Dear Cody, Thank you so much for sharing your life, your character and even your family on this channel. It is an inspiring channel and thank you for not being commercial, not selling out and giving us all a glimpse of your life out there on the homestead. May God bless your work and you and your family.
Thanks alot Cody. I found a 1880s hand forged double bit axe head at a flea market. The axe happened to be made in a town right down the road from me and because of your video on rehandling i was able to replace the handle and turn it into my very own heirloom piece to hand down to my son some day. God bless you.
As an old time carpenter, it really does my heart good seeing someone carefully fit a hardwood tool handle that can serve the craftsman for a very long time if not abused.
Watching someone who respects steel and the tools made thereof is so satisfying. Thanks for sharing your experience with this fine old tool that obviously means a lot to you, much appreciated by those of us who value such things.
You are indeed a talented man, Wranglestar. You do a great service to your country by sharing and teaching these traditional skills and methods. I am also happy to see that there are young folks out there emulating what you do.
I didn’t have a father growing up and this is where I come to learn the things he should have taught me before my scorned mother chased him off. Thank you for these videos Cody they mean more than you know. Sincerely A thirty year old man grateful for your education and videos.
Another great video that has it all -skill, family history, modesty, love for old tools. I note that the 'double bit' axe is much more popular in the US and Canada than here in Europe (in my case, England). Am sure your grandfather would be very proud of how you have rightly restored a 'family heirloom' and that it will continue to be put to good use by such an experienced and knowledgable woodsman as your self. Great!
My grandfather started our homestead in Alaska. My dad still runs it but it's been years since I've been able to get up there for a visit. Your videos remind me of home.
This has got to be one of my favorite video series, Cody. You did a great job and I really like that you took your grandpappy's axe and restored it...AND are using it. I think that it's important to have a strong connection to one's roots and you certainly have that. By the way, for shaping the handles, you might be interested in trying out a small spokeshave. It's a fantastic tool...used as the names implies...for shaping the spokes of a wagon wheel, though it's useful in making furniture. Also, maybe you'd like to make your own cabinets for your home?
These videos are so relaxing. I really appreciate the tone and the pace. I hate it when people try to make "the boring parts interesting". I really need to get back into the shop
I feel like there needs to be a more profound way for me to express my liking of your videos than clicking a like button. Your restoration of old and family tools is most inspiring.
Yours is the first video I have seen that shows the double bit with two different edges. My grandfather sharpened his double that way. He used the one side for limbing up trees and chopping the limbs into firewood. The other side was used for splitting wood and cutting out roots. He had a big heavy single bit that was used for felling trees. Memories from 60 years ago. Thanks
I have one of those belt sanders. I bought it to replace an old Delta that got damaged. I wish I had forked out twice the amount of money to replace it with the same one, because I was used to being able to sand the heck out pieces with the Delta, and now I just bog the thing down whenever I use it, and it takes a lot longer to do the job. The table for the disk sander is pretty flexible, too, so it's hard to get accurate results on it. The funny thing is, since it is so under-powered, you don't have to worry about over-heating the blade if you put too much pressure on it. I guess you call that serendipity. Thanks again for doing these videos. Keep up the great work.
There is another reason for the two different bevel angles on the cutting edges. The shallower one is for cut deep, the steeper one is for chipping out the cut. If you watch someone that is good with a double bit ax they will flip the ax on the back swing to switch between the two cutting edges. Dad learned a lot working in the logging camps in Southeast Alaska at that time much of it was hand logged. Dad did a fair bit of hand logging too. It's funny how much some of your videos bring back long forgotten memories of sitting listening to Dad talk about the past.
Nice video, thanks for the info and instructions. My wife just brought me home a Sager Chemical Axe 1934. Just the head light rust but pretty good shape. She paid .50 cents so it will get a new handle. I'm looking forward to the first swing.
Nice to see a quality tool come back to life in the hands of a family member and a skilled craftsman! I bet that made some beautiful music once you put it to work in the cold still air! I can just imagine hearing it sing though the air and the report of the head hitting the tree in person; I bet you had goosebumps, I know I would have! Thanks for sharing this journey and story with us Cody, it makes us feel like part of the family when you bring us along on an important project like this one. Well done!!
+Electro House but where would I use an axe I spend all my time doing math or playing video games? I don't think people would like if I started chopping trees on campus, that could be fun though...
