Hi, I've recently installed a very small woodburner and need to split kiln dried logs so they will fit in the firebox. I've purchased a old 2 1/4lb, 68cm long Kent pattern axe on Ebay (I pretty much have no idea about axes but thought that might work well for the task/a female.) The seller confirmed there were no splits in the wood, however it turns out there are several in the eye of the axe, which has been repaired with 2 metal strips. The head feels secure, but my question is whether the axe is safe to use given the wood is damaged, prehaps it rotted at some point? I don't think I can post a picture here which is a shame, but any advice would be appreciated.
Is my axe safe?
- Thread starter Rea
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Hello and welcome to the forum Rea. You'll be able to post on here without any problems once you've posted about 10 times. 
The metal strips you mention could well be metal wedges which is normal to see. Once you can post some pics of your axe we'll be in a better postion to advise you on whether or not your axe is safe.
The metal strips you mention could well be metal wedges which is normal to see. Once you can post some pics of your axe we'll be in a better postion to advise you on whether or not your axe is safe.
Safe is an interesting term.
An axe used badly is potentially leathal.
I doubt the head will be flying off anytime soon from your description.
id seek some guidance in tool use and maintenance as a priority.
An axe used badly is potentially leathal.
I doubt the head will be flying off anytime soon from your description.
id seek some guidance in tool use and maintenance as a priority.
Splits in the wood sitting inside the eye, or splits in the steel that makes the eye? I am having trouble visualising the situation, especially how either one could be repaired with metal strips.
Photos would be a huge help. Photos can be posted from a mobile using Tapatalk, but I prefer https://imgbb.com/ which works from a mobile or on a computer and needs no account creation.
Photos would be a huge help. Photos can be posted from a mobile using Tapatalk, but I prefer https://imgbb.com/ which works from a mobile or on a computer and needs no account creation.
Hi and welcome to the forum; most of us are axe mad and own more more than a few
First of all, a Kent pattern axe is a great choice for home log splitting and was the typical model in the coal shed years ago, especially 'up North'. If it's one of the old English makes it will be a good axe too.
As long as the head is not loose, the eye of the axe is not cracked, and the shaft is not so damaged as to risk breaking, it is highly unlikely your axe head will come adrift, Have a look at these two articles by Paul Kirtley, a respected wilderness skills instructor; there are others in the series if you search.
paulkirtley.co.uk
paulkirtley.co.uk
First of all, a Kent pattern axe is a great choice for home log splitting and was the typical model in the coal shed years ago, especially 'up North'. If it's one of the old English makes it will be a good axe too.
As long as the head is not loose, the eye of the axe is not cracked, and the shaft is not so damaged as to risk breaking, it is highly unlikely your axe head will come adrift, Have a look at these two articles by Paul Kirtley, a respected wilderness skills instructor; there are others in the series if you search.
How To Spot A Dangerous Axe
Before swinging an unfamiliar axe with gusto, make sure the axe is sound. There are some tell-tale signs, indicating an axe is potentially unsafe to use....
paulkirtley.co.uk
Axe Safety In Camp: Care, Attention And Good Habits
When camping or making a journey, protection from injury with an axe has to come from care, attention and good habits. This article looks at the good habits
paulkirtley.co.uk
Yes, the metal looks rather like that, but the wood is damaged. I used the word cracks, but it's a bit more than that, as I'd some has rotted away in the past.Don’t jump to binning the haft. It sounds to me like metal wedges.
Does it look like this?
Yes, the metal looks rather like that, but the wood is damaged. I used the word cracks, but it's a bit more than that, as if some has rotted away in the past.
Here's a link to the axe listing https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16500604...MRuoTBBQXO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I'm working on a picture of the eye...
Here's a link to the axe listing https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16500604...MRuoTBBQXO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I'm working on a picture of the eye...
Yes, that was a concern for me too. I have a friend who will show me how to safely use it.
Yes, the metal looks rather like that, but the wood is damaged. I used the word cracks, but it's a bit more than that, as I'd some has rotted away in the past.Don’t jump to binning the haft. It sounds to me like metal wedges.
Does it look like this?
I see there are some which are used with a hammer and they're not too expensive. That might be an idea..
Thanks. Does this link to the photo work?
Thank you. I think I've managed to post a link to a photo above. Do you think it looks okay?Hi and welcome to the forum; most of us are axe mad and own more more than a few
First of all, a Kent pattern axe is a great choice for home log splitting and was the typical model in the coal shed years ago, especially 'up North'. If it's one of the old English makes it will be a good axe too.
As long as the head is not loose, the eye of the axe is not cracked, and the shaft is not so damaged as to risk breaking, it is highly unlikely your axe head will come adrift, Have a look at these two articles by Paul Kirtley, a respected wilderness skills instructor; there are others in the series if you search.
How To Spot A Dangerous Axe
Before swinging an unfamiliar axe with gusto, make sure the axe is sound. There are some tell-tale signs, indicating an axe is potentially unsafe to use....
Axe Safety In Camp: Care, Attention And Good Habits
When camping or making a journey, protection from injury with an axe has to come from care, attention and good habits. This article looks at the good habits
If you can’t wiggle the head around then it’s good to go. You will soon know when it needs rehung.
I've zoomed in on the photos and can see nothing that would worry me about using that axe as long as the head is not loose. Obviously, I can't see the wedge.
Daniel Silcock was a good British Sheffield axe maker from around 1900 to early 50's I believe, but there was a Silcock manufacturer of edged tools in the same town in the 1870's. I would classify it as a collectors piece and worth having and using. The head is in good condition with no nicks on the cutting edge; looks like it could do with sharpening but it doesn't need to be 'super sharp' to split logs. Look after it, don't risk cutting down onto a hard surface and damaging the blade.
Sorry, missed that; I was looking at the e-bay listing photos. OK, not brilliant craftsmanship
- but not the end of the world if the axe head is not loose. It can be very difficult, if not impossible, to remove metal wedges to 'repair' that so I'd be tempted to leave well alone until you have to.If it was my axe I'd have a very good try at removing the metal wedges and fitting a new wooden one because there's a very good chance that is the original haft - but only when I needed to.
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