Which "semi" rare Axe/Hatchet brand would you most like to find/own ?

Problem with buying something you really lust over is then foolishly worshipping it and not putting it to use. They are very simple objects (we have to remind ourselves of that) and were designed for rigorous outdoor use, and being overly sturdy. Unless you're a professional wood carver with a zeal for extended razor-sharp edges on mostly blunt-angled blades most any brand name hatchet will perform as advertised. Matter of fact the user can better tailor the fit and finish of a wood handle than any mere factory job could do, or have done, and as long as the head is decent-made and decent-sharp a retrofit handle will much more "make" the tool than any manufacturer ever could.
Incidentally, I own 1/2 dozen vintage hatchets (gathered up over the past 35 years) thinking/pretending one of them might be useful, aside from just being 'collectors items', but have proved over and over again through practical experience that a "boys axe" type is infinitely more useful in a real life situation.
 
300Six said:
Unless you're a professional wood carver with a zeal for extended razor-sharp edges on mostly blunt-angled blades most any brand name hatchet will perform as advertised.
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Or a totally unprofessional, slightly neurotic wood carver...not that I know any....
 
Couple more tickets punched- picked up a few nice Connies and 2 Kentuckys.

Still working on an undercutter and a nice older labeled Keen Kutter. Plenty of heads yet to mount but all get used after mounting. One fav right now is a simple old unmarked Kelly ribbed eye boys head on a tuned up 27" hardware store handle. it is not pretty but swings nice and doing good work on cedar log for a project.

Bill
 
300Six said:
Problem with buying something you really lust over is then foolishly worshipping it and not putting it to use. They are very simple objects (we have to remind ourselves of that) and were designed for rigorous outdoor use, and being overly sturdy. Unless you're a professional wood carver with a zeal for extended razor-sharp edges on mostly blunt-angled blades most any brand name hatchet will perform as advertised. Matter of fact the user can better tailor the fit and finish of a wood handle than any mere factory job could do, or have done, and as long as the head is decent-made and decent-sharp a retrofit handle will much more "make" the tool than any manufacturer ever could.
Incidentally, I own 1/2 dozen vintage hatchets (gathered up over the past 35 years) thinking/pretending one of them might be useful, aside from just being 'collectors items', but have proved over and over again through practical experience that a "boys axe" type is infinitely more useful in a real life situation.
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300, if you take a boys axe and haft it on a 18" handle and have a fella that can wield it properly its a thing of beauty. In fact they will be able to out chop the guy using a boys axe that is not all that good with it by a wide margin.
I have often wondered if that is why GB's SFA got there reputation. Isn't it about that size?
 
Going to the largest antique mall in Maine on Friday. Hoping to get some good scores, I still want a Sager Chemical.
 
Hi all,

DarthTaco.....are you referring to : Fairfield Antiques Mall ? There is one guy there that has a MESS of Tools! Ya never know what you'll find. Good luck.

Gary....my Birthday is Monday July 14th. A PLUMB Champion eh ?

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
You know it Hardball! I just picked two up today but I have no idea what they are. Same markings but different patterns. Hopefully I'll get another couple tomorrow, and a pair of damn tongs for my forge.
 
Hi DT,

Good luck in you search (which is in my opinion) more than half the fun! Ooh, have you checked out "Liberty Tools" ?

HARDBALL
 
Not yet, my budget is kinda limited to one dollar two pebbles and a half chewed piece of spruce gum, so I'm looking for old, cruddy and servicable first.
 
No scores of any kind, all around. there were a few axes there, but they were more recent Collins'. Looked around at a few places on my way back North, but there was nothing that really stood out.
 
Hi Darth,

Yep....I surely (stop calling me surely) can relate regarding "one dollar two pebbles and a half chewed piece of spruce gum". Nevertheless, I took a loooong ride yesterday in search of treasures on the cheap. I went to Liberty Tools, Yard Sales along the way (Flea Markets and Junk Barn in SEARSPORT) and found nothing too exciting. However, I did find a nice CASE XX Stainless Steel 12" slicing knife (CA 400-12) with original CASE (cardboard) slip cover at a Thrift Shop for two dollars! That was kinda cool. I'm feeling lucky today!

HARDBALL
 
I lied, I did find a hammer for 50 cents that I'll use as a fullering tool. It has some kind of marking I it but it's dn near illegible because of the pitting. It's obviously hand forged.
 
Which "semi" rare Axe/Hatchet brand would you most like to find/own ?


The next one I see ;) Most of my tickets are punched but still want a really nice Rixford. I seem to always find something else to want. Connies and Kentuckys are keeping me happy for now.

Bill
 
Hi Bill,

I sure hope you someday find a nice "Rixford". I had a pretty good "Flea Market/Yard Sale" season this year. I found two vintage official "Boy Scout USA" Hatchets. One is a "PLUMB" and the other a "COLLINS" both are in very good condition. The Collins however is in need of a new handle. The PLUMB sure is a serious lil' Hatchet sporting quite a heavy lil' Head for such a short handled Hatchet. Still, my best "Axe/Hatchet" find was during last "Flea Market" season when I found an "as new" GB (older style) Wildlife Hatchet for twenty dollars! Whoa! That being said, I can't decide what my "best/favorite" find has been this Summer. I found two very nice old/vintage "French" Chef Knives : a 10" Sabatier and a 8" ACME that are sweet. Also, I found a BIG 12" vintage (circa 1800's) NICHOLS BROS "Lamb Splitter" that is way too cool. However, I suppose one of my best find was a (I believe) circa 1940's CASE (CASES SPORTSMAN) 4.5" Fix Blade Hunting Knife and Leather Sheath. It has "Leather" ring handles and the entire knife is in quite decent condition for a seventy something year old knife. Keep searching for that "Rixford"! Good luck.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
As far as rare axes, I've been lucky- I scored a 5# ALTCO Jersey and a Jennison Hdw. Black King, both of which are ridiculously rare. Sold the ALTCO for about $85. One of my best resto's.
 
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