Warning

 

Close

Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Confirm Cancel
BCM
User Panel

Site Notices
Tacked Axes and Hatchets (Page 3 of 4)
Page / 4
Link Posted: 1/10/2015 10:01:44 PM EDT
[#1]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By MyName1sMud:
I just picked up a Trappers Companion by Ron LaClaire.

I'm in love with it so far...

Someone PM me if linking to it is forbidden please... I'm not at home so I can't post pictures of my own.

http://shrewbows.com/trapperscompanion/
View Quote


Very neat.  I am a sucker for axes and hawks.
Link Posted: 1/10/2015 11:02:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: chrome1] [#2]
What , no Zombie Tools .
Link Posted: 1/10/2015 11:06:05 PM EDT
[#3]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By MyName1sMud:
I just picked up a Trappers Companion by Ron LaClaire.

I'm in love with it so far...

Someone PM me if linking to it is forbidden please... I'm not at home so I can't post pictures of my own.

http://shrewbows.com/trapperscompanion/
View Quote


I like that post some pics when you can
Link Posted: 1/11/2015 2:35:28 AM EDT
[#4]
I enjoy playing with cold steel hawks:





I also enjoy swinging or hacking with a variety of sharpened edges:



Axe or hawk?  Depends on the task at hand:



Link Posted: 1/11/2015 7:25:26 PM EDT
[#5]
Link Posted: 3/31/2015 7:02:23 PM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By thederrick106:
I enjoy playing with cold steel hawks:

http://youtu.be/QAtQ7nzF8pk

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n52/thederrick106/Gear/PICT0715.jpg

I also enjoy swinging or hacking with a variety of sharpened edges:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n52/thederrick106/Gear/PICT0055_zpsc4cbe879.jpg

Axe or hawk?  Depends on the task at hand:

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n52/thederrick106/Gear/HawkampAxe_zpsebb7605d.png

View Quote


Just got my first one finished tonight now I need more lol


Link Posted: 9/2/2015 11:24:39 AM EDT
[#7]
If you are wanting to go ultra-light, a Gerber folding saw with two blades is the ticket to happiness.  But if you can pack more weight an ESTWING 26" campers axe (or similar lightweight axe) is more all-around useful.  I've got both.
Link Posted: 9/2/2015 12:34:44 PM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By raf:
Probably a bit too late to point out that there is a difference between an axe, a hatchet, and a Tomahawk, which is a purpose-made fighting implement.

Other than the quality/properties of modern metals, the composition of the handles, and the exact method of carriage and scabbard for such, all these designs have been scienced-out, for the most part, by the late Middle Ages.

There is nothing new about these things, except for metallurgy and handles.  Even the optimal axe/hatchet edge grinds have been well-understood for a very long time, although few know how to maintain them.
View Quote


I have been trying to learn myself and help build understanding in those around me about the geometry of cutting edges and how to optimize them for the task. I have been doing extremely well with convex edges on axes and hatchets with various base angles. A properly sharpened axe is an amazing thing. Mind blowing. Our forefathers were not stupid and not everything they did by hand was brutal labor.
Link Posted: 12/29/2015 2:59:04 PM EDT
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By EdB:
I just picked up the Estwing camper's axe for $38 at home depot.
Used it this weekend on a camping trip - very sharp out of the "box"
It is well balanced and felt very "handy" if you will - worked great
View Quote


Yep, my long handle lightweight unbreakable Estwing lives in my PU!  $30+ at LOWES.  A great compromise between too small hatchets and too heavy lumberjack axe's.
Link Posted: 12/29/2015 3:07:24 PM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By AMU62:
If you are wanting to go ultra-light, a Gerber folding saw with two blades is the ticket to happiness.  But if you can pack more weight an ESTWING 26" campers axe (or similar lightweight axe) is more all-around useful.  I've got both.
View Quote


Yep, I've got both.  I use the saw for backpack hunting/camping and the lightweight axe for PU camping.  
Link Posted: 2/3/2016 8:52:58 PM EDT
[Last Edit: MPi-KMS-72] [#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By raf:
Probably a bit too late to point out that there is a difference between an axe, a hatchet, and a Tomahawk, which is a purpose-made fighting implement.

