A brief bit about me. Lived my first 20 years in Reno NV riding dirt bikes, camping, wheeling, boxing and bjj. As a kid we had a wood stove for heat and I would help my Dad cut and split firewood.
I have always enjoyed working with my hands and worked in the trades after a brief stint cooking in what seems like a different life now, it is so far away. 25 years ago I struck out to Seattle on a motorcycle. I’m a painting contractor with a wife, and 9-year-old kid who is into bushcraft, which by extension brought me to axes and this forum.
Collecting axes started for me just a little more than a year ago and like others here when something captures my interest I tend to throw myself headlong into it.
Already I have managed to amass about 70 axes (Not counting ones that I have gifted or remorsefully sold.) and a few cool hammers. Although this is more than enough projects to keep me busy, I’m sure it is just the beginning and my wife will make me get a bigger house by the time I am done.
My love is definitely for vintage North American axes from the golden age of axes. I feel honored to be able to interact with these pieces of living history and marvel how this one thing can represent so much. From forging the path west and taming of the wilds, the self subsistence of the woodsman and the mettle of the men who lived before us. They touch on several niches of collectibility for antiques, the uniqueness of the embossings and patterns, they appeal to tool collectors, Americana collectors, logging and farm collectors, they represent regions and local store names.
By way of restoring old axes I have also started developing some new skills. The woodcarving for hafts and leathercraft are also new to me but allows me to commune with and showcase these axes.
The best information I have found online comes from this site and I am proud to be part of the community. Thanks to everyone for all the help, guidance and for preserving the tradition of mankind’s oldest tool.
Hard to get everything in one photo and several are off their hafts right now, waiting for restoration to be reunited with their handles.
Thanks for looking and caring about axes!