TY, fixed many hammers over the years. My trick was to epoxy the handle prior to final assembly, and also coated the end grain on the top after wedging and pinning. the only plastic handle I have ever used was on a 20# sledge hammer head, It needed to be indestructible.
My grandfather told me when I was a little kid that he would sharpen them the same way. One side narrow to slice and make the chips and the other side more blunt to clear the chips on the horizontal, spinning in his hands as he was working. Just my .02 cents. Great video.
I like seeing your attention to detail in everything, in how you fit the handle, shaving the wood burrs, sharpening to a razor finish. Even your camera angles are very well setup. Nice video, by the end I wanted to take a few swings with the Chemical! Keep up the great work.
Wow, I love watching you work. I have always hated how the new tools that are made these days just fall apart, there's nothing better then a old tool in working condition. Thanks for reminding me to finish my axe restoration!
I've got Sager Chemical that was found in a Northern Michigan corn field...rusty as all get out, I've got it finished up and shaving sharp. One of my favorites.
My father would have tanned my hide if he saw me split the handle head with a metal wedge. He said if you fit it properly there was never any need for it and that it just unnecessarily weakened the head. Right or wrong it was just his way and watching you hang that head brought back memories of him. That is a beautiful tool.
Nice to see your video, I have work at Surinam SA and the local people worked for me to make Marine poles. THese were cutted out of Basralocus. All by hand. Pole from 6 mtr till 21 mtr long. These are used at Holland ( the Netherlands to protect the Bridges and habour/ Port sites. My people used Purperhart for handle or Bolletri. These are common local names. The bolletri is also known as Latex tree or more commen as Beef wood. Super structure red like reak beef colour. THese people make it by hand and use only a long Knife ( as you use at the tropical forrest. Houwer. The weight of the timber is alway higher than 1 kilogramm as per ton ( 1000 kg) so the timber can not flow. If you have the posibilitie you have tro try your selve to make your best axe. YOu need to buy these timbers. Regards, Jan Willem Geurts The Netherlands / Surinam
Just found this informative posting in your stack. Have a 1929 Sager Chem and a J Mann Edgetool. Both in the Puget Sound pattern from the days of my youth on the farm. My pack axes are both Norlunds, a boys axe Hudson Bay and a little double bit. Always both learn from and enjoy your informative postings. I find it nearly therapeutic to piddle around in my shop hafting and dress the blades of my edge tools. Get nearly giddy finding nicely grained hickory and ash at my local lumber yard. ATB to you and yours. Greg
I absolutely love your family's channel! everything I find very very interesting and I like learning more than anything else. so, your channel sure falls into a learning channel! thank you for sharing and thank you and your family for the wonderful videos! martina
Brother this channel is the best thing ever. Awesome vids the content from EDC and homesteading are right in my wheelhouse. I have been greatly inspired by your "just go for it" attitude. I tracked down my grandfathers Kelly Flint edge double bit axe within my family and have undertaken the challenge to create a heirloom for my son to pass down. Plus you video of you and your son in the cave WOW! The pride in your face is the kind that can only be known between a father and a son I got a little misty because thats how I feel towards my son too. Glad I found your channel keep up the good work. You may have to show TheHossusmc how to run google plus. Thank you so very much Ben
I believe the more blunt side of the ax is designed for splitting and for cutting the chunks out of the way. If you try to split wood with a really sharp ax, the blade cuts in too deep and the wood doesn't split. I am not certain but I believe the double bit axe is designed to have the handle spun between cuts where one hit cuts deep and the next chips it out. This is the major advantage over the single bit along with the heavier weight. Try it and let us know how that works.
Loved it, as a boy I spent many a day playing in an old shed with many hand tool that belonged to my grandfather and great grandfather. With the progression from forestry and milling to the oil boom a generation of knowledge was lost and the race for the almighty dollar began. Anyway my parents generation did their best to assure their children were to have a better life and after the passing of these old timers so died the knowledge. So sad, I don't blame them (my parents) it's just what seemed the right way to them. What I'd give to have a few tools from my grandparents generations, my parents saw no use for them and got rid of them. Ok, official ramble, I love these videos.
its not been in the hands of a woodsman since the fiftys.....and it wont be in the hands of a woodsman for fifty years more....JUST JOKING...... nice job....keep posting pall
I've gone to use an angle grinder with a flap wheel on most to all of my cutting axes, it sharpens quick, doesn't remove to much metal at one time, and leaves a beautiful finish followed by a good quality bastard file to remove any burrs. It all depends on how long you want the tool to last. I've chosen this method because I've seen good quality packing house blades turned to toothpicks. Needless to say I do not sharpen my kitchen knives the same way. Also be careful not to blue the blade. Larry
I recently got a Plumb Champion double bit axe at an antique mall for $10. The haft is is good condition, the head is firmly attached, and there is only some minor surface rust. Can't wait to get it cleaned up and sharpened. You can't buy an axe that good nowadays, especially for $10!
