Trends In Vintage Axe Restoration And Collecting

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Every niche and hobby has its trends.  Even the idea of restoring and collecting vintage axes is itself a growing trend.  Over a decade ago it was virtually unheard of.  Axes that would now cost hundreds of dollars sold for $5.  If they even sold at all.

Now that the hobby has grown and evolved there have been countless trends that have come and went.  While others still hold strong.

Let’s break down some of the more popular trends.  In no particular order.

Kelly Black Ravens

Suggested Product: Council Tool Wood-Craft Pack Axe

These have become such a large trend that Black Raven axes can sell for hundreds of dollars.  Even in poor condition.  With certain patterns even more valuable.

Are they worth the big price tag?  From a historical perspective, yes.  These axes are old, rare and a wonderful piece of history.  With the majority being very well worn.  But if you simply need an axe to use then the answer is no.  Quality axes in better condition can be found for considerably cheaper.

Gransfors Bruks

In the 1980’s Gransfors Bruks was forced to reinvent themselves in order to stay profitable.  This is when they came out with the (cheaper) forge finish and the blacksmith’s initials.  Shortly after that other manufacturers followed the trend.  After decades of marketing and celebrity endorsement, they can now charge a premium for their axes.

Are they worth the wait and the high prices?  In my opinion, Hults Bruk has now reached the same quality, at a better price point and are available everywhere.  A better way to look at it is is it worth paying extra to support one of the two remaining Swedish forges.   As it is they may not last another decade if they can not successfully reinvent themselves again.

Blackened handles

Handles that are completely scorched black were big a few years ago.  The blackening does protect the handle from UV damage.  As well as stopping mold and mildew growth.  It also makes low quality handles look a little better.  Especially on hickory which doesn’t scorch well.  Personally, I liked this trend.  It was just overdone at the time.

Scorched Handles

Scorching handles is still quite popular.  It helps make plain handles a little more interesting without using stains or dyes.  It works best on ring porous woods like Ash.  This is one trend that remains popular because of its simplicity.

Swedish Steel

Swedish axes became popular largely due to marketing by Gransfors Bruks, the rise of the bushcraft community and Ray Mears.  Is Swedish steel the best there is?  NO.  Now I really like Swedish made axes but there are many equally great tools made in France, Britain, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Russia, etc.  Just to name a few.

Collared Axes

Collared axes were virtually unknown outside of Sweden a decade ago. Now the second wave of Finnish collared axes has reignited the trend.  They used to be sold relatively cheap and are beautiful, functional pieces of history.  Now everyone wants one.

Is it all hype?  No.  They are wonderfully made axes but the prices they command currently are just silly.  If you keep an eye out and are patient you can still find them at reasonable prices.

Suggested Product: Husqvarna Forest Axe

Obsessive Oiling

This is one trend that really bugs me.  I don’t know how it started but it serves no purpose.  This includes soaking handles for extended periods of time and daily oiling.  All that’s needed is to oil your handle as part of regular maintenance and then move on.  For a more detailed discussion check out this article.  As well as this article.

Vinegar Baths

Personally, I think vinegar removes all of an axes character and leaves a “washed out” look.  WD40 and a wire wheel are usually all that’s needed.  If the axe head is really rusty then do what you have to do.  But keep in mind there are other options like electrolysis.  Whichever way you choose is fine by me.

Perfect Grain Orientation

Don’t sweat the small stuff!  Endless discussion about grain orientation being off by two degrees or minimal runout are pointless.  Unless you compete in Timbersports or are a professional lumberman you can get away with a hardware store handle.  They may need some slimming down but they work just fine.  Honest.

If you want a flawless custom made handle that’s fine too.  There are quite a few makers to choose from.

Fancy Wedges

This is another trend that came out of nowhere.  Exotic wood wedges add a little color and can be made out of many different kinds of wood.  From Black Walnut, Purpleheart and Osage Orange to Oak, Locust, Mahogany and Cherry.  Either made from scrap or bought from suppliers like Thrane Axe & Saw Co.

Pine Tar

Taring handles has been used on and off for centuries.  Essentially, pine or birch tar is thinned with solvent then added to linseed oil and applied to the handle.  There’s not much to it.  It does help prevent mold and mildew growth.  As well as providing minor UV protection.  It also makes the handle sticky and stains everything.

Realistically there are more modern oil/ varnish blends, like Watco Danish Oil, that protect better and aren’t as messy.

Etched Axes

Etched axes became popular as alternatives to expensive Black Ravens.  Unfortunately, now they can command ridiculous prices as well.  Victims of their own success.  If you can find a perfect etch then go for it but don’t be fooled into buying well worn etched axes.  They have very low value as a tool or to a collector.

Norlund Brand

Another trend that remains strong is anything Norlund.  Anything.  At the time they were made they were fairly low quality axes.  With the most common patterns being notoriously difficult to hang without coming loose.  On the plus side, they did have some interesting decals and advertising.

Polished Edges

https://youtu.be/e4iqynN9zn0

Shiny doesn’t mean sharp.  I can’t stress that enough!  I’ve seen too many axes with bevels polished flawlessly, to 10,000 grit, that still had flat spots on the cutting edge.  All polishing does is help prevent rust from forming in the coarse grind marks and refines the edge.  After about 1,000 grit it becomes an exercise in diminishing returns.

I’m sure I’ve missed some trends with many more yet to come.  But that should give you a quick overview.  Not all trends are silly but try to take them with a grain of salt while concentrating on the fundamentals.