I'm with you man! I wonder how many guys never really give using one a chance because it's just a "boys" axe. Super underrated!

I absolutely agree!! They really are a jack of all trade axe. Sure probably not the best tool to fell a massive tree or split a full cord. But they can be swung all day and do a bit of everything! And thank you! I was hoping it felt a bit more personal for everyone, getting out in front of the camera more. Help everyone feel like they are just hanging in the shop with me 👍👍

I appreciate it buddy!!! I definitely have a bit of a boys axe addiction. They also have a special place for me since it was my first axe I bought and really what got me into the hobby!

Haha I feel you man. There is so much of my rambling that gets cut from my full videos lol. It's funny you menon the house maul. I do actually have one of those 3lb maul heads and love it. Though I do have it on a 28 in handle lol

Much appreciated man!!! Happy to have you joining along. I'm enjoying making the shorts with the longer format.

Thanks man! I'm enjoying the longer format shorts!

@Nsvens89 definitely helpful

They are super useful heads! I think you'll love it on that 18" handle. That's a nice find!!! I've seen some NOS ones sell on ebay for a lot too! Trust me I love these heads but not 200 bucks love them haha. Prices on the average used ones seem to be floating up too. I bought (most) of mine for around 20 and it seems these days they are averaging between 30 and 40. Still well worth it in my opinion!

Thanks Brett! I'm with you. There are always exceptions but I much prefer the bare steel and patina look!

Thanks you Sir! I was super excited to see the stamps were actually as deep as the were.

Spot on Bobby! I feel like every axe guy i talk to has a similar story. Myself included. There are a few heads I found back in the beginning that I soaked in vinegar or ground the rust off with an abrasive disk...... wish I could go back. Absolutely right were always learning. I appreciate the kind words man!!

Thanks man! I definitely need to pick up some of those disks to test out. Both you and Normandy love them. It's very possible that they did. I remember the listing said fire axes so my best guess is someone covered both in red paint just to prevent rust and cut down on maintenance. It definitely kept the head in pretty good condition haha!

Thanks Dale and I'm right there with you. As long as a tool is in good condition I do my best to keep it original. If it's been beat on or badly damaged that's the time to get a little creative and try something new. I thought the handle would darken up but I was still shocked with this one! It was wild haha

Thanks, Joey! That was exactly the goal. Spend a few hours in the shop working on something with some instant gratification, does the soul good. It almost doesn't even feel like the same axe!

Thanks Chad! Me too. This was definitely a fun one.

I appreciate it man!!! And i definitely think it will be a project at some point. I think for orfer of operations i want to clean up the monarch first so I have a vise in use while the bulldog is out of commission for the project. That and more floor space. I need to do some reorganizing and cleaning lol

I appreciate it Mike! I was super happy with how well this cleaned up! Much better than I expected! I will absolutely keep you in mind if I decide to move this. I definitely either need to sell some axes/heads or build some more storage haha. It all filled up very quickly.

@Nsvens89 Im looking for 2 2 1/4 or bit heavier boys axe heads a double bit cruiser if you got some for sale let me know

You are correct, a man cannot have to many vises. I have your back on this.

Haha i like that "the tree don't care" I need to remind myself that one next time I get caught up in some detail of an axe. I'm with you though. I prefer the look of the bare metal and patina so much more than paint. I definitely think the vise project will be coming this winter or spring. It's been a handful of times I've thought it would be handy! I appreciate the kind words man!

I hate it when patterns transform like that haha. Rockeys are out there just a bit harder to find. I've only come across one in the wild. The rest were ebay finds lol. Handle storage is definitely something I still struggle with and need to come up with a solution for. I think making a video on how i (hopefully) solve my issues is a good idea. Once I come up with a solution that is lol.

Guilty!.I actually have a smaller plumb Rockey I still need to clean up also lol..... what can I say, it's an addiction haha

I appreciate it man! The new length of the shorts helps pack a little more into the videos!

Original many of the patterns developed geographically due to the needs and preferences of the individuals in those areas. Some patterns were better suited for the large hardwoods while others did better in softer woods. Some patterns had unique characteristics like the Michigan pattern having a rounded toe and heel to help prevent chipping in very cold conditions. As far as the difference practically between the jersey and the rockaway, there isn't much. Both are wide bits and would do well at both felling and bucking the same types of trees provided they had similar grinds and edge geometry.

@Nsvens89 see I live in Michigan and I'm a wildland firefighter, and somewhere throughout my years I feel like I've heard the term "michigan ax" but never paid it much attention ha. But your video made me want to start looking at every ax I could find! Your knowledge on the subject is contagious lol. I can appreciate a passion when I see it, keep up the good work boss!

