Ture Temper Kelly Works "Handmade" information

BladeCommander

BladeCommander

Joined
Nov 13, 2012
Messages
2,401
Hey everyone. This is my first post in the Axe sub-forum, and I am looking for some information on a recent flea market purchase.

It is a True Temper Kelly Works "Handmade" double bit axe head. The handle does not look original, but I could be wrong. This is the only Axe I own right now as I don't really have a need for one, I just thought it was a cool piece, and I know the good people over here on the forums can help me out. I have looked for a thread or two on the "Handmade" Kelly axe, but found little information. I can't even find many pictures of these. It has a very nice convex grind down to a thin edge in very good condition. I can get more pics up later, these are the ones I took after getting it home. The thing that was interesting to me is the small edge compared to the other axes I've seen. This one only has like a 3.5" blade on it. But it doesn't look to be modified. Not much rust or damage, and the edge is still sharp enough to be used as is.


Basically I just want to know if this axe is uncommon, and what it was designed to be used for? Is this a splitting axe, or a felling (?) axe?

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Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.
 
There is an older style Hand Made too with larger letters in an angular pattern. Somewhat uncommon but not rare. Made for falling not splitting. The bits are too thin on a double bit unless you master the wrist flick method of splitting. That is an interesting pattern, not sure exactly which pattern it is. Nice axe in good shape for sure.
 
Your Kelly is a Puget Sound pattern. They are not very common. They are more popular on the west coast. It is a falling axe. I don't think it would be very good for anythiing else do to the shape of the head.

Here's my Puget Sound with two Kelly Perfects. I like Kellys.

KellyBeforeAfterwirecupbrush012.jpg


Tom
 
Ok thank you both for the information. That answers both of my questions. It was in interesting piece for sure, and I'm glad I could bring it here to the knowledgeable folks here on the forums.

I will have to keep a lookout for old Axes when I'm looking around the markets now. I love finding hidden treasures that have been overlooked, as I'm sure many of you do as well.

On a side note. If anyone wants to give me a short list of Brand Names to look for as good buys please feel free to list them. Might help me decide which to pass up and which to jump on.

Plumb and Kelly are the two I've seen mentioned a lot around here. Any others?
 
I'm a big fan of Sager axes, typically marked as Sager Chemical. They are conveniently marked with the year of manufacture, ie "Sager Chemical 1938". I also like Collins, but look at those on an axe by axe basis. Not all are up to the same par. Norlund is another good name- you see a lot of Hudson Bay pattern axes made by them.
 
Plumb, Collins- Legitimus, Bonded, Commander and Old Timer lines/ others that show Connecticut location in stamp, Warren, Walters, Sager, Rixford, R. King(early Collins), Kelly made a BROAD range of lines over the years, and finally Craftsman- if inside a single or double oval.

There are plenty of other good ones but these seem the most commonly found.

Bill
 
WOW! Thanks everyone for the responses. I will be making a note of the brand names so I can keep a lookout for cool finds. I do want a hatchet for camping as well. I can't wait to start looking for all the hidden gems that are out there. I have already picked up a couple Forgecraft Kitchen knives that I cleaned up. They have the usual pitting, but they still cut great. I sure do love the "hunt"!

Should I remove the rust from this blade? Or leave it. There isn't any bad pitting, and the edge is in excellent shape. I took a very light sanding to the makers stamp just so I could get a better pic, but I think I want to take off the rest of the surface oxidation just to take a better look. Opinions?
 
If it were mine I would clean her up. With head attached to the handle you are going to have to use a wire brush and or wet/dry paper on it. Or...

I used an angle grinder with a course twisted wire cup on mine. This way it leaves a nice patina on the head. It is my preferred way to clean up an axe head.

If you can remove the head, w/o harming the helve, you could try the vinegar soak and brush method...I hate the mess this leaves.

Tom
 
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