Let's see your axes

[2oolhound]

Thanks for the extra photos. In the 1st photos I'd thought the hook kind of spiraled around to one side. Most brush hooks I've seen have the cutting edge in front whereas this tool has the cutting edge at the back like that. There's some heft on the back end of the eye socket too. Looks like a "one off". It looks like you could whack it into something and then pry. It would be interesting to hear from the maker.

 

[Adam in Weatherford]

Thanks for the extra photos. In the 1st photos I'd thought the hook kind of spiraled around to one side. Most brush hooks I've seen have the cutting edge in front whereas this tool has the cutting edge at the back like that. There's some heft on the back end of the eye socket too. Looks like a "one off". It looks like you could whack it into something and then pry. It would be interesting to hear from the maker.

Thanks for the input. We're stumped. My dad is 62 years old and has always like axes and hatchets and he's never seen anything like it.

 

[2Rocky]

Adam I think your brush hook was a home-made contraption.

 

[alireza_64]

And striped like a tiger's tail, apparently - further evidencing the seller as a gussy-upper.

Here it is copied, re-oriented and placed (Pic 1) next to bonafide WWII jeep axes. The pattern is close - but again, I am doubtful.

doubtful i am too. i will post some more pictures

 

[Adam in Weatherford]

Bought this at First Monday. $30, not a great deal but it's in decent shape.

 

[alireza_64]

any one have any clues of the brand name

 

[Wolley]

any one have any clues of the brand name

Looks like a Council Tool

 

[four.cycle]

@allrez -

one of the more comprehensive "axe" sites is here:

http://www.yesteryearstools.com/

I believe he has some graphics of various axe makers' herald marks there - probably one of the larger collections.

you can also check

Old logo ID markings guide

Sometimes are fellow GJ members need some help in finding out what company made their tool and maybe this post will be a stepping stone for future review. please feel free to add other helpful information that others might need. http://www.wrenchingnews.com/wrench-logos/logos-page-1.html...

www.garagejournal.com

and

Trademarks

Table of registered trademarks used by the hand tools industry.

alloy-artifacts.org

(although Alloy-Artifacts isn't really focused on axes or edge tools.)

 

[alireza_64]

@allrez -

one of the more comprehensive "axe" sites is here:

http://www.yesteryearstools.com/

I believe he has some graphics of various axe makers' herald marks there - probably one of the larger collections.

you can also check

Old logo ID markings guide

Sometimes are fellow GJ members need some help in finding out what company made their tool and maybe this post will be a stepping stone for future review. please feel free to add other helpful information that others might need. http://www.wrenchingnews.com/wrench-logos/logos-page-1.html...

www.garagejournal.com

and

Trademarks

Table of registered trademarks used by the hand tools industry.

alloy-artifacts.org

(although Alloy-Artifacts isn't really focused on axes or edge tools.)

the logo looks like a small i , but couldnt find any similar logo

 

[SolarColumbia]

The head is a 2004 Woodings Verona. I carved the handle from a skinny black cherry trunk.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I have to show this old fallers wedge. No makers mark. First time I have seen one. Anyone knows anything about them? Who created the design? Thanks.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

I have to show this old fallers wedge. No makers mark. First time I have seen one. Anyone knows anything about them? Who created the design? Thanks.

After further investigation. Letoolmans antique tools calls it a two man crosscut saw wedge. Interesting, The rope tied to pull it out of your way when not needed

 

[2oolhound]

I collected a few of these old steel wedges too but none with the rope eye. Wedges were also needed for bucking the felled tree into logs. If the tree was laying on the ground and the only way to buck it was from the top side downward, depending on the tension of the wood caused by the lay of the log on the terrain, the cut often wants to close on the cut and pinch your saw. A wedge would be hammered into the cut to keep the kerf open and prevent pinching. On steep or inclined ground these logs often want to roll and it may take very little to make it roll. If once you cut through the log and it separated from the tree your wedge would fall down and if it landed on the low side where it was dangerous to go down there to retrieve it that rope hole would be priceless, even life saving. It could also drop down in the cut once the logs broke free and be hard to retrieve from there.

Chainsaws changed all this because you can make a top cut where the tension will build up then do a boring cut where you plunge the tip of the saw straight in around the middle of the log and make the bottom cut to the ground and then cut upwards to the 1st cut. You may still want to wedge it as an added measure but you can pull the saw straight out and then remove the wedge whereas a 2 man cross cut has a handle on each end and must be lifted straight up and out.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Good information. My Fil explained that men bucking a log can wrap a rope around the trunk to keep the wedge in one spot. Thanks.