I have an old granfors bruk from the 30s or 40s that you can see has a cutter and a grubber. Set it up as a cruiser and it's one of my favorites. Old steel can't be beat, especially old laminated... it's like a samurai sword.
I use the harbor freight 1x30 and convex free hand my axes, it works fantastic. I really like the convex on my axes and machetes. This was a really entertaining video!
I had an ole time logger show me a trick for getting the axe head on.Get a bucket of water and put the head in the bucket and hit the handle like you were doing. It really does make getting axe on the handle easier, Plus the water makes the handle swell ensuring a tight fit.
Interesting Cody, thank you for the explanation on the difference between the sides of the head of the ax as well as your technique for marking the center punch position. Nice video brother!
An exceptional video...I have all my grandfathers tools...and keep them as clean ,oiled and well kept as he did. After 60 years these tools are as he left them.People buy cheap tools and wonder why they break or the amount of Emergency rooms are full on Bank holidays Fathers day or your doing a favor for someone on the cheap. Get the good tools, understand what your doing and clean up as you go along. If you want and expect Health and Safety around you , there is no problem. Its the people whom cut corners.
I'm going through and eating up as many of these axe videos as possible. I have an old Kelly double symetrical that I want to restore. WWWD? (What Would Wranglerstar Do)
you could also use a little spltting to get the shine going, i have a 16 lb sledge that has been mushroomed from a grenade splitter for the knotty pieces, i admire the work you put in to the vids because not a whole lot of living effort is put out anymore these days, sometime soon i will post a vid showing that a city boy can make it lol
I just picked up a Western Logger Puget Sound axe, 11 5/8" across, weighing in at 3.6 lbs (marked 4). WL axes have forge lines which indicate the end of the blade. When you marked your axe for sharpening, did you use the ends of the eye to make the cross mark? The forge lines on this axe seem to be very close to, but slightly wider than, the width of the eye of the axe. It's in beautiful condition and should clean up nicely.
interesting video, sager had a chemical dip similar to the bluing on a rifle. it makes me curious as my old sager almost has no colour at all while yours is almost black.
Hey! Awesome episode! I am taking on restoring an old HB Axe on my channel in the coming weeks and this is exactly what I needed. thanks for sharing! Denis
hello I have a old slightly rusted double axe with US91 stamp but can't find out who makes it or any info on web except for an old hand axe with US91 stamp, if you know anything about this it will be very helpfull... thx
Woodings - Verona used the USxx stamps on their axes and other products (sledge hammers, spike mauls, single and double bit axes and hatchets). The US was followed by the year of manufacture US91 or 1991 in your case. Nice USA made tools. Later bought by Ames and I think they still used the Woodings tooling for many years.
Can you do a video of your history? How before 2010 you learned about forestry and living off the land. You have mentioned before your time in the forest service, did you learn there?
Just dropped by the Old Local Hardware and purchased my 2nd and their last Wiebelhaus & Co. double bit axe head. For working improvements, growth and ideas, can you tell me the purpose of the kerf cut and wooden wedge?? Is it for friction against the head, or wood wedging to expand the kerf thus locking the head in place?? Special thanks to your reply. Purchased my metal wedges on ebay, had it shipped here in the Philippines, probably will get them by next month, thus completeting the assembly of the "twin axes". Also lastly, can you make an axe sheath for double bit axes, there are lots of videos around, but we need to know what's simple and efficient. Thanks and God bless.
I like the head pattern on that Sager. I saw a similar pattern in antique store but it was by a company I did not recognize and had enormous chips in the bit that imo rendered it useless with out the work of a professional blacksmith removing 2 inches from both side. It pained me to see a tool so abused. The price was $100 too.
Hey bubba I bought a old treadle grinding wheel , I have a question if you ever repaired the center of the stone . All the parts of mine are there but it looks like one side of the center round hub say broke off and I found an other stone complete but just wondering what fills the center of the stone ? Can you point me in the right direction . Thank tom . Plus I dig your vids
I really enjoy your video's thanks for all of the information you provide!!! It has been a great resource for finding information on how to restore my new to me 1922 Sager Chemical Axe.
