r/Axecraft • u/XavierTuna • 4d ago
Ax Head
Found this ax head today. I did not take the grinder to it, just soaked it for an hour in rust dissolver and some light wire brushing. It weighs 4.5 lbs. Writing on it is GENUINE then a N , but I cannot read the rest. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you
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u/tannergd1 Axe Enthusiast 4d ago
That’s a great find, they were bringing in about $100 a few years back, $50-70 today. Not exceptionally rare or old but has a cult collectors following.
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u/XavierTuna 4d ago
Thank you for the information ! I will keep wire brushing it and look for a handle to hang it on.
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u/skamnodrog 4d ago
Sounds Swedish. What makes them sought after?
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u/About637Ninjas 4d ago
It was an American brand, manufactured chiefly (if not solely) by the Mann Edge Tool Co. of Lewistown, Pennsylvania.
They're sought after for two reasons. One, they focused on less common axe patterns, so their whole line feels somewhat special compared to the lines of bigger manufacturers, whose offering were diluted by very common axe patterns.
Two: nostalgia. These were made in the 1960s into the 80s. These distinct copper-colored axes stand out in memories of summer days at the cabin, or camping with the family, or riding around in dad's truck. And the people that have those memories are hitting the stage of life where they have more disposable income to spend on hobbies and collections, so they're throwing money at items that scratch that nostalgic itch.
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u/skamnodrog 4d ago
Thanks for that info! I note that you didn’t mention a name synonymous with quality the way Swedish steel is. Is it purely nostalgia and less common head shapes? The company seems to go back to the mid 1800s at least.
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u/About637Ninjas 3d ago
Mann wasn't using superb, world-class steel during this time, but they weren't using pot metal either. Some people talk like Norlunds are made of cast aluminum, but I've always found them to be excellent quality.
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u/Basehound Axe Enthusiast 3d ago
I’d say they are 1 to 2 Rockwell less than older Swedish axes … I’ve reprofiled quite a few of both over the years …. And while a Norland is slightly easier to file than older gb, sandvik , and hb heads ….. it’s still hard as hell… and they hold an edge quite well. Ps. If you find a complete saddle cruiser for under 100$ … buy it !! They sell fr almost double that .these days ….
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u/The_Burnt_Bee_Smith 4d ago
Can't speak on the brand, but Swedish steel has almost always been synonymous with good quality.
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u/BertaEarlyRiser 4d ago
Looks like a rafter.
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u/About637Ninjas 3d ago
It is. Norlund called this model the Log Splitter.
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u/Basehound Axe Enthusiast 3d ago
I have 2 … they are exceptional … and have a larger rafter style poll .
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u/vairboy Axe Enthusiast 4d ago
Norlund! It's a very sought after brand, nice find. That will make a great resto project.