Craftsman quality?

Curt Hal · May 31, 2015

In a previous thread, someone suggested that Craftsman axes are not the same quality as some other brand names. I have restored a few and liked them. I am certainly not qualified to argue this claim, but am interested to know why the quality of Craftsman is regarded as lower than other brands?

DarthTaco123 · May 31, 2015

Mostly for the name Craftsman, in all reality Craftsman (for a very long time) sourced their axes to the big makers I believe. Older craftsman are some of my favorite axes to use.

jblyttle · May 31, 2015

In one thread I said that they do not have the same value to collectors and are not as sought after, but I did not mean to imply that I considered them to be of inferior quality. I have no reason to think so, they look nice to me.

300Six · May 31, 2015

I am relatively recent in this trade name game. Sears-Roebuck, (Simpsons-Sears as the same operation was known in Canada), staked their reputation on selling other manufacturers stuff (their upscale "Craftsman" line) with a lifetime warranty. This was entirely a calculated marketing ploy and for sure they didn't immediately contract Klein, Rigid, Snap-On, Kelly or any of the other quality Biggies to supply/make their stuff. Their axes would have been Sears spec'd but would have been made by the lowest bidder. This is not to say they're automatically inferior but also not to suggest they are immediately deemed to be Cadillacs either.

garry3 · May 31, 2015

I have owned or do own Craftsman, Fulton, Dunlap and Merit marked hatchets or axes. They seem to be no worse or better than most of the name brands. I wouldn't say top of the line but certainly not junk or sub par either.

lmalterna · May 31, 2015

I am impressed by the axes I have owned with Craftsman inside either a single or double oval- they seem as nice as any of the quality names I have used.
I like the ones without the oval a bit less but still decent axes.

Bill

Square_peg · May 31, 2015

I think the old ones are high quality axes.

pjwoolw · Jun 1, 2015

I've had a few come through for sharpening or restoration. All from the 70's. Nice heads. All the hafts I saw were awful. To date I've only been able save one and was more work than a replacement would have been. I came across one recently that is in cue for restoration. This ones mine though so it will be perfect. Can't wait to get started on it.

garry3 · Jun 1, 2015

Square_peg said:
I think the old ones are high quality axes.

I have no experience with the newer Craftsman stamped axe's, so it was indeed the older ones I spoke of. The ones I have are oval stamps or the other brandings that Sears used.

Curt Hal · Jun 1, 2015

I just put one that weighed 3 lb 11 ounces on a 36 in handle. Turned out well. Wish I could get 32 in handles!

Agent_H · Jun 2, 2015

I have a smaller hatchet with the Craftsman single oval marking but it needs some work before using so I shouldnt comment on its quality.

Here is another good thread on Craftsman axes:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1045932-Craftsman-stamps?highlight=craftsman+axe

Curt Hal said:
I just put one that weighed 3 lb 11 ounces on a 36 in handle. Turned out well. Wish I could get 32 in handles!

I am a fan of the 32 handle as well. Dont find them locally but HHandle offers them. Was it a pattern like this?

Also, I have noticed that some of the newer marked ones have a capital "C" (Craftsman) as opposed to all caps "C" (CRAFTSMAN). Anything going on there?

Square_peg · Jun 2, 2015

Agent_H said:
Was it a pattern like this?

That's a good looking axe. Deep temper. Nice convex cheeks. Little wear. It's a keeper.

Square_peg · Jun 2, 2015

jblyttle said:
In one thread I said that they do not have the same value to collectors and are not as sought after, but I did not mean to imply that I considered them to be of inferior quality.

I've had the same experience about them not being sought after. I hung a nice 3 pound single bit, double oval pattern on a 30" handle and couldn't get $20 for it on ebay. I gave it to a buddy who loves it. Several times I've wished I kept it for myself. There are a few times I've wanted something bigger than a boys axe and smaller than my 32" 3-1/2 pounder.

Love that axe.

On a recent Back Country Response Team trip with the Washington Trails Association I brought along my Craftsman single oval boys axe. It performed admirably on the 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip which focused on clearing downed trees with crosscut saws and axes. I wouldn't hesitate to rely on it again.

Curt Hal · Jun 2, 2015

Square_peg said:
That's a good looking axe. Deep temper. Nice convex cheeks. Little wear. It's a keeper.

Here it is. I still need to shape the haft, etc.

Craftsman quality?

Sharpening guy