Wranglerstar! Hey, I mentioned in another video that I started to restore a few old axes that i had found laying around our house. Well, I ended up finding a True Temper Kelly Works single bit felling axe, which I am to excited about restoring. My research leads me to believe that its from 1922,And after talking to the lady that used to own the house, I learned that her father was a forest service member in Flagstaff, A.Z. Now to think over 90 years later I might be felling with the same axe that he did!
Hi Mr. Wranglerstar, I was just wondering why you hit the bottom of the handle, is it to straighten the head? I have watched all your videos and was wanting to get together a tool list for what I would need to do some timber framing. Is there any way you could give me a few names for quality brand chisels, crosscut saws, chainsaw mills, and a good draw knife brand that has a decent price so I can begin searching for the best deal, I just moved to a farm from the city and I want to start homesteading. Any help would be very appreciated by me and my family. Thank you and God bless, JC
Hi Wranglerstar ... you remind me of that old poem by frost, "Two Tramps in Mud Time". It's about some hard working lumberjacks, but it's more about loving your work :) Only where love and need are one, And the work is play for mortal stakes, Is the deed ever truly done For Heaven and the future's sakes. Love your stuff, keep up the good work.
Hey Cody, Love your videos! You are an honest, upright man, full of integrity. Keep using your God given talents... They bless A LOT of people! You don't know most of us subscribers, but many of us look up to you as an example of what it means to be a Godly Man/Husband/Father. Thank you for sharing your life with us! p.s. You always pick great songs/music for your videos, What's the song in the beginning?
I know on many axes they forge welded the hardened steel over top of the rest of the axe, not inside. When the bit has been sharpened away the core metal will begin to show through at the edge. Since one end of your axe is shorter it makes me wonder if this is the case with yours. A vinegar bath should reveal it one way or the other.
I have been looking at the Sager Chemical on Ebay and they are all in very bad condition. I guess it's because they are so old. Great job restoring this axe!
Dear Cody, Thank you so much for sharing your life, your character and even your family on this channel. It is an inspiring channel and thank you for not being commercial, not selling out and giving us all a glimpse of your life out there on the homestead. May God bless your work and you and your family.
Thanks alot Cody. I found a 1880s hand forged double bit axe head at a flea market. The axe happened to be made in a town right down the road from me and because of your video on rehandling i was able to replace the handle and turn it into my very own heirloom piece to hand down to my son some day. God bless you.
As an old time carpenter, it really does my heart good seeing someone carefully fit a hardwood tool handle that can serve the craftsman for a very long time if not abused.
Watching someone who respects steel and the tools made thereof is so satisfying. Thanks for sharing your experience with this fine old tool that obviously means a lot to you, much appreciated by those of us who value such things.
You are indeed a talented man, Wranglestar. You do a great service to your country by sharing and teaching these traditional skills and methods. I am also happy to see that there are young folks out there emulating what you do.
I didn’t have a father growing up and this is where I come to learn the things he should have taught me before my scorned mother chased him off. Thank you for these videos Cody they mean more than you know.
Sincerely
A thirty year old man grateful for your education and videos.
Another great video that has it all -skill, family history, modesty, love for old tools. I note that the 'double bit' axe is much more popular in the US and Canada than here in Europe (in my case, England). Am sure your grandfather would be very proud of how you have rightly restored a 'family heirloom' and that it will continue to be put to good use by such an experienced and knowledgable woodsman as your self. Great!
You have brought a family heirloom back to life with all the respect and honor it deserves. Great video Cody.
My grandfather started our homestead in Alaska. My dad still runs it but it's been years since I've been able to get up there for a visit. Your videos remind me of home.
A treasure that will undoubtedly be enjoyed by many future generations of your family for years to come. . Nice work and great video!
This has got to be one of my favorite video series, Cody. You did a great job and I really like that you took your grandpappy's axe and restored it...AND are using it. I think that it's important to have a strong connection to one's roots and you certainly have that. By the way, for shaping the handles, you might be interested in trying out a small spokeshave. It's a fantastic tool...used as the names implies...for shaping the spokes of a wagon wheel, though it's useful in making furniture. Also, maybe you'd like to make your own cabinets for your home?
A treasure indeed. Love the fact that you constantly remark that you are still learning. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
These videos are so relaxing. I really appreciate the tone and the pace.