 

[alireza_64]

any ideas

 

[Private Lugnutz]

any ideas

About what? They are clearly marked. That OEM is in the list of US mfgrs that @four.cycle maintains, which is linked in the 'Read Me' sticky at the top of the forum, a few pages after the thread index, in the helpful hints section. Included in the entry is a link to the OEM's website. They're still in business. And a search on this thread of that OEM will reveal several other examples. Whether they were lost or discarded by the original customer, marked on the faces, or stolen, is a valid question.

 

[bdbecker]

any ideas

More than likely used as decorative/display units. If you do a search for 'engine 325 ladder 163' you'll find a bunch of links related to a FDNY station in Queens nicknamed the 'Woodside Warriors'.

FDNYtrucks.com (Engine Company 325/Ladder Company 163)

 

[four.cycle]

they don't appear to have seen much use, as @bdbecker mentions. not sure what it is you're asking.

Council / Council Tool, PO Box 165, Lake Waccamaw, NC 28450 / https://counciltool.com/ / hammers axes mauls /

 

[bdbecker]

Something keeps bugging me about those two FDNY axes... First, the pattern does not look like anything Council has listed on the website. The distance between the poll and the eye is very short, along with the head itself being stubby and broad. I also wonder why they didn't use a pickhead or puloski pattern since its for a fire department. The handles also don't fit any shape that I see on the website either - almost look homemade due to being overly stylized, but the Council Tool stamp would suggest they were made by Council (why would someone stamp a logo on them otherwise?). I'm starting to think that these were produced purely as display pieces, perhaps in a limited run. I would bet that they aren't even heat treated.

@alireza_64 - you might try reaching out to Council to see if they can shed any light on these. I'd be curious to know more about them.

 

[Nutria]

Plumb 4 lb double bit, Collins 2-1/4 lb camp axe, Kelly Woodslasher 1-1/4 lb hatchet.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Plumb 4 lb double bit, Collins 2-1/4 lb camp axe, Kelly Woodslasher 1-1/4 lb hatchet.

Nice. You have three of the top classics.

 

[jonshonda]

It's a real bummer that, much like everything else old axes have shot up in price. I don't have the luxury of getting to yard sales EVER, so I must resort to CL, FBMP, or resale shops. And man $40 doesn't get you very far! haha

 

[Nutria]

It's a real bummer that, much like everything else old axes have shot up in price. I don't have the luxury of getting to yard sales EVER, so I must resort to CL, FBMP, or resale shops. And man $40 doesn't get you very far! haha

Prices are getting pretty nutty on everything, you're right. Sales are where it's at, if you can ever manage to get out to just a few. I needed to replace my axes after a fire, and I found the three above at sales almost instantly. Although axe prices are high on the reseller market, they are still just a few bucks (plus handle and rehanging time) at the sales, and there are axes at almost every estate sale it seems. So, that's better than a lot of newly collectible stuff.

 

[jonshonda]

Prices are getting pretty nutty on everything, you're right. Sales are where it's at, if you can ever manage to get out to just a few. I needed to replace my axes after a fire, and I found the three above at sales almost instantly. Although axe prices are high on the reseller market, they are still just a few bucks (plus handle and rehanging time) at the sales, and there are axes at almost every estate sale it seems. So, that's better than a lot of newly collectible stuff.

Yeah and for some reason when you acquire a taste for the rare types in excellent condition, things either get pretty expensive or pretty stale. haha

 

[alireza_64]

Something keeps bugging me about those two FDNY axes... First, the pattern does not look like anything Council has listed on the website. The distance between the poll and the eye is very short, along with the head itself being stubby and broad. I also wonder why they didn't use a pickhead or puloski pattern since its for a fire department. The handles also don't fit any shape that I see on the website either - almost look homemade due to being overly stylized, but the Council Tool stamp would suggest they were made by Council (why would someone stamp a logo on them otherwise?). I'm starting to think that these were produced purely as display pieces, perhaps in a limited run. I would bet that they aren't even heat treated.

@alireza_64 - you might try reaching out to Council to see if they can shed any light on these. I'd be curious to know more about them.

that is the answer i was looking for , i completely agree with you , from every angle its out of shape and proportion , i also think they are home made , and not council . thanks mate ,

 

[alireza_64]

it has a barcode logo on it. strangely

 

[alireza_64]

Something keeps bugging me about those two FDNY axes... First, the pattern does not look like anything Council has listed on the website. The distance between the poll and the eye is very short, along with the head itself being stubby and broad. I also wonder why they didn't use a pickhead or puloski pattern since its for a fire department. The handles also don't fit any shape that I see on the website either - almost look homemade due to being overly stylized, but the Council Tool stamp would suggest they were made by Council (why would someone stamp a logo on them otherwise?). I'm starting to think that these were produced purely as display pieces, perhaps in a limited run. I would bet that they aren't even heat treated.

