$18 Worth of Vintage Kelly Axes

Yesterday after work, I swung by the local ReStore to see what's new and found this axe in the yard tool barrel for $10.

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I bought it because I liked the detail/relief on the head, and because I've kind of always had a thing for old axes. It's only later last night when I started doing a little research that I find out that these Kelly Perfect Cut axes have a pretty solid reputation.

As I was thinking about how to restore the axe today, I remembered that I picked up a double bit axe from the same store last fall (because as you know, I have this thing for old axes) and that I should probably restore that one too. I dig it out first thing after work today, and wouldn't you know, it's got the same classic Kelly relief on the head as my new single bit axe.

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So now I've managed to accidentally buy a set of Kelly axes for less than $20!

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The double bit needs quite a bit of work and a new handle (cracked). The single bit is in much better condition - it still has the original handle, although I'm not sure it's salvageable because it's really rotten inside the eye and I don't think there is enough material left on the shoulder to refit it (but I'm going to try).

I'll post pics once I get around to getting them fixed up. One question I have for the experts - is there any reason to leave the red paint on the single? I see a lot of axes that have been restored and all of them are bare metal. I would really like to actually use them, which would wear the paint off anyway.

Sweet axes at a great price.

I'm no expert but my $.02 on the matter is that the paint doesn't serve a huge purpose. Can't hurt to leave it, but any part that actually contacts wood, the paint will come off pretty quick. And that's the thinnest part of the head, which is most vulnerable to corrosion. And if there's massive abuse (leaving it in the rain for years), that paint will come off anyway.

All of my axes are users with a couple of exceptions, but after use I use axe-guard (made by Helko) before putting them away. Just like anything else, if you take care of your axes they'll last a lifetime.

Now if you were reselling it, the original paint, even if scarce, can up the value. It's hard to tell from the pictures but if that double bit is what they call a "cruiser", usually 2-2.5lbs, people seem to go crazy for those in the "bushcraft" scene.

Nice. Recommend Boiled Linseed Oil on the handles. Recently read "The Axe Book" by Gransfors https://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/axe-knowledge/books/the-axe-book/. Good read (and awesome axes). Believe they mentioned manufactures switching over to paint around the 1970s to cut costs and hide/disguise imperfections in forging process. You could use the BLO on the head as well if you keep it bare. Good luck!

Clean 'em up good, hang new handles on both of them, and use them. Nice finds.

MercLSU said:

...Now if you were reselling it, the original paint, even if scarce, can up the value. It's hard to tell from the pictures but if that double bit is what they call a "cruiser", usually 2-2.5lbs, people seem to go crazy for those in the "bushcraft" scene.

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I think the decision point will be if I can refit the original handle. If I can, I will keep it all original. If not, I won't worry about it and just make it into a working axe.

I'll have to weigh the double, that's pretty interesting.

cgrutt said:

...Believe they mentioned manufactures switching over to paint around the 1970s to cut costs and hide/disguise imperfections in forging process. You could use the BLO on the head as well if you keep it bare. Good luck!

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Thanks for that link. My suspicion was that this probably from the '70s or early '80s based on what I've read, so the paint would be fitting of that era. BLO does seem to be the favorite on the blade forums.

Well I am jealous. I am also an Ax Junkie and I would give your $ back right now plus some. Love the old Kelly's great Ax's and piece of Americana that are getting harder and harder to find. Nice Finds.

check buckin billy ray, he restores alot of axes

Update on the axes... I started off by soaking them in white vinegar for two days to get rid of all the rust.

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Then I hit them with a wire cup brush.

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Next, I did a couple coats of Birchwood Casey cold blue. The picture doesn't really reflect their true color - they turned out a nice dark brown, almost black color.

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Then I hung a couple of new grade AA hand selected handles on them from House Handle company. I also stained the handles, and painted the ends using spray enamel, and coated the painted area with a satin clear coat. I still need to oil the handles (plan on using BLO) and sharpen them, but this is how they sit today.

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In the process of cleaning them, I actually found markings on the double-bit that indicate that its probably a Keen Kutter axe. In my research, I learned that Kelly actually owned the Keen Kutter brand, so that's why the look so similar.

I've had so much fun working on these that I picked up some new projects when I was visiting my parents' farm over the weekend. These are all axes and hatchets that my Dad has found in outbuildings or in the dirt over the years. The two hatchets are in great shape, but the two larger axes are a lot rougher and may end up be decorative only. He said he had a few more floating around... looks like I've got a new hobby (like I really needed that).

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Bdbecker could you show me your notes where Kelly owned keen cutter, I would be very interested in reading those notes.

Check out this link, about halfway through the post.

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/2012/08/kelly-axe-manufacturing-guest-post-by.html?m=1

I've also read this elsewhere, this is just the link I had handy.

EDIT:
After re-reading that post, I think misunderstood what the author was saying. Kelly made axes for Keen Kutter, but didn't own the brand... sorry for the confusion.

In the back of my head that little voice was telling me that maybe you were a little off, that is why I wanted to see your notes.

Thank you for the update!

Both axes turned out really well. Be sure to keep us posted on the others as you restore them. Enjoyed the pics.

woody 73 said:

In the back of my head that little voice was telling me that maybe you were a little off, that is why I wanted to see your notes.

Thank you for the update!

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Thanks for pointing that out Woody! I'm glad you steered me in the right direction on that.

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Jeremy77 said:

Both axes turned out really well. Be sure to keep us posted on the others as you restore them. Enjoyed the pics.

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Thanks! I will do that.