I hate it when people try to make "the boring parts interesting".
I really need to get back into the shop
I'm looking to buy a double bit and I came to your channel to get some insight. Great video as always! Thanks for taking the time to make these!
Great video its always a joy to see you hand craft these things back to life!
I feel like there needs to be a more profound way for me to express my liking of your videos than clicking a like button. Your restoration of old and family tools is most inspiring.
Yours is the first video I have seen that shows the double bit with two different edges. My grandfather sharpened his double that way. He used the one side for limbing up trees and chopping the limbs into firewood. The other side was used for splitting wood and cutting out roots. He had a big heavy single bit that was used for felling trees. Memories from 60 years ago. Thanks
12:53 the gleam in your eyes, Cody, as you said "we'll see what it can do" almost felt sorry for that tree.
I have one of those belt sanders. I bought it to replace an old Delta that got damaged. I wish I had forked out twice the amount of money to replace it with the same one, because I was used to being able to sand the heck out pieces with the Delta, and now I just bog the thing down whenever I use it, and it takes a lot longer to do the job. The table for the disk sander is pretty flexible, too, so it's hard to get accurate results on it.
The funny thing is, since it is so under-powered, you don't have to worry about over-heating the blade if you put too much pressure on it. I guess you call that serendipity.
Thanks again for doing these videos. Keep up the great work.
There is another reason for the two different bevel angles on the cutting edges. The shallower one is for cut deep, the steeper one is for chipping out the cut. If you watch someone that is good with a double bit ax they will flip the ax on the back swing to switch between the two cutting edges.
Dad learned a lot working in the logging camps in Southeast Alaska at that time much of it was hand logged. Dad did a fair bit of hand logging too. It's funny how much some of your videos bring back long forgotten memories of sitting listening to Dad talk about the past.
I knew there was a reason for the 2 bit! Thanks!
This comment here is what I was looking for, thank you.
Nice video, thanks for the info and instructions. My wife just brought me home a Sager Chemical Axe 1934. Just the head light rust but pretty good shape. She paid .50 cents so it will get a new handle. I'm looking forward to the first swing.
3:20 jumped in my seat when I saw that wood slip
What does that say about the chaos in which he lives?
I learn so much from your channel. Keep 'em coming, Wranglerstar.
Nice to see a quality tool come back to life in the hands of a family member and a skilled craftsman! I bet that made some beautiful music once you put it to work in the cold still air! I can just imagine hearing it sing though the air and the report of the head hitting the tree in person; I bet you had goosebumps, I know I would have!
Thanks for sharing this journey and story with us Cody, it makes us feel like part of the family when you bring us along on an important project like this one. Well done!!
I don't even like axes. I've never used one. I study computer science and do math. But I love your videos when I get high. I don't know why.
You made my day, lol.
3v3ryus3rnam3istak3n most people apreciate genuine skill, especially in these old schooly crafts
Pekka Kaukalo finnish forrest crowd in every movie around axes and logging :-)
perkele!
+3v3ryus3rnam3istak3n oh dear seriously? Learn to use an axe more and lessen the inherent dork..
+Electro House but where would I use an axe I spend all my time doing math or playing video games? I don't think people would like if I started chopping trees on campus, that could be fun though...
TY, fixed many hammers over the years. My trick was to epoxy the handle prior to final assembly, and also coated the end grain on the top after wedging and pinning. the only plastic handle I have ever used was on a 20# sledge hammer head, It needed to be indestructible.
My grandfather told me when I was a little kid that he would sharpen them the same way. One side narrow to slice and make the chips and the other side more blunt to clear the chips on the horizontal, spinning in his hands as he was working. Just my .02 cents. Great video.
I like seeing your attention to detail in everything, in how you fit the handle, shaving the wood burrs, sharpening to a razor finish. Even your camera angles are very well setup. Nice video, by the end I wanted to take a few swings with the Chemical! Keep up the great work.
Wow, I love watching you work. I have always hated how the new tools that are made these days just fall apart, there's nothing better then a old tool in working condition. Thanks for reminding me to finish my axe restoration!
Your workmanship is stunning
What a wonderful restoration of a cherished family heirloom!!
Great work as always!!
I've got Sager Chemical that was found in a Northern Michigan corn field...rusty as all get out, I've got it finished up and shaving sharp. One of my favorites.
