Vintage axe questions

[High_Noon]

Hello and greetings from Texas. I am relatively new to the Blade Forum (the last 2-3 weeks or so) and I have been amazed by the vast amount of knowledge the members here are willing to share. I have posted a few questions and based upon several member's recommendations, I recently purchased a brand-spankin' new GSO 4.1 from another member and I am tickled pink with the quality of the knife (which I received today).

One of my posts was regarding a Council Velvicut HB, vs. a S&N Penobscot, for which I received several great recommendations; however, I have never really been a big fan of the HB pattern and after reading about all the great vintage American axes out there, I have decided to refurbish a vintage US made axe. Although I am certain this will quickly become an addiction for me, I would like to start with an axe that can bridge the gap between my 30+ year old 3/4, 2.5? lb. S&N Forest axe w/ 28" handle and my Hults Bruk hatchet, with a 12" handle. I have found a nice vintage Plumb w/ a 17" handle and a Warren Faithful with a 15" handle. I really like the blade shape of both of these axes. I was hoping for a 19"-22" handle, but I could always hang a longer handle at some point. I may end up getting one or both of these axes as the price seems relatively cheap - what say you? Alternatively, I would like to find a Collins Legitimus head in the 1.75-2.25 lb. range and possibly a full-size Kelly. I am not looking for a high-dollar collector's piece, but rather a great, quality, working axe I can be proud to own.

I plan on going to "First Monday" in Canton, TX in December (a gigantic flea market: >6,000 vendors over several hundred acres) so I'm sure I can find some great vintage American axes). Any suggestions on what I should look for?

Also, although I have rehung several axes and striking tools in the past, I wonder if there is a "rehanging tutorial" thread posted on this forum. I am self taught in all I have done, but I'm always open to learning new methods from those that know a lot more that I do. I am also interested in any re-profiling or sharpening threads. (I haven't had much luck searching past posts so far...)

You guys are great and I am very happy I found a forum with so many people who share my interests. In advance I thank you for your suggestions and advice!

 

[Square_peg]

Keep an eye out for old True Temper Flint Edge axes and hatchets. They are plentiful and good stuff. Hard to go wrong with them.

More generally, look for axes made in the USA that have convex cheeks and aren't excessively worn at the toe (upper point of the bit is substantially shorter than the lower point of the bit).

 

[SC T100]

Try to find them with minimal to no mushrooming of the poll too, and definitely avoid a deformed (non-symmetrical) eye if at all possible. Rust isn't a big deal unless it looks rotted. Try to find one that is stamped with the maker and model (i.e. don't rely on someone to tell you what it is unless the head says so). As peg said above...the high centerline almost guarantees it's a quality axe head all things being equal.

So if you really want the best deal, that requires work that will make it your own, find the surface rusty, stamped head with a clean poll and straight eye, and that needs sharpening but isn't excessively worn or chipped. But, I've usually had to compromise a bit, with a few rare exceptions.

 

[High_Noon]

Thank you. I appreciate the information.

Unfortunately, the gigantic flea market in Canton, TX will not be open in December, so I'll have to wait until I get a chance to go out again. In the mean time, I will keep my eyes open. The vintage axes seem to be priced fairly high on the 'bay, but perhaps I can find a good 'un.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[300Six]

All you need is a bit of patience. Collecting axes is not like collecting guns; 99 out of a 100 people looking to rid themselves of old and unwanted axes no nothing about their history or value and will take $1- 5 for a loose head and maybe $10-15 for the whole shooting match if the haft is still usable. The Internet sellers are much more savvy on what sells and what people want and some of them will go to great lengths to try to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

 

[lmalterna]

Some things I have noticed since I started... certain brands bring premiums, Winchester, Keen Kutter, Norlund, Belknap, Kelly Perfect Jerseys... while I have picked up others that are excellent quality without the same following- Craftsman(with the oval around name), RKing, Plumb, American Axe and Tool.

Once you learn to recognize patterns you will start looking for clues in pics that let you know who probably made that "rusty unmarked" head in the listing. Plenty of those have turned out to be Collins Legitimus or R kings for me. I just cleaned up one to find out it was a Rixford- a maker I had been wanting for some time.

Areas will vary but I have no luck around here at yard sales or antique stores. I hit my local flea market every weekend. Sellers there have learned what I look for and often wave me down to show me what they have. It sometimes means buying soemthing I am less than excited in but it is seed money so they keep grabbing heads when they can. Just be honest and let them know what you are willing to pay so they do not over invest. I have also found marks and helped them identify their axes to help their sales.

They are great places for quality old files also and you are going to need some Look for US made Nicholson, Simmons and Black Diamond. Often, nice condition files are 1.00 or less.

Bill

 

[High_Noon]

300Six: Yes, I will need patience for sure. Here in West Texas, there is not a lot to choose from, but I do get to travel a bit. I was excited about the possibility to go to the giant Flea Market in Canton, TX, but that will have to wait. I have been there many times before and I know there will be great pickins' there. As far as the 'bay is concerned, I agree that those sellers probably often ask a premium, but there are probably still deals to be had if I have the patience.

lmalterna: thanks for the info. Flea markets definitely sound like a good bet. I do have about a dozen older files, but I will certainly keep my eyes open for more!