree with Double Ott if the haft feels structurally sound. If it feels weak then rehang it on a new haft and try to thin it down till it feels like the old haft.

Square_peg · Nov 3, 2012

Double Ott said:
She should clean and sharpen up nicely. Her haft is original and looks like it will work for your as she is. Looks like some over strikes have banged it up, but she will be OK. All I would do is set the head down to the original setting on the shoulder and add a metal wedge to tighten it up and keep her in place.

I agree with 00 that the haft looks salvageable. Having the original handle is a big plus in my book. First thing I'd do is separate the haft from the head. There are threads here on bladeforums explaining how to do this. Then glue and clamp any splinters that can be pushed back down into their original place. Next slather the overstrike areas with multiple (4-6) coats of tung oil to adhere any loose fibers back into the haft. Finish by gently whittling down the rough areas after the tung oil treatment.

I would try to smooth out the lip at the shoulder and re-hang the axe about 1/8" or 3/16" further down the haft. I avoid using metal wedges when ever possible. Better to use a really well fit wooden wedge and if necessary a wooden cross-wedge.

Of course all this is dependent upon how bad the beetle damage is. If the haft still feels solid then it's probably all right.

gruntmedik · Nov 3, 2012

CedarEater said:
Powder beetle you say? Is that what the hole is in the top pic of the quote above? Also right under the TT logo in the second pic above it appears there is a crack running perpendicular to the grain and maybe another hole like the other one? Are there more holes or is that it?

I agree with Double Ott if the haft feels structurally sound. If it feels weak then rehang it on a new haft and try to thin it down till it feels like the old haft.

I'm at work now, I'll have to look again when I get home tomorrow, but I thought it was just the one beetle hole. It sure does look like another hole though.

It feels pretty solid, but I wonder about maybe injecting some epoxy into the hole, in addition to the other suggestions. Sound feasible?

daizee · Nov 3, 2012

Pegs has dramatically more experience with axen than I do, so I want to be clear I'm not questioning his advice. In my own way of thinking, if refurbishing a *user*, then I want as much confidence as possible in the tool, and that would mean giving it a fresh handle in this case. Unless collecting, handles are a wear part and inexpensive. Hang the old one on the wall if you like.