What defines a “cruiser” axe?

[Curt Hal]

What is and what is not a cruiser axe? I suspect it’s an often misused term. I just finished hanging a 2.5 lb db on a 24” haft. Does that qualify as a cruiser?

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

What is and what is not a cruiser axe? I suspect it’s an often misused term. I just finished hanging a 2.5 lb db on a 24” haft. Does that qualify as a cruiser?

https://archive.org/details/VaughanFineTools1940/page/n10?q="cruiser+axe"

https://archive.org/details/MannEdgeToolCoCatalog/page/n5

https://archive.org/details/TrueTemperToolsCatalog1R1938/page/n155

https://archive.org/details/WarrenAxesAndLoggingTools1937/page/n11

 

[David Martin]

crbn, thanks for the catalog photo. So, a Cruiser is in the 2 1/2 lb. range. Would a 3 lb. qualify? DM

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

crbn, thanks for the catalog photo. So, a Cruiser is in the 2 1/2 lb. range. Would a 3 lb. qualify? DM

Probably, not
It is worth to check the size of the eye: 2-1/4" x 5/8" vs 2-7/8"" x 5/8"

 

[Miller '72]

I see a cruiser as a double bit, less than 3lbs. At or less than 8 3/4" length, at or just over 4" bits and the eye is roughly 2 1/8" long X 3/4" wide.
These are my rough measurements that I use in conjunction with each other if I have doubts about a head I am looking at, trying to decipher if cruiser or heavily worn double.

 

[ithinkverydeeply]

Thanks! Since we are on the topic, what denotes a Saddle Cruiser?

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

Thanks! Since we are on the topic, what denotes a Saddle Cruiser?

In 1937 Warren made 1 lbs double bit hatchet on 16 inch haft.
https://archive.org/details/WarrenAxesAndLoggingTools1937/page/n11
Nessmuk's hatchet
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/34607/34607-h/34607-h.htm#Page_6

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/saddle-cruiser-axe-1817376501

 

[Miller '72]

In 1937 Warren made 1 lbs double bit hatchet on 16 inch haft.
https://archive.org/details/WarrenAxesAndLoggingTools1937/page/n11
Nessmuk's hatchet
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/34607/34607-h/34607-h.htm#Page_6

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/saddle-cruiser-axe-1817376501

Excellent research
Sager or first quality brands...so cool.
Thanks for the peak at the old catalog too

 

[Curt Hal]

T

Probably, not
It is worth to check the size of the eye: 2-1/4" x 5/8" vs 2-7/8"" x 5/8"

That’s a very helpful distinction. The one I just finished has a 2 1/4” x 5/8” eye. Thanks.

 

[grafton]

Saddle cruiser “Nessmuk” sized double bits were sold in the teens.

Most folks nowadays seem to use the term Cruiser to describe a double bit of around 2 1/2 pounds and that’s the most commonly seen item wearing the term but there were also single bit axes sold as Cruiser or Cruising axes. The LL Bean “Bean’s Hudson Bay Cruiser Axe” is an example. It all depends on who was selling them and what they decided to call them. It’s a smaller, boys axe sized axe that could be handy for cruising timber, camping etc..

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

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