Other than the quality/properties of modern metals, the composition of the handles, and the exact method of carriage and scabbard for such, all these designs have been scienced-out, for the most part, by the late Middle Ages.

There is nothing new about these things, except for metallurgy and handles.  Even the optimal axe/hatchet edge grinds have been well-understood for a very long time, although few know how to maintain them.
View Quote


Benedict Arnold led an expedition through Maine to capture Quebec for the American Revolution in 1775.  Here are some of the axes and ratchets (belt axes) found in sites they occupied:

http://www.arnoldsmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/pollingaxe-300x164.jpg

http://www.arnoldsmarch.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/artifacts-300x194.jpg

You could get a decent repro made of any if those and have an ax that performed superlative duty today.  Only difference being the handle evolution between the 1700's and 1800's.

Link Posted: 2/23/2016 10:22:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: TimJ] [#12]
Link Posted: 5/4/2016 6:23:14 PM EDT
[#13]
I have been wanting to "tighten up" some of the axe and maul heads on some of my pioneer tools.  They are not dangerously loose but just wanting to fix before becoming any worse.
Would soaking the heads in boiled linseed oil correct this or is that a whole nother story?  I have searched other sources, but haven't found a sure fire fix short of complete re handling.
Any responses would be appreciated.
Link Posted: 5/5/2016 11:27:40 AM EDT
[Last Edit: thederrick106] [#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By rvnvet:
I have been wanting to "tighten up" some of the axe and maul heads on some of my pioneer tools.  They are not dangerously loose but just wanting to fix before becoming any worse.
Would soaking the heads in boiled linseed oil correct this or is that a whole nother story?  I have searched other sources, but haven't found a sure fire fix short of complete re handling.
Any responses would be appreciated.
View Quote


How loose are you considering loose?  Pics?

-Yes my first step would be to soak it in BLO, for days.

-If you don't care about appearance you could always add a tiny metal wedge.



I wouldn't go to crazy, maybe do a double like this:



-Otherwise re handle:


Link Posted: 5/5/2016 2:19:06 PM EDT
[#15]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By thederrick106:


How loose are you considering loose?  Pics?

-Yes my first step would be to soak it in BLO, for days.

-If you don't care about appearance you could always add a tiny metal wedge.

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0301/1705/products/steel-wedges-25-metal-wedges-for-hammers-axes-1-x-1-x-1-8-1_medium.JPG?v=1450183339

I wouldn't go to crazy, maybe do a double like this:

http://northernwoodlands.org/images/articles/July_06055.jpg

-Otherwise re handle:

http://youtu.be/NE6l2md9CDA
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By thederrick106:
Originally Posted By rvnvet:
I have been wanting to "tighten up" some of the axe and maul heads on some of my pioneer tools.  They are not dangerously loose but just wanting to fix before becoming any worse.
Would soaking the heads in boiled linseed oil correct this or is that a whole nother story?  I have searched other sources, but haven't found a sure fire fix short of complete re handling.
Any responses would be appreciated.


How loose are you considering loose?  Pics?

-Yes my first step would be to soak it in BLO, for days.

-If you don't care about appearance you could always add a tiny metal wedge.

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0301/1705/products/steel-wedges-25-metal-wedges-for-hammers-axes-1-x-1-x-1-8-1_medium.JPG?v=1450183339

I wouldn't go to crazy, maybe do a double like this:

http://northernwoodlands.org/images/articles/July_06055.jpg

-Otherwise re handle:

http://youtu.be/NE6l2md9CDA

Your response is pretty much what I thought.  I think I will go with the BLO first.  The wooden wedges seem to be still doing their job, it's just like the "business end" has shrunk some due to poor maintence by the previous owner.  Thanks for your reply anyway.
Link Posted: 10/24/2016 12:15:46 PM EDT
[#16]
Can anyone help ID this hatchet.  It is very had to see, but their is a B or an 8 on the side of the head.



Link Posted: 10/25/2016 2:10:58 AM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By ScubaTexas:
Can anyone help ID this hatchet.  It is very had to see, but their is a B or an 8 on the side of the head.