@alireza_64 - you might try reaching out to Council to see if they can shed any light on these. I'd be curious to know more about them.

 

[Wolley]

Council tool makes really heavy fire fighter axes. And parade axes are a thing too. The embellishment on the heads looks like EDM which I would guess CT has the capability to do. Those handles are really funky looking though, I don't think they would admit to doing that.

 

[bdbecker]

Did you scan the QR code?

 

[jonshonda]

Well my ADD overruled logic again, and between the inspiration I got from the 1/2 cord I split Saturday morning and some boredom at work, I decided I needed to buy a few more axes from the local resale shop. I paid too much, but because I don't have access to yard sales and would have to travel a long distance to find a good concentrated selection of axes, I just paid the price for convenience I guess.

The hafts look to be able to be salvaged, but do have some damage from age and overstrike. Both heads are loose, and I am going to remove the heads, reshape the haft, and rehang.

The Collins Commander has a stinking aluminum wedge, not sure yet how I will get that out and try to save the haft. haha Haft still has a partial tag as well.

 

[Wolley]

Nice ones. Usually you can drill a 1/8 hole in a metal wedge then screw in a sheet metal screw, and pry the wedge out using the screw

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Also drill lots of holes. Free up some space.

 

[Marsim]

Aircraft crash axe. Great for self defense.

 

[2oolhound]

Anyone know anything about this axe? It's my dad's. $5 garage sale find. No marks on the head visible. Handle is marked LITTLE GIANT.

Hi Adam,

I was surfing youtube, looking at an old video about turpentining and after several hours I came across this video which has axes looking like yours. I think an axe similar to yours was about 3 - 4 minutes into the 50 minute video. Here is the link:

Gillis Carter Terpentining June 5, 2004

This was an industry I'd never heard of. It was mainly supported by the wooden ships of the times as the industry provided materials required for caulking ships, hence it's demise. Other tools used/pioneered included Brush Axes, Brush Hooks, a type of Broad Axe and a unique axe called a Box Axe.

There was an historical video from a different university recorded as a pod cast in which archaeologists/students compiled an overview or synopsis of the industry from records found. I thought it was quite interesting and may be to many others here as many of these tools show up on this thread. If there is interest I'll try to find the link to that one also.

Here is the link to the other video giving a more concise history of the industry from it's early roots. There is a 2 minute or so opener then it gets to the facts:

Talking Turpentine: The Naval Industry in North Florida​

 

[four.cycle]

Other tools used/pioneered included Brush Axes, Brush Hooks, a type of Broad Axe and a unique axe called a Box Axe.

trail work, brush clearing, and firewood cutting stuff. oddly, I have no photos of any of my axes.

 

[crguy]

This Plumb Hickory broad axe made for Kelley- How- Thomson in Duluth MN just popped up in my area. Grabbed it for a friend axe collector. Fairly scarce axe.

 

[2oolhound]

Nice find crguy! Thanks for the pix.

 

[jonshonda]

Nice ones. Usually you can drill a 1/8 hole in a metal wedge then screw in a sheet metal screw, and pry the wedge out using the screw

Well I've made a little progress. Got the CM head off the haft, cleaned up, and back together. The Haft is a little bowed which I assume is a result of it being leaned up against something for ** years?

The Collins aluminum wedge actually came out very easy after drilling a couple pilot holes and driving some screws into the wedge. Prybar and a few whacks from a hammer and it came right out. Trying to clean up the head while leaving the original sticker in place. The haft also has the original sticker in place, but there is damage from overstrikes and to the **** of the haft that I am not sure how to tackle yet.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

Well since I live in Ky I have been trying to trade with fellows here since I started this group. Finally found a Blue Grass Belknap Phantom Belvill double bit axe without giving my right arm. You see giving your right arm is tough and then I couldn't swing the axe. At our Peddlers Mall it was dirty facing in so you couldn't see the brand. The first few pics is how I found it. And some cleaning it up. The handle has some meat left to rehang it. But it deserves a new handle. Michigan Pattern. Thanks.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

After further investigation. Letoolmans antique tools calls it a two man crosscut saw wedge. Interesting, The rope tied to pull it out of your way when not needed

I found one in the Belknap book. Looks like same MFG.