I am new to axes and hatchets. The more I read the more I learn. I have been looking at antique shops and on the web but am unsure of what is worth my time and money. I like boys axes and hatchets. Hudson bay style appeal to me .I want a user. So if any of you axe experts were looking to get a hatchet / boys axe what would you look for?
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what to look for in vintage axes?
- Thread starter LG&M
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Hickory n steel
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Look for a bit that doesn't seem too round ,make sure if it has any major mushrooming on the poll that the eye isn't deformed, make sure that the top of the head hasn't been hammered on,if the cheeks are convexed it's probably not a modern cheapo ( a good sign in case it's not marked ) and lastly just look for familiar brands/ stamps.
These are the Main things to look for along with just finding what appeals to you.
Good luck with your hunt:thumbup:
Do as much reading on this as you can. You can 'go the whole 9 yards' if you scoop up a golden oldie from a garage sale/auction/flea market and clean it up/sharpen and rehaft it yourself. Once you devote that amount of time and effort it'll definitely be 'yours'. Or you can take the easy way out and poke through the Council Tools (made in USA) site and order up a brand new boys axe or Hudson Bay.
There are literally millions of wonderful old axes out there languishing in garages and basements and it's merely a question of tracking one down when your wallet is not empty.
There are literally millions of wonderful old axes out there languishing in garages and basements and it's merely a question of tracking one down when your wallet is not empty.
Thank you both, sounds like I am on the right track. Yesterday I found a few full size Plum axes but held off for a smaller boys axe or hatchet. Saving a classic old head from rusting away appeals to me and a new project would be fun. I have looked at the Council tools their Hudson bay boys axe is just about what I want.
Square_peg
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Look for a high centerline, a known makers mark, a toe that isn't worn out and a poll that isn't mushroomed too badly. Get that and you're fine.
Hudson Bay axes are great for light duty or bushcraft work but won't stand up to harder work because of their short eye. A boys axe is a better multi-purpose axe. There are lot's of Kelly Woodslasher boys axes out there cheap. No stamp but you can recognize them by the ridges in the eye.
Hudson Bay axes are great for light duty or bushcraft work but won't stand up to harder work because of their short eye. A boys axe is a better multi-purpose axe. There are lot's of Kelly Woodslasher boys axes out there cheap. No stamp but you can recognize them by the ridges in the eye.
The unfortunate part about your lusting over a Hudson Bay so is darned near everybody else. Consequently these things tend to go for considerably more than they are worth. They are pretty but design wise they're not really suitable for hard/heavy work because of the long bit and the short eye which leads to perpetually-coming-loose heads.
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if you find good axes don't pass them up, could be a real beauty and will be trade bait.
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Spend enough time around here and you'll know who the dealers are - those guys won't jack you around and they will be able to set you up with something good.
Ain't that the truth! Faithfully follow thread 'look what followed me home' and you'll see lots of recent finds. Those exhibiting a truck load of loot tend to be approachable and can't possibly hang them all anyway, except on ebay.
Good advice, thanks
Most of what I have found was pretty worn. Their was a eclipse hatchet ( the first one I found when started looking and the reason I was bit by the axe bug) I passed on it because I know nothing about it. It was under $8 so I feel stupid for not jumping on it.
What do you think of USGI surplus hatchets from around WW2? Who was making them?
Most of what I have found was pretty worn. Their was a eclipse hatchet ( the first one I found when started looking and the reason I was bit by the axe bug) I passed on it because I know nothing about it. It was under $8 so I feel stupid for not jumping on it.
What do you think of USGI surplus hatchets from around WW2? Who was making them?
I don't spend much time on ebay only because I'm trying to get rid of stuff rather than gather up more. However I did spend some time on there today and did notice that prices have shifted upwards considerably over the past few years. I'm thinking flea markets, garage sales and farm auctions may be a much less costly way to go.
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I picked this up this weekend:
Also saw several Plumb hatchets marked US there. I've seen Collins here on the forums, Plumb and Mann US marked hatchets and 3.5# Kelly Works but I'm sure there may have been others.