Rolson axe

[sandsnakes]

I picked up a Rolson axe 1.5lb at a car boot sale yesterday. Has anyone any comments on the use and quality of a Rolson?

It took and edge reasonably well and the steel quality seems to be ok. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Also, any one know where I can get a longer shaft for it? It measures about 14 inches and I would prefer about 22 inch shaft. I am reluctant to spend the dosh on a Swedish axe as I dont actually live in the wilds! It will probably only be used 3 or 4 times a year.

I would add a picture but I cant get stuff to into the page. Is it me or the system?



Sandsnakes



:)

 

[Eric_Methven]

If you want a straight shaft for it, go to B&Q and buy a replacement sledge hammer handle (hickory). They cost £6. The head part is plenty wide enough to fit an axe although you'll need to work it down to the correct profile for fitting into the axe head. One advantage of these is that they are completely seasoned, so you won't get any shrinkage once fitted. Once it's fitted, just cut the excess off to suit the length you feel comfortable with.

Eric

 

[sandsnakes]

U R A star.. ta!

 

[Snufkin]

Make sure you get hickory though. Some places sell ramin handles and they are rubbish.
Not used a rolson axe but have used some of their other tools, they are fairly cheap, not brilliant quality but as you'll only be using it once in a while it'll do the job well enough I'm sure.

 

[bikething]

I had a rolson axe a while ago...couldn't cut straight with it...
turns out the 'eye' wasn't in line with the center-line of the blade. In fact looking down on top it almost looked like the blade was bent

might be worth checking yours, before going to the trouble of re-handling it.

HTH
Steve

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

You can never have too many axe's

 

[sandsnakes]

So guys, what do you reccomend as an axe that is of good quality and a reasonable price?

I am not a cheapskate and I am not a 'named kit' junkie. If it works, it works so there must be a reasonable alternative to one of the expensive Swedish models?

Your comments and sage advice are desired.


ps not going to rehandle the axe yet, I will use it a few times and see if it cuts true.

Sandsnakes

 

[Tengu]

<goes out to count axes>

4 hatchets and three axes....

and a billhook

and a machete....

and a slasher.

<faints>

 

[bent-stick]

I think it's horses for courses really...

For splitting and cutting kindling I've got a 4.99 cheapie from Wilkinson's. I spent a little while re-profiling the edge and have have it almost shaving sharp. I can even cut feather sticks with it at a pinch. It's not pretty but for a long time it was all I had and I managed with it. It lives in my pack and gets a lot of use.

About 18 months ago I bought a Gransfors SWA. Can't beat it for most things. I use it for splitting staves, roughing out bows, woodcarvings and spoons. The real difference to the cheap axe is the balance when I'm doing something a bit precise.

I was at the woodfair at the weekend and was hovering over some axes and billhooks made by the blacksmith there. Nice looking bits of kit.

Are you sure your off-line axe wasn't a sideaxe? How was it ground?

 

[sandsnakes]

It said axe on the side, but is suspect it is a hatchet...

1.5lb head weight, short handle and convex ground. I would upload a picture but I cant get the system to work for me on here.

I am looking for something for small cutting, carving and spliting etc. etc. Not interested in tree felling!

Sandsnakes

 

[Simon E]

Wetterlings #16 is a nice compromise if you dont want to go the way of the GB, it feels a fair bit stouter than the equiv GB too. F&F isnt as good but the steel is the same as is the handle material (Hickory)