Axe makers?

Submitted by ultrabolic t3_z41zs1 in vermont

Does anyone know of locally made splitting mauls or axes? I’m looking to upgrade next year.

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Nukeashfield t1_ixq7sgr wrote

Only place I've heard of in Vermont that makes axes are racing axes. There are places in Maine that still make axes but they are big $$$.

If you're looking for an old axe or maul and you consider New England local then look for a Collins. Not all are from Connecticut though. Same are from Pennsylvania and elsewhere.

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ultrabolic OP t1_ixr9j