@DadoGuerilla Glad you are enjoying it friend! Be careful it's addictive haha. I'll leave a link below to a short video i filmed but haven't released yet. It talks about some of the most common axe patterns you will likely come across. Feel free to check it out "early" with the link 👍👍 kzbin.infojHv_Fx5_oa8?feature=share

I appreciate it Ryan!! It was a good excuse to dig out some favorites too!

I promise it's not intentional Joey lol. I did see that a nice plumb rocky went up on ebay recently!

Much appreciated Kurt 👍

Absolutely 👍👍 I'm always happy to chat axes. The video was a good excuse to dig out some favorites also.

Haha my buddy did say he could make more!

Haha thanks man I appreciate it! I'm still very excited he sent so much neat stuff. The 3d printed logo definitely surprised me!

You are very right! I need to make some sort of rack/organizer. My files seem to end up scattered around the shop from various projects.

Thank you Sir! It was an incredible gift from an incredible friend 👍

Definitely somw cool stuff he sent along. Thanks Brett!

Thanks Kurt! I was very excited when I saw all the stuff!

Haha you know first hand also!!! Thanks man! Definitely cool additions to the shop!

@Nsvens89 definitely. I'm going to need you to send me one of the patches so I can add it to my sticker collection. Display it for all my KZbin followers to see. 🤘🏼

Absolutely man!!!

I think you are likely on the right track. I agree that after a certain point the curves are likely less ergonomic and all show. I have yet to get my hands on a lumberman pattern handle but would like to carve one some day. I think those are in that sweet spot you're talking about.

Thanks Joey! It was a fun build. It should be useful when we get back to BBQ season!

Thanks Brett I appreciate it!! I'm a sucker for the brown leather and white stitching combo. I agree it would go well with the vintage look. Maybe a few copper rivets too.

Thanks man!!!! I'm definitely excited to try working with it. I'm thinking I may do leather for this knife but will try a full cover boys axe sheath. I've been needing to make one for a while now.

Thanks Chad I appreciate it! It's been a fun project so far!!

Glad you're liking the rasp man!!! It really does hog off wood nicely. I will admit I did use the 4X36 sander to take some material off but then did the majority of shaping by hand. I'm leaning on making a simple leather sheath for this. I think it will complement the micarta nicely.

Thanks Darren! The plans are to put it into service at the BBQ smoker but generally it will live in the kitchen. Though, when we have some drinks things occasionally get forgotten outside until the next morning lol.

Thanks Kurt! I am leaning towards some brown leather also! I think it will go nice with the green micarta. I'm a sucker for the brown leather white stitch combo.

That's not a bad idea actually! Could be a good test run for working with it. I have lots of other ideas of projects I want to test it out on. When I'm back in the shop next I need to do some experimenting!

@Nsvens89 can't wait

Thanks Darren it's been fun so far! I definitely plan on paying more attention to the knife cabinets/boxes when at the flea markets this spring. I've been watching a lot of knife restorations on here lately. I've been getting itch to do some kind of project with a stacked leather handle.

Thanks Chad! It's been a fun project so far. I'm about half way through shaping the handle and am happy with how its coming out! It's funny you mention the Swagelok fitting. We use a ton of them at my work also. Mostly for running steam and condensate lines to the equipment. All off the stuff there is 316L since its pharmaceutical grade. I figure some stainless handle pins/tube would go well with the blade since that's stainless also. I'm intending on gifting this to my father if it comes out well and it will be lower maintenance for him then a high carbon steel like an old hickory.

@ Heck yeah. He could accidentally leave it outside and it won’t rust. We use the tubing and fittings for pneumatic lines to valves and purging the control panels. Also for hydraulic lines to the pressure transmitters.

I have had surprisingly bad luck finding vintage knifes (hunting or kitchen) while out at flea markets. Most of the time I'm coming across the super cheap overseas made stuff that you see on late night TV infomercials lol. I do have some nice old hickory knives that are needing a similar treatment also. I love how micarta feels and looks but it smells so bad to work work lol. I think I will likely give this one to my father for use around the smoker/BBQ.... if it turns out nice enough haha

Thanks John, I appreciate that. It took a bit of fiddling with to get it looking right, but I am definitely happy with how it came out! I have a Prentiss Monarch from the 20's sitting on the bench that I plan on cleaning up in a similar way so stay tuned!

Thanks Brett! I hope you do as well. It's currently 16 degrees Fahrenheit and dropping along with a good bit of snow. Looks like it may be a white Christmas here 👍

Thanks Darren! They should make for some fun upcoming projects 👍