I was given one of these today (only the head). i remembered you talking about it. excited to get started and get that axe back in the woods!
Nice video. I just bought a Sager Chemical Axe double bit axe head for a dollar. Now to put a handle on it.
Sneaky Rich
. WOW
I have an old Collins double bit from the early years, fantastic axe! Enjoy your stuff!!
Yet another fine example of true craftsmanship!! Nice job
My father would have tanned my hide if he saw me split the handle head with a metal wedge. He said if you fit it properly there was never any need for it and that it just unnecessarily weakened the head. Right or wrong it was just his way and watching you hang that head brought back memories of him. That is a beautiful tool.
A beautiful work of art Cody. A true treasure! I'm glad it's in such good hands!
Nice trick with the center punch, nice indeed!
Nice to see your video, I have work at Surinam SA and the local people worked for me to make Marine poles.
THese were cutted out of Basralocus. All by hand. Pole from 6 mtr till 21 mtr long. These are used at Holland ( the Netherlands to protect the Bridges and habour/ Port sites. My people used Purperhart for handle or Bolletri. These are common local names.
The bolletri is also known as Latex tree or more commen as Beef wood. Super structure red like reak beef colour.
THese people make it by hand and use only a long Knife ( as you use at the tropical forrest. Houwer.
The weight of the timber is alway higher than 1 kilogramm as per ton ( 1000 kg) so the timber can not flow.
If you have the posibilitie you have tro try your selve to make your best axe.
YOu need to buy these timbers.
Regards,
Jan Willem Geurts
The Netherlands / Surinam
Just found this informative posting in your stack. Have a 1929 Sager Chem and a J Mann Edgetool. Both in the Puget Sound pattern from the days of my youth on the farm. My pack axes are both Norlunds, a boys axe Hudson Bay and a little double bit.
Always both learn from and enjoy your informative postings. I find it nearly therapeutic to piddle around in my shop hafting and dress the blades of my edge tools. Get nearly giddy finding nicely grained hickory and ash at my local lumber yard.
ATB to you and yours.
Greg
Well done Cody a real piece of art
I have a sager double bit ax too. It is an awesome tool. Mine is a 1932 pattern.
LOVE IT NOTHING BETTER THAN A WRANGLERSTAR AXE VIDEO KEEP THEM COMING
I see I got ahead of myself in asking about the radius/sharpening process for the double bit axe, this will be very helpful, thank you
Thanks for sharing how to get the double bit axe sharpening done Cody! Awesome video as always.
I absolutely love your family's channel! everything I find very very interesting and I like learning more than anything else. so, your channel sure falls into a learning channel! thank you for sharing and thank you and your family for the wonderful videos! martina
Beautiful job on that ax, I am so impressed the way you do things. You are a inspiration to me. Thanks
Brother this channel is the best thing ever. Awesome vids the content from EDC and homesteading are right in my wheelhouse. I have been greatly inspired by your "just go for it" attitude. I tracked down my grandfathers Kelly Flint edge double bit axe within my family and have undertaken the challenge to create a heirloom for my son to pass down. Plus you video of you and your son in the cave WOW! The pride in your face is the kind that can only be known between a father and a son I got a little misty because thats how I feel towards my son too. Glad I found your channel keep up the good work. You may have to show TheHossusmc how to run google plus. Thank you so very much
Ben
I love family heirlooms! Nice job, you fit that head perfect!
Thanks for showing how to properly fit an axe handle. I can now see how I didn't get mine fitted correctly.
I believe the more blunt side of the ax is designed for splitting and for cutting the chunks out of the way. If you try to split wood with a really sharp ax, the blade cuts in too deep and the wood doesn't split. I am not certain but I believe the double bit axe is designed to have the handle spun between cuts where one hit cuts deep and the next chips it out. This is the major advantage over the single bit along with the heavier weight. Try it and let us know how that works.
it is nice to see that the axe will be around for a couple more genrations
Loved it, as a boy I spent many a day playing in an old shed with many hand tool that belonged to my grandfather and great grandfather. With the progression from forestry and milling to the oil boom a generation of knowledge was lost and the race for the almighty dollar began. Anyway my parents generation did their best to assure their children were to have a better life and after the passing of these old timers so died the knowledge. So sad, I don't blame them (my parents) it's just what seemed the right way to them. What I'd give to have a few tools from my grandparents generations, my parents saw no use for them and got rid of them. Ok, official ramble, I love these videos.
its not been in the hands of a woodsman since the fiftys.....and it wont be in the hands of a woodsman for fifty years more....JUST JOKING......
nice job....keep posting pall
Another superb video , nothing but admiration for you and your family. Thank you for you sharing your knowledge from andy and family in england
Nice handle! These axe and saw videos are some of my favorites.
