Finnish/Earlier Scandi axes - Kirves

Square_peg · May 10, 2017

Here, this shows it.

The Campbell Bros axe was advertised as useful for driving wedges. It's easy to see how it would have had appeal for this work. And steady use pounding steel wedges will mushroom any hammer.

https://books.google.com/books?id=2...ved=0ahUKEwj66JSwuuTTAhVV0WMKHdgTDg0Q6AEISTAH

jake pogg · May 10, 2017

Thanks,Square_peg,that is VERY cool.i really like how that ad shows the weld-lines for the steel inserts both in the bit and that cleft-weld on poll.

Agent_H · May 10, 2017

jake pogg said:
Thanks,Square_peg,that is VERY cool.i really like how that ad shows the weld-lines for the steel inserts both in the bit and that cleft-weld on poll.

I didn't see that (or know what it was called) until you pointed it out.
Спасибо Jake.

Agent_H · Jul 8, 2017

This one is about 23” in length and 6.25” at its widest (heel to poll) and 6” (toe to poll). Weighs 4lbs 10oz with the handle – I don’t know how much the handle weighs but less than hickory?

[/url]Luettelo Billnaumlsin Takeista 1928 Billnaumls 01.01.1928.3

I think that would put it into the area of 26 – 26/1 taking into consideration the bit wear and the fact that its shape is a little different from the catalog models. Maybe it’s that the full-sized versions are pictured in the catalog and the lesser-sized models had some of the mass left off of the rear extension of the blade as the weight reduction - making them come off the eye a little different as well. Or maybe it pre or post dates the catalog – I don’t know.

It does look like a Billnäs marking but the crown mark/image is a little worn to make out as it stands. That would maybe be more helpful than not in matching the marks to a time frame.

Square_peg · Jul 8, 2017

Looks like a No. 26. The 26/1 has an upturned collar.

Kevin Houtzager · Jul 8, 2017

Agent_H · Jul 8, 2017

Kevin Houtzager said:
handle should Be about half a pound to about 7oz? So that makes vor een axehead wich is about a pound heavier then the One i got. It really surprised me how small but heavy they are!

I feel like an axe built like this you could work shoulder to waste level readily - on your knees even. Seems like an axe that would work with your weight controlling the downward "swipe" and the handle relatively pulled in to your body to guide the stroke.

Kevin Houtzager · Jul 9, 2017

John A. Larsen · Jul 17, 2017

A friend of mine in Finland sent me some photos of a Kemi Billnas axe and a Billnas claw hammer he got at an estate sale, both unused. The claw hammer was unusual as one claw was longer than the other claw and pointed. I did not know why but recommended he ask an "Old Timer" and he knew one. The pointed claw had two purposes, the first to help pick up planks or logs so you did not have to bend over so far. I imagine at the end of a long day that would result in less aches and pains. The second purpose was supposedly as the workman normally wore suspenders, there was no belt to put a hammer holder on, so instead, they would just hammer the spike into something wood to hold it there until needed. John

rjdankert · Jul 17, 2017

John A. Larsen said:
. . .The claw hammer was unusual as one claw was longer than the other claw and pointed. . .

John, I seem to be a sucker for old unusual tools. Is it like this one?

Carpenter's hammer and hammer, Angular sorkkavasara |Billnäs

Bob

Agent_H · Jul 17, 2017

John A. Larsen said:
A friend of mine in Finland sent me some photos of a Kemi Billnas axe and a Billnas claw hammer he got at an estate sale, both unused. The claw hammer was unusual as one claw was longer than the other claw and pointed. I did not know why but recommended he ask an "Old Timer" and he knew one. The pointed claw had two purposes, the first to help pick up planks or logs so you did not have to bend over so far. I imagine at the end of a long day that would result in less aches and pains. The second purpose was supposedly as the workman normally wore suspenders, there was no belt to put a hammer holder on, so instead, they would just hammer the spike into something wood to hold it there until needed. John

I would love to see a picture J John A. Larsen .

Bob's a hammer guy too - the suspense is killing him

garry3 · Jul 17, 2017

rjdankert said:
John, I seem to be a sucker for old unusual tools. Is it like this one?

Carpenter's hammer and hammer, Angular sorkkavasara |Billnäs

Bob

That's a beauty right there. Much better as a pickaroon than the standard claws.

John A. Larsen · Jul 17, 2017

Bob, that is the exact same hammer as my friend in Finland bought, except his is new old stock. John

rjdankert · Jul 18, 2017

Agent_H said:
Bob's a hammer guy too - the suspense is killing him

John A. Larsen said:
Bob, that is the exact same hammer as my friend in Finland bought, except his is new old stock. John

Thanks John, you are a life saver! :thumbsup:

Bob

Agent_H · Jul 18, 2017

DeadFall27 · Jul 18, 2017

I got this old Kellokoski last week or so and havent gotten to posting pics. Guy I bought it from did the restoration and handle, so I cant take credit for that.

These axes have become an obsession for me, and I cant explain why. The handle was mae nice and thin with an amazing swell that just feels perfect in every way. She has a ~28in long handle and swings reallyy well. I have my new pack axe for the time being.

Agent_H · Jul 18, 2017

Deadfall, that is a beautiful axe. 12.3? Is it an ash handle?

I have seen his work around in pictures and thought it was awesome. Is he from Canada?

It looks like a lot of time and care was put into making that.

It looks longer than 28" but maybe it's how thin he got the handle and how much of the bit is there.

Very nice axe! :thumbsup:

Agent_H · Jul 18, 2017

So, a week or two ago I noticed a gentleman post about the old Wetterlings EX line of axes and hatchets on another site. He was asking if anyone had info on them. I didn’t have anything helpful about that line in particular but I did send him some information that I had collected that I thought might help him in his search. My additional info didn’t help him in his search as he was working to get someone over there to scan an illustrated catalog for him. Straight to the source.

I must have struck a chord with our common interests. In what I think was a return of a nice gesture, he sent me pictures of the catalog before being scanned which was the fruit of his labor in his own research.

Here is an example of one of his videos on Finnish collared axes (my favorites)

I really like what he is doing and why. These tools, like many before them, get forgotten with the advent of new technologies.

Here is his site that he has going on – very streamlined layout:
https://www.traditional-tools.com/

He is a terrific/knowledgeable character and I really do hope that he drops in to chat with us here. Sharing info is what it is all about. I give all credits of these photos to him - I'm not mentioning his name as he may want the choice to enjoy the same basic level anonymity that we have when we join here.

Here are the 1950’s Wetterlings catalog pictures that he gave me permission to share with our forum members here:

Thank you again sir!

1950’s Wetterlings Illustrated Catalog

Cover

Page 2-3

Page 4-5

Page 6-7

Page 8-9

Page 10-11

Page 12-13

Page 14-15

Page 16-17

Page 18-19

Page 20-21

Page 22-23

Page 24 + Cover

Square_peg · Jul 18, 2017

That's terrific stuff, Agent H. I hope your new friend joins the forum.

Agent_H · Jul 19, 2017

Square_peg said:
That's terrific stuff, Agent H. I hope your new friend joins the forum.

There is a wide variety of folks with common interests and experiences and different mediums.

So, me too Square_peg.

By the way it is Finland's Centennial this year - December 6, 1917.

It is all about axes after all.