Since a group is stronger than an individual…
There are a lot of them I see in listings and other forums that are somewhat to very worn and unmarked due to use and wear. It is kind of hard to figure out what model some of them are. Sometimes the auction listers/owners call them Billnäs or Kellokoski without marks. Are they simply guessing, going off what the previous owner said, had them long enough to remember the markings before they are worn, simply close enough in overall build that the average real Finnish user sees them as equivalents, or maybe they are just more familiar with one maker over the other?
I mean, the older models are pretty close to the same if you strip the details off through use and weather.
Here is something I just noticed about the eyes on Billnäs and Kellokoski Kemis:
KemiEyeNprofile by
Agent Hierarchy, on Flickr
Left to right:
Kellokoski 12.3
Kellokoski 12.2 (marked 12.2)
Billnäs 12.2 (I think given its overall similarity to the above marked Kellokoski 12.2)
Billnäs 12.1 I’m guessing, given it is larger overall, longer collar, larger poll, and has a more pronounced sweep to the toe than the others – that is still accounting for wear but would end wider than any of the others.
What I noticed is that the Kellokoski axes have eyes that are more softened rectangular shape than the Billnäs. The Billnäs are more of an elongated oval. The Kellokoskis I have show this as well as some have a notch dug into the front but I am thinking that is from a user prying at the eyes as they don’t go much below the edge of the eye (meaning it doesn’t carry on through the rest of the eye, making me think the notch isn’t from production)
Here is an example of what I am thinking with two that are hafted that are not included in the last photo:
KemiEyeNprofile by
Agent Hierarchy, on Flickr
Billnäs left, Kellokoski right. Obviously they are different sizes. The 12.3 on the right looks a bit oval but it "squared" with the notching I was talking about filled with wood about .35" at center and less to the the sides to keep moisture out.
Bob, what does your “eye” tell you?
Telling worn 12.1's and 12.2's apart is another story I don't know all of the parts to yet...
KemiEyeNprofile by
Agent Hierarchy, on Flickr
Like most axes, they aren't very useful without handles (still gives us something "kirves" to talk about though)
*September 6, 2017 was the centennial of Finland's Independence.