I'll give the sander/grinder a try on my axe. Thanks again Cody
Very nice. You are a craftsman even dare say an artist. Thanks for sharing.
Great tip on how to sharpen the axe. I'll use that from now on.
I've gone to use an angle grinder with a flap wheel on most to all of my cutting axes, it sharpens quick, doesn't remove to much metal at one time, and leaves a beautiful finish followed by a good quality bastard file to remove any burrs. It all depends on how long you want the tool to last. I've chosen this method because I've seen good quality packing house blades turned to toothpicks. Needless to say I do not sharpen my kitchen knives the same way. Also be careful not to blue the blade. Larry
I like your fulcrum technique!
Awsome axe i love that bench grinding technique im going to try that
I recently got a Plumb Champion double bit axe at an antique mall for $10. The haft is is good condition, the head is firmly attached, and there is only some minor surface rust. Can't wait to get it cleaned up and sharpened. You can't buy an axe that good nowadays, especially for $10!
My favorite old time axe is the Kelly cruiser.In all my time throwing axes... 'twas my favorite
Beautiful craftsmanship Cody!!
That is a beautiful axe my friend and it being a family heirloom wow, I'm happy 4 u
I have an old granfors bruk from the 30s or 40s that you can see has a cutter and a grubber. Set it up as a cruiser and it's one of my favorites. Old steel can't be beat, especially old laminated... it's like a samurai sword.
I use the harbor freight 1x30 and convex free hand my axes, it works fantastic. I really like the convex on my axes and machetes. This was a really entertaining video!
I had an ole time logger show me a trick for getting the axe head on.Get a bucket of water and put the head in the bucket and hit the handle like you were doing. It really does make getting axe on the handle easier, Plus the water makes the handle swell ensuring a tight fit.
Interesting Cody, thank you for the explanation on the difference between the sides of the head of the ax as well as your technique for marking the center punch position. Nice video brother!
An exceptional video...I have all my grandfathers tools...and keep them as clean ,oiled and well kept as he did. After 60 years these tools are as he left them.People buy cheap tools and wonder why they break or the amount of Emergency rooms are full on
Bank holidays
Fathers day
or your doing a favor for someone on the cheap.
Get the good tools, understand what your doing and clean up as you go along.
If you want and expect Health and Safety around you , there is no problem.
Its the people whom cut corners.
+Steve Wood I really like your poetic use of the return key.
I'm going through and eating up as many of these axe videos as possible. I have an old Kelly double symetrical that I want to restore. WWWD? (What Would Wranglerstar Do)
Looks just like my grandfather axe from about the the same time he owned a saw mill and wicker basket making company in southern Indiana
Cody, nice to see that you have a band saw, ... a lot easer then the first handle video !!!!
awesome. bites deep! your craftsmanship is great, sir
Man, I love watching you work on your tools, especially your axes!!! I'm trying to learn from you!!
SURE AM GLAD I FOUND YOUR CHANNEL. I NEEDED LESSONS ON AXES.
YEAH, THIS CHANNEL HAS SOME SWEET STUFF ABOUT AXES, WHY ARE WE SCREAMING ?
I DONT KNOW
LOUD NOISES!
AXES ARE AWESOME!!
Daniel Romero CAN I JoIN?
you could also use a little spltting to get the shine going, i have a 16 lb sledge that has been mushroomed from a grenade splitter for the knotty pieces, i admire the work you put in to the vids because not a whole lot of living effort is put out anymore these days, sometime soon i will post a vid showing that a city boy can make it lol
It cuts nice it throws good size chunks you did a nice job on the handle.
I just picked up a Western Logger Puget Sound axe, 11 5/8" across, weighing in at 3.6 lbs (marked 4). WL axes have forge lines which indicate the end of the blade.