<a href="http://s679.photobucket.com/user/texas45/media/1014160938_zpsffa3xags.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/texas45/1014160938_zpsffa3xags.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s679.photobucket.com/user/texas45/media/1014160938a_zpsko2dp4rt.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/texas45/1014160938a_zpsko2dp4rt.jpg</a>
View Quote


I would probably need some better close up photos to do much more then this educated guess:

Possibly a plumb Boy Scouts of America hatchet...  Maybe something from 1940~?

http://www.collect-sell.com/product/1940s-boy-scouts-of-america-bsa-plumb-hatchet-axe-and-sheath-09-0004/

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/boy-scout-axe-from-1940.160812/

Link Posted: 10/25/2016 7:54:42 AM EDT
[#18]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By thederrick106:


I would probably need some better close up photos to do much more then this educated guess:

Possibly a plumb Boy Scouts of America hatchet...  Maybe something from 1940~?

http://www.collect-sell.com/product/1940s-boy-scouts-of-america-bsa-plumb-hatchet-axe-and-sheath-09-0004/

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/boy-scout-axe-from-1940.160812/

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By thederrick106:
Originally Posted By ScubaTexas:
Can anyone help ID this hatchet.  It is very had to see, but their is a B or an 8 on the side of the head.

<a href="http://s679.photobucket.com/user/texas45/media/1014160938_zpsffa3xags.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/texas45/1014160938_zpsffa3xags.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s679.photobucket.com/user/texas45/media/1014160938a_zpsko2dp4rt.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/texas45/1014160938a_zpsko2dp4rt.jpg</a>


I would probably need some better close up photos to do much more then this educated guess:

Possibly a plumb Boy Scouts of America hatchet...  Maybe something from 1940~?

http://www.collect-sell.com/product/1940s-boy-scouts-of-america-bsa-plumb-hatchet-axe-and-sheath-09-0004/

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/boy-scout-axe-from-1940.160812/



It's not Plumb. It's a cast steel Chinese copy of a BSA hatchet. The texture gives it away. The Plumb is forged. Mine was so brittle the edge would chip if it was at all sharp. I suggest people stay away from these.
Link Posted: 10/25/2016 9:42:16 AM EDT
[#19]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By batmanacw:


It's not Plumb. It's a cast steel Chinese copy of a BSA hatchet. The texture gives it away. The Plumb is forged. Mine was so brittle the edge would chip if it was at all sharp. I suggest people stay away from these.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By batmanacw:
Originally Posted By thederrick106:
Originally Posted By ScubaTexas:
Can anyone help ID this hatchet.  It is very had to see, but their is a B or an 8 on the side of the head.

<a href="http://s679.photobucket.com/user/texas45/media/1014160938_zpsffa3xags.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/texas45/1014160938_zpsffa3xags.jpg</a>

<a href="http://s679.photobucket.com/user/texas45/media/1014160938a_zpsko2dp4rt.jpg.html" target="_blank">http://i679.photobucket.com/albums/vv151/texas45/1014160938a_zpsko2dp4rt.jpg</a>


I would probably need some better close up photos to do much more then this educated guess:

Possibly a plumb Boy Scouts of America hatchet...  Maybe something from 1940~?

http://www.collect-sell.com/product/1940s-boy-scouts-of-america-bsa-plumb-hatchet-axe-and-sheath-09-0004/

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/boy-scout-axe-from-1940.160812/



It's not Plumb. It's a cast steel Chinese copy of a BSA hatchet. The texture gives it away. The Plumb is forged. Mine was so brittle the edge would chip if it was at all sharp. I suggest people stay away from these.


Thanks, I only paid $2, so it was worth a shot.
Link Posted: 12/5/2016 4:37:14 PM EDT
[#20]
Another pawn shop find, but who makes it?  Handle is 14" long if that helps.

Link Posted: 12/7/2016 12:53:41 PM EDT
[#21]
I think it is a Helko.  Anyone know anything about Helko?
Link Posted: 3/3/2017 12:17:01 AM EDT
[#22]

Link Posted: 3/3/2017 12:19:00 AM EDT
[#23]
Link Posted: 3/3/2017 12:21:17 AM EDT
[#24]

Link Posted: 3/24/2017 10:01:47 AM EDT
[#25]
Old head on new wood.

