Cheap Axe

[Bob W]

Following on from another thread.

I purchased the Silverline axe from Toolstation to see what could be done with it. For a shade over £4.00 it was never going to matter if I hashed it up.

The first photo is a stock picture as I neglected to take a "before" pic.

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After a couple of applications of paint stripper and a good deal of sanding to remove the crappy blue paint and varnish, I gave it a dose of teak oil and whipped a 3m length of cord round the handle, extra cord always comes in handy and it serves to protect the shaft should you miss your target :ashamed: The paint stripper also made short work of the logo on the head.

The hardwood handle is "hardwood" and it took some sanding.

It took a decent edge which I've given a work out on some old 3x2 in the garden and it made short work of it.

Over all I'm quite pleased, the only other expense was a fiver for some paint stripper which will get used anyway and was only a matter of time before I got some. I think it will serve well T^

Hope it's of some interest.

[wildish64]

so you got one then bob, you've tidied it up nicely. T^

so what's your verdict then? sharp and easy to keep sharp?

i'm asking as im also toying with the idea of getting an axe but not sure what to go for really, i saw a nice 'ant ridge' one witch is basically all metal so no wood to deal with.

[ian c]

Good job you have done there, i have still got to whip my axe that i got from a boot fair as the handle has been bashed about a bit but with the whipping done and a new edge on it it will be good as new.

[Bob W]

I gave the blade a going over with stones etc. when I got it and like I said, gave it some stick in the garden, it seemed to keep the edge well, but time and abuse will tell.

[paulthefish2009]

Nice work Bob.Paul

[wildish64]

well if it had no problems with kiln dried wood it will have no probs out in the sticks...nice job

T^

[Bob W]

To be honest, an axe was probably last on my list and it will in all honesty see very little use. Most of my nights under the stars are when I'm fishing or doing the river in the Canadian canoe. The latter is going to be a big part of my sleeping out this year and will see me packing a hammock instead of my trusty banshee 200.

I'm new to all the bushcrafty stuff, but a very quick learner and already, after learning some knots, have come up with a couple of variations of the crawley hitch and truckers hitch. Both of which can be tied with a long length of remaining line that doesn't need to be passed through the knot and is still quick release. But I digress.

[Tigger004]

wow that is cheap

[Sar-ian]

A little custom carving on the handle maybe in order.... cheers Ian..

[Trebz]

I bought one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331273342647?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I'm yet to use it but it looks and feels perfect, the hi vis handle will keep me from losing it in the woods as well :-)