When you marked your axe for sharpening, did you use the ends of the eye to make the cross mark? The forge lines on this axe seem to be very close to, but slightly wider than, the width of the eye of the axe. It's in beautiful condition and should clean up nicely.
interesting video, sager had a chemical dip similar to the bluing on a rifle. it makes me curious as my old sager almost has no colour at all while yours is almost black.
love the sounds of the axe connecting with the tree
ditto
Hey! Awesome episode! I am taking on restoring an old HB Axe on my channel in the coming weeks and this is exactly what I needed. thanks for sharing! Denis
+The Apprentice thanks
hello I have a old slightly rusted double axe with US91 stamp but can't find out who makes it or any info on web except for an old hand axe with US91 stamp, if you know anything about this it will be very helpfull... thx
Woodings - Verona used the USxx stamps on their axes and other products (sledge hammers, spike mauls, single and double bit axes and hatchets). The US was followed by the year of manufacture US91 or 1991 in your case. Nice USA made tools. Later bought by Ames and I think they still used the Woodings tooling for many years.
+Heirphoto thx
Can you do a video of your history? How before 2010 you learned about forestry and living off the land. You have mentioned before your time in the forest service, did you learn there?
Just dropped by the Old Local Hardware and purchased my 2nd and their last Wiebelhaus & Co. double bit axe head. For working improvements, growth and ideas, can you tell me the purpose of the kerf cut and wooden wedge?? Is it for friction against the head, or wood wedging to expand the kerf thus locking the head in place??
Special thanks to your reply. Purchased my metal wedges on ebay, had it shipped here in the Philippines, probably will get them by next month, thus completeting the assembly of the "twin axes".
Also lastly, can you make an axe sheath for double bit axes, there are lots of videos around, but we need to know what's simple and efficient. Thanks and God bless.
Once again Cody you make my day with another beautiful video thank you
I like the head pattern on that Sager. I saw a similar pattern in antique store but it was by a company I did not recognize and had enormous chips in the bit that imo rendered it useless with out the work of a professional blacksmith removing 2 inches from both side. It pained me to see a tool so abused. The price was $100 too.
I learn a lot from watching your videos you are a smart man God bless
Best handle yet, by far Cody! You've done that old axe proud... :)
Hey bubba I bought a old treadle grinding wheel , I have a question if you ever repaired the center of the stone . All the parts of mine are there but it looks like one side of the center round hub say broke off and I found an other stone complete but just wondering what fills the center of the stone ? Can you point me in the right direction . Thank tom . Plus I dig your vids
I really enjoy your video's thanks for all of the information you provide!!! It has been a great resource for finding information on how to restore my new to me 1922 Sager Chemical Axe.
Wranglerstar! Hey, I mentioned in another video that I started to restore a few old axes that i had found laying around our house. Well, I ended up finding a True Temper Kelly Works single bit felling axe, which I am to excited about restoring. My research leads me to believe that its from 1922,And after talking to the lady that used to own the house, I learned that her father was a forest service member in Flagstaff, A.Z. Now to think over 90 years later I might be felling with the same axe that he did!
Hi Mr. Wranglerstar,
I was just wondering why you hit the bottom of the handle, is it to straighten the head? I have watched all your videos and was wanting to get together a tool list for what I would need to do some timber framing. Is there any way you could give me a few names for quality brand chisels, crosscut saws, chainsaw mills, and a good draw knife brand that has a decent price so I can begin searching for the best deal, I just moved to a farm from the city and I want to start homesteading. Any help would be very appreciated by me and my family.
Thank you and
God bless, JC
He is actually pounding the handle into the head rather than force the head onto the handle. It's gentler.
Hi Wranglerstar ... you remind me of that old poem by frost, "Two Tramps in Mud Time". It's about some hard working lumberjacks, but it's more about loving your work :)
Only where love and need are one,
And the work is play for mortal stakes,
Is the deed ever truly done
For Heaven and the future's sakes.
Love your stuff, keep up the good work.
Why the center punch at 5:32?
KUDOS, Cody. Another wonderfully instructive video.
Hey Cody, Love your videos! You are an honest, upright man, full of integrity. Keep using your God given talents... They bless A LOT of people! You don't know most of us subscribers, but many of us look up to you as an example of what it means to be a Godly Man/Husband/Father. Thank you for sharing your life with us! p.s. You always pick great songs/music for your videos, What's the song in the beginning?
I know on many axes they forge welded the hardened steel over top of the rest of the axe, not inside. When the bit has been sharpened away the core metal will begin to show through at the edge. Since one end of your axe is shorter it makes me wonder if this is the case with yours. A vinegar bath should reveal it one way or the other.
I have been looking at the Sager Chemical on Ebay and they are all in very bad condition. I guess it's because they are so old. Great job restoring this axe!