second hand axe ???

[firebreather]

Would anybody buy one and what would be a fair price to pay for a quality item. Im a skint nursing student and im looking for a good place to start as i cant seem to spare £40 -£50 for new axe.
Stupid question maybe ......but do i really have to fork out for one of the big names like granfors, or can i get by with a cheaper type. I appreciate the craftsmanship in the tools and would love to own one but cash ( as always ) is an issue.

 

[hammock monkey]

hi,
i think most people that have used tools before will tell you that if you cant manage the simple tasks with a cheap-ish axe (£10) then spending £50 isnt going to make it any easier...
get an nice small axe from your local hardware/ B&Q etc, it'll be fine! try the second hand shops and sunday car boots first tho. learn how to sharpen it, learn to use it properly (100% safely!!) so you arent scared of it and you'll be rockin!

tip - always picture where the thing will go if A) it goes straight thru whatever your cutting and B) if it glances off (ie if it can hit you your doing it wrong)
tip works for all sharp stuff + hammers etc
i think the most important thing is time spent using it. the sharper it is the safer it is if your using it right.
you can get 'the axe book' free fron gransfors is you look on their website
good luck!

 

[SteveW]

I paid £3.75 for a hand axe from an independent tool shop, stripped the handle and honed the thing to a sharpness I was happy with and it will do all I ask of it for now. Best part is, if I have made any stupid mistakes sharpening or oiling the thing all I’ve lost is £3.75 and some time.

I would love a top end axe, but I don’t need a top end axe.

 

[Wayland]

One of my favourite axes was a couple of quid from a boot sale.

Used it and abused it for years and it still keeps going.

 

[British Red]

Firebreather,

No, you don't need to spend £40 to £50 mate,

As the others say, if you can find a good quality axe head at a car boot, you can re-hang it yourself (new handle is £2), re-grind it and you will have a great tool and will have learned a lot. I have published guides here to both re-handling and sharpening and hand grinding with minimal tools.

Don't be frightened to ask for help or advice if you take the project on

Red

 

[firebreather]

cheers for the advice i will get out to local car boots and cheapo shops and have a look around should be able to find something. I really like the idea of making my own handle and getting it just right for me a bit longer than a carpenters axe but not too long that it gets silly.
British Red where are the guides you spoke of i cant seem to find them on here?
If i get it done i will try and post up some piccys.

 

[British Red]

Re-dressing and re-hanging

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=11708

Re-finishing / grinding with minimal tools is discussed here

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=17244&page=2

You might also want to look at the "selecting an axe" thread to advice on types and shapes

Red

 

[firebreather]

thank you again i have already been on ebay looking for axe heads. will be getting at least one and having a go :You_Rock_ :You_Rock_

 

[British Red]

No probs mate, there lots of people on here that really know their stuff with axes - the nice part is, once you have mastered tidying up the edge and re-hanging it, any damage the axe takes holds no fear

Red