Who else is a diagnosed Craxe Head?

Diomedes Industries

Diomedes Industries

Joined
Mar 19, 2007
Messages
7,440
For me, it started very innocently. I wanted an axe for my pack when I was out and about. I did my research, saved my money, found a good deal, and bought a GB Small Forrest Axe. I started using it - and life went on as normal. Or so I thought.

Pretty soon I realized I 'needed' a splitting axe. You know, for car camping, just now and then. No big deal.

Then, well, I found a great deal on some Swedish steel. I knew I didn't need it... but... you know... the price was so cheap - how could I pass it up? I could always resell one. Right? I can quit any time I want.

Then I bought one or two off ebay. A few hours were spent on the weekends cleaning up heads, perusing handle companies, getting in an order, rehanging an axe.

I could easily tell the difference between a Michigan and a Dayton pattern. I could tell at a glance if it was a Wood Slasher or a Flint Edge. Yes. Collins made a fine axe, just be sure there are no cracks, welds, or damage to the eye. No. A little poll mushrooming is okay...

I even made a sharpening guide to help keep my axes perfectly convexed.

Then I found myself buying rusty axe heads off the street. I even asked my family to get involved - you know - if you are at a garage sale - why not look for a nice axe head - or a decent file? No big deal. It isn't like I NEED these things.

Yesterday I found out I may have an issue. I got a Plumb hatchet head in the mail that I don't remember buying. I don't even have a handle for it (yet).

My family is considering an intervention. I don't think there is even a 12 step program for people like me.

Is anyone else out there having the same... issues?

TF
 
Hi, TF. I, too, have gone through -- scratch that -- am still struggling with the addiction. I bought a GB Hunter's Axe because at $120, it was "too good a deal to pass up," even though I already owned two hatchets/axes that are the same size. I was given an old Craftsman felling axe(just the head) that had been used as a splitting wedge and was all mushroomed out. Took it to Sears, weathered the funny looks from the sales clerk, and now I have a brand new felling axe I'll probably never use. I even made a sheath for it. WTF? I try to make the addiction look less obvious by acquiring other related objects like saws. I have alot of those, too. :(
 
Its not a problem, its a way of life. I'm at over 400 now. Met a guy from California with over a 1000, and a guy from Washington in the same ball park. Enjoy it!
 
I only have about a hundred. I can never pass by an old axe head without wanting to fix it and make it better. I stopped buying the pristine vintage original collector axes though,I just want users.
 
I have had a lot of distraction from my axe obsession due to my dirt bike obsession. That doesn't stop me from binging, though!! :D

I just had a Mustad come in. My third of that brand.
 
I joined this site in March when i was looking for information regarding the purchase of an axe to take camping with my buddies. I didn't know whether Home Depot, Lowes or True Value sold the best axes. Fast forward three months, and I have purchased seven vintage axe heads from flea markets to restore. I just received two handles from House Handles, and I have purchased about a dozen Nicholson files while searching the tool sections of my local flea markets. So far I've found:
- Single bit no name 5 lb. single bit
- Collins Homestead double bit
- Vaughn carpenters hatchet
- Gransfor Bruks cruiser double bit
- Collins Legitimus carving hatchet
- Kelly Works True Temper double bit
- Scandvik hatchet
I paid $5 for all of the above except I paid $10 for the Collins Homestead.

I'm not losing any sleep from leaving axes at Home Depot for others to buy.

Ohh...and in my wanderings around this forum, I've found the Custom Knife section...now I'm putting together parts for a forge and taking a knife making class from a local maker.
 
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