Which Double bit?

[Cajun Kamikaze]

I'm going to refurb a double bit but I'm not sure what to go with.

What I'm looking at:

Collins Legitimus
Collins - not sure of the design, here it is http://www.ebay.com/itm/271486623587?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2648&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
True Temper Kelly Perfect
True Temper Flint Edge

I'm leaning toward to the Collins but don't know too much about either that would set one apart from the other... Any guidance and a Lesson would be much appreciated.

 

[lmalterna]

Condition is high on selection criteria but I personally would go for Kelly Flint Edge, Collins Legitimus or Plumb on brands. Warren/Sager are also excellent but command a premium $.

FSS marked Kelly's are also nice but also a little pricier than Flint Edge and FE is very good working quality.

Bill

 

[Bo T]

Are you going to use the ax or display it?

 

[Cajun Kamikaze]

Are you going to use the ax or display it?

It will be for use. Basically just building up my assorted collection. I really enjoy refurbishing axes and hatchets...

 

[Double Ott]

I think that any of the vintage axes you have listed above would be fine. Just make sure that any Collins (Legitimus is OK) is an older one, and not made in Mexico.
I have fondness for Kellys and a Kelly Perfect is hard to beat.

Tom

 

[jpeeler]

My main working axe is my Kelly Perfect double bit. I do have a Collins Mich. pattern like you see in the eBay auction, but it works best on soft words (thin cheeks). I also am a big fan of Sagers. If you do a restoration, you can get a nice one from the 30's-50's that will last forever. Look for Sager Chemical.

 

[halfaxe]

Good advice above. I would just add that Collins Legitimus marked axes are usually overall a finer axe than the later just plain Collins marked axes, if all else is equal.

 

[Tom Crain]

True Temper Flint Edge. It keeps an edge longer. Also a great user collectable.

 

[Square_peg]

A Legitimus or Flint Edge is a good choice. The Kelly Perfects are great but the prices have been run up so much as of late that they're no longer a good value. Bernie Weisgerber's endorsement in 'An Ax to Grind' has made them a 'must have' for newbie axe owners want 'the best' regardless of price.

Don't overlook the Plumbs and Warrens. Lot's of both and mostly fine axes. Plus a million other vintage axes by small makers that disappeared decades ago.

 

[jpeeler]

Just wanted to make the point- the shape of the axe you're looking at is just as important as the brand. Look at how much metal has been sharpened away from the bits on each side, and how. Stay away from heads that have overly rounded bits, or where the toe is especially bad. This would be a sign of improper use where an ill-advised user might have used a power grinder to sharpen the axe, messing with the temper. Or just plain old bad sharpening/abuse.

An axe head with full bits is rarer and is gonna cost you, but it is 100% worth it. Also, less rounded bits, in my experience, are safer in that they glance off the work less often and can give more accurate cuts.

John

 

[garry3]

Not at all sure what prices are like in Louisiana, but a plain Jane Collins for that kind of cash is to high. The Collins name seems to be synonymous with quality and brings more than it should, in my opinion.

Don't trip over a Plumb at half the price to pick up that Collins. Or a lot of other vintage brands that may well be superior to that Collins.

 

[Cajun Kamikaze]

Thanks Guys for all the input. Lots to look at but only a few to choose from when you start getting into the detail. I see most of these on ebay have some issues....

 

[jpeeler]

The Kelly double I mentioned earlier took me two months to find once I started shopping around. Keep looking, find the head that looks just perfect, then dig your heels in. Btw, took me another month or so to find a handle for it I felt good about.

You can't rush it.