what makes a cruiser?

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DarkWolf777

Joined
Oct 22, 2012
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So, the question is: what makes a double bit a cruiser? Is it size? Or weight? Or both? I am very curious to know and like to know what y'all say.
 
A cruiser is a double bit axe. Typically 8.5" from bit to bit w/ bits from 3.75" to 4.5". It has a smaller eye than a full size double bit. Most have a handle length of approximately 28"
 
What Tom said and consider weight typically at 2.5#. And they're fricken awesome.
 
Ok, what if the dimentions are as Tom described but a weight of 3.5#?
I just picked up one, right size, smaller eye but heavy.
Only marks are 3 1/2 on one bit and 'HK' on top by the eye. Seems nice.
 
I have one similar to what you describe, looks like a cruiser in profile but it's got edges that are a bit thicker and it's heavy.
I'd say it's just had a long life as a user and many sharpenings have reduced the size of the bits somewhat while not reducing weight very much.
 
DarkWolf777 said:
Ok, what if the dimentions are as Tom described but a weight of 3.5#?
I just picked up one, right size, smaller eye but heavy.
Only marks are 3 1/2 on one bit and 'HK' on top by the eye. Seems nice.
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That's not a cruiser, you have a full size axe.
 
Cruiser axe is named for timber cruiser. In the old days a timber cruiser would spend days or weeks in the forest looking over tracts of timber. He needed a lightweight axe for camp chores, blaze lines, mark trails so a smaller and lighter axe was in demand for those tasks.
 
halfaxe said:
Cruiser axe is named for timber cruiser. In the old days a timber cruiser would spend days or weeks in the forest looking over tracts of timber. He needed a lightweight axe for camp chores, blaze lines, mark trails so a smaller and lighter axe was in demand for those tasks.
Click to expand...

Yep! They were also used to 'mark' the trees to be cut or not cut.
Today they just use paint.

From Yesteryears Tools website...

CRUISER AXE... A small version of a double bit axe designed to make markings by slashing the bark, such as when blazing (also: Timber Cruisers Axe).
 
Thank y'all for the help. It's not full size (compared to my 6 other double bits) but it is 3.5#.
Not full size, but full weight. Not light enough to be a true cruiser, but a really cool little chopper none the less.
I guess I'm still looking for a cruiser.......looking IS the fun part.....and hanging.......and using.....and collecting........and learning :D
 
I have come across a few 3 1/2lb full size DBL bits on factory 27-28 inch handles. I wonder if these axes were not the ones prefered by the rigging setters that topped the trees?
 
garry3 said:
I have come across a few 3 1/2lb full size DBL bits on factory 27-28 inch handles. I wonder if these axes were not the ones prefered by the rigging setters that topped the trees?
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I've seen a couple of those for sale off of eBay from the PNW.
Yes, they were 'toppers'.
I've also seen those in action on film :)
 
Yeah as most have already said, cruisers are generally 2.5 lb double bits. I'll add that they generally use a smaller eye size (roughly 2 1/4" x 5/8" vs about 3" x 3/4" on most full sized heads). Essentially they're the boy's axe version of double bits.

garry3 said:
I have come across a few 3 1/2lb full size DBL bits on factory 27-28 inch handles. I wonder if these axes were not the ones prefered by the rigging setters that topped the trees?
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I actually have a 3.5lb Gransfors Bruks DB hung on a 28" and find it quite handy. To me, DBs are ideal for felling and limbing with the same axe (due to the fact that you can put an acute felling edge on one end while leaving the other with a more obtuse bevel that can stand up to limbing or close-to-ground work). If you toss a DB on say - a 36" handle, I feel as though you detract from it's advantages over a SB by making it too long for the limbing process. I honestly would never hang a DB on anything more than a 32" handle.

Oddly enough, I do have a 2.5lb Gransfors Bruks cruiser as well though I have yet to hang it as I've had a hard time locating a solid handle supplier:
P1070026.jpg
 
I actually forgot about the full size DB's on 28" handles...
Some of those are actually used as competition throwing axes. We use to use those all the time on The Woodsman's Team in college...
Hell, everybody threw those, it's easy and it's just fun to throw an axe :p
 
bearhunter said:
I've seen a couple of those for sale off of eBay from the PNW.
Yes, they were 'toppers'.
I've also seen those in action on film :)
Click to expand...

I know a guy that has a Knot Clipper on a 28" handle. Its on my to trade for list. I seem to have a weakness for vintage handles.
 
DarkWolf777 said:
So, the question is: what makes a double bit a cruiser? Is it size? Or weight? Or both?
Click to expand...

Eye size. It needs to have a cruiser eye. Otherwise it's just a worn out full size with very little of the tempered bit remaining.
Weight is a factor, too. To me a cruiser sized eye on a 3-1/2 pound head is still a full sized axe. I think a true cruiser should be 3 pounds or less original head weight.
 
She's marked 3 1/2, comes in at 3.457#; has a cruiser eye and is 8 5/8 inch bit to bit (widest points).
It's thich though. Eye walls at the thinest point is 1/4 inch.
It does not show much use.
It's an oddity but I kinda like it.
 
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