Link Posted: 4/13/2017 7:21:52 AM EDT
[#26]
I like Council axes, made in the USA.  I have the Hudson Bay pattern and I might get the Boys Axe next.
Link Posted: 4/13/2017 10:58:27 AM EDT
[#27]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Junglas:
I like Council axes, made in the USA.  I have the Hudson Bay pattern and I might get the Boys Axe next.
View Quote
Same here.  CT Hudson Bay is probably one of my favorite axes.

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 3/24/2018 11:26:04 PM EDT
[#28]
No love for Hults Bruk?

Link Posted: 10/28/2018 10:11:05 PM EDT
[#29]
Rescued some axe heads i found left at campsites over the years.

18" handle. Feels heavy when i use it. Has a asterisk emblem on the head.


The other is 2 1/4 on a home depot 36" handle which is tge only one they sell.

Link Posted: 3/2/2019 3:38:11 PM EDT
[#30]
Have found that Gerber hatchets last forever.
Link Posted: 4/30/2020 7:25:39 AM EDT
[#31]
I've got a fiskars axe, nothing special but light and comfortable.

My hatchet is an Italian made Prandi. I refinished the handle and really like it. Don't have any high end hatchets to compare it with, it runs about $30-40.
https://www.a-prandi.it/en/shop/3-043-t-hatchet-yankee.html
Link Posted: 11/25/2020 12:58:26 AM EDT
[#32]
ESEE Knives Favorite Gear: Axes and Saws
Link Posted: 2/24/2021 3:47:31 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Arcwn] [#33]
A couple of old Plumb heads I refurbished.  
Both were quite rusty with significant mushrooming on the poll. They also were hung on the old handles upside-down  with screws and nails driven in and bent over holding them on.
The longer one is on a 35" handle  and has a larger rounded logo.  The shorter is on a 28" handle and has a smaller squared-off logo.
If anyone has info on dating them, it would be appreciated.Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 2/24/2021 5:48:33 PM EDT
[#34]
Close up of the short one.Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 2/25/2021 8:18:24 PM EDT
[#35]
OP will get as many different answers as the number of posters.

OP, Do your research.  Buy the best you can afford--after long research.  Learn how to properly replace the handle.  Buy some spare handles--you will need them, eventually.  Learn how to properly, initially, configure the blade of your implement, and how to sharpen it in the field.  Have the right field sharpening tools.  Pay close attention to the quality of the scabbard.  Some leather scabbards promote rust, and need to be treated with GOOD leather treatment.  Pecards is a good item, and there are other good items.  NO Neetsfoot oil, which is destructive to leather!  Figure out how to mount your axe outside the pack, since you will immediately need it to construct shelter; No sense opening-up the pack to search for your axe.  Learn how to tie shelter-type knots with appropriate cordage.  Have the appropriate cordage instantly available, outside the pack.

Do all this, and you will be miles ahead of other folks.
Link Posted: 2/25/2021 8:28:44 PM EDT
[#36]
Quick fix for very slightly loose handles which show no signs of abuse, such as nails or screws inserted, or wedge deteriorated/missing.  In that case, just replace the handle, and start over.

BUT, if decent handle is just a "little" loose, and otherwise OK, just soak the axe head/handle in pure automotive antifreeze.  !00% engine antifreeze.  Give it a week, to be sure.

The glycol "antifreeze" will eventually penetrate the wood, and allow it to swell a little.  Water will evaporate from the wood, and the head of the axe will come loose again  the glycol will stay in the wood a lot longer, and won't harm the wood.

This is a very old trick.


Link Posted: 2/26/2021 6:54:26 PM EDT
[#37]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Arcwn:
A couple of old Plumb heads I refurbished.  
Both were quite rusty with significant mushrooming on the poll. They also were hung on the old handles upside-down  with screws and nails driven in and bent over holding them on.
The longer one is on a 35" handle  and has a larger rounded logo.  The shorter is on a 28" handle and has a smaller squared-off logo.
If anyone has info on dating them, it would be appreciated.https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/254821/20210212_112959_jpg-1839601.JPG
View Quote

I have no info on dating them, but damn, you did an awesome refurbishment. I like when people leave the kerf proud above the eye and take the time to chamfer it.
Link Posted: 2/27/2021 10:17:24 AM EDT
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Vap0rWav3r:

I have no info on dating them, but damn, you did an awesome refurbishment. I like when people leave the kerf proud above the eye and take the time to chamfer it.
View Quote

Thanks,
They sure cut cut well too.  
Tested them out on a 6" dead oak.  I was worried whomever had them before had taken the temper out by sharpening on a bench grinder.
Now I'm looking for a boys axe size head to add.
If anyone needs handles, House Handle is where I got the 28" curved handle.
Link Posted: 3/5/2021 11:15:54 PM EDT
[#39]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Arcwn:

Thanks,
They sure cut cut well too.  
Tested them out on a 6" dead oak.  I was worried whomever had them before had taken the temper out by sharpening on a bench grinder.
Now I'm looking for a boys axe size head to add.
If anyone needs handles, House Handle is where I got the 28" curved handle.
View Quote
I wish I had read this sooner lol. TheDerrick also mentioned House Handle, I used Beaver Tooth and I'm hoping their "orders may take 30 days to ship" is just a precaution and it doesn't actually take that long to ship.

I think there is enough mass in the axe head to dissipate heat that they would have had to realllllly grind the hell out of it to ruin the temper. I'm going to use a bench sander to thin the cheeks on some heads I grabbed but I'm going to be dunking them regularly in water just as a precaution.

eBay is mighty picked over at the moment with axe heads, they're all either super collectible high $$$ heads or garbage that people want way too much for.
Link Posted: 3/6/2021 1:44:23 PM EDT
[#40]
I'm hopeing  so as well with Beaver Tooth.
I'm working on another axe.  This time a boys axe size head and House Handle did not have the length and eye size I wanted.  Beaver Tooth did.
Fingers crossed.
Link Posted: 3/16/2021 7:29:50 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Vap0rWav3r] [#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Arcwn:
I'm hopeing  so as well with Beaver Tooth.
I'm working on another axe.  This time a boys axe size head and House Handle did not have the length and eye size I wanted.  Beaver Tooth did.
Fingers crossed.
View Quote
no shipping notification yet... maybe the 30 day thing is real

You get anything from Beaver-Tooth yet? @Arcwn
Link Posted: 3/16/2021 10:11:46 PM EDT
[#42]
Not yet.
If I hear anything, I'll post.
I'm done refurbing  the head, just waiting for the handle now.
Link Posted: 4/2/2021 6:21:42 PM EDT
[#43]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Arcwn:
Not yet.
If I hear anything, I'll post.
I'm done refurbing  the head, just waiting for the handle now.
View Quote
Just got the shipping notice from Beaver-Tooth today, you hear anything yet? It was exactly 30 days from when I ordered.
Link Posted: 4/3/2021 5:24:13 PM EDT
[#44]
Still no word.  Card was charged though.
Link Posted: 4/3/2021 6:16:12 PM EDT
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Arcwn:
Still no word.  Card was charged though.
View Quote
That's pretty much how mine went. Card charged then nothing... then notice that they were shipping. Hopefully you'll get your notice in a couple days.
Link Posted: 4/12/2021 6:06:53 AM EDT
[#46]


Link Posted: 4/13/2021 1:40:09 AM EDT
[#47]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
View Quote
Very nice I've heard good things about Hultafors, is that Marpat Woodland underneath or something else? I'm not seeing the FDE color in it.
Link Posted: 4/13/2021 7:50:41 AM EDT
[#48]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Originally Posted By Vap0rWav3r:
Very nice I've heard good things about Hultafors, is that Marpat Woodland underneath or something else? I'm not seeing the FDE color in it.
View Quote




Link Posted: 4/13/2021 6:24:21 PM EDT
[#49]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
View Quote
Ahh gotcha, I really like the colors in that, it looks much better with more greenish hues.
Link Posted: 4/28/2021 7:21:00 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Arcwn] [#50]
Finished with the 2 1/4 lb head on a 21" Beavertooth handle.
Should make a nice camp axe.
Attachment Attached File
Page / 4
Tacked Axes and Hatchets (Page 3 of 4)
Close Join Our Mail List to Stay Up To Date! Win a FREE Membership!

Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!

You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.


By signing up you agree to our User Agreement. *Must have a registered ARFCOM account to win.
Top Top