Anyone recognize this axe???

[audiopizza]

Hey Garage friends.
Recently acquired this axe and it’s really bugging wondering who might have made it.
The only identifier I can figure is there is what appears to be a dash or a small rectangular mark on the right side (see second photo).
Anyone have any thoughts?

Secondary discussion topics:
-From what I understand this might be what is considered a “Hand Axe” which is kinda a cross between a Hatchet and Axe? Ive never heard of “Hand Axe” till recently…

-To my eye, this looks like a Michigan pattern. Would you all agree?

I hope everyone out there is doing good! I look forward to hearing from you all!

 

[Beerhippie]

No idea, but some PO deserves to have his tool sharpening license revoked!

 

[audiopizza]

No idea, but some PO deserves to have his tool sharpening license revoked!

Haha, yeah. The sharpening was definitely a hatchet job, no pun intended.

 

[crguy]

Should have posted this on the long running axe discussion.

 

[audiopizza]

Should have posted this on the long running axe discussion.

That’s a good idea, I didn’t know it existed. Still finding my way around these parts.

 

[four.cycle]

do not recognize the mark at all.
did you try bladeforums.com ?? lot of axe experts there.
unfortunately davistownmuseum website went down - there was a gold mine of axe info there.

that thing is an accident waiting to happen.
Don't use it until it's been re-handled properly.

 

[audiopizza]

do not recognize the mark at all.
did you try bladeforums.com ?? lot of axe experts there.
unfortunately davistownmuseum website went down - there was a gold mine of axe info there.

that thing is an accident waiting to happen.
Don't use it until it's been re-handled properly.

Thanks for the reply. I did not, never heard of the Bladeforums until now. I will take a look.
Good looking out, on the handle. I assume it’s because of the gap in the eye? Wrong size handle?

 

[PlanB]

Without a makers make its very difficult to determine unless you're really into axes.

As for pattern, my oily suggestion is check out The Axe Handbook by Buchanan-Smith

I am kinda starting down the axe rabbit hole. So far my preference is for W German, Finnish and Canadian axes -they have somewhat distinct shapes (German, Finnish) and makers marks (Ardex from Canada). I find it difficult to distinguish between many of the US patterns.

 

[PlanB]

Can someone link to the axe thread?

 

[Mintgrun]

It is in the list of tool types in the sticky at the top of the Vintage Tools forum. Below that list is the list of manufacturers. Below that list is a ton of useful information.

Let's see your axes

Well guy's to be honesty I'm just beginning to take an interest in axe's. I come across them pretty often at sales. I decided to pick up a few this year and see what I can do to/with them. I've cleaned a few up and will be posting some pic's late when I can find them on my computer. I just...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[four.cycle]

Good looking out, on the handle. I assume it’s because of the gap in the eye? Wrong size handle?

That is not the way a striking tool is properly handled.
There is a right way, and there are a whole bunch of wrong ways. That one is a whole bunch of wrong.

If you have ever had the head fly off a striking tool while swinging it, you will understand the importance of this.

I just picked this one because it was the first listed when I searched "How to properly rehandle an axe?"
A bit lengthy, but this young man is doing an incredibly nice job here.
The handle needs to properly fit the eye of the tool:

^ This is life or death stuff. Seriously.

 

[audiopizza]

That is not the way a striking tool is properly handled.
There is a right way, and there are a whole bunch of wrong ways. That one is a whole bunch of wrong.

If you have ever had the head fly off a striking tool while swinging it, you will understand the importance of this.

I just picked this one because it was the first listed when I searched "How to properly rehandle an axe?"
A bit lengthy, but this young man is doing an incredibly nice job here.
The handle needs to properly fit the eye of the tool:

^ This is life or death stuff. Seriously.

%100

 

[four.cycle]

^ I had the unfortunate experience of sending a 6-pound maul head airborne one afternoon here. Fortunately it didn't do any damage as it sailed high across the sky and slammed into the side of my neighbor's garage wall across the alley. (Okay, there was a bit of a ding, but still...)

When you're dealing with several pounds of forged steel with a sharpened edge, the last thing you want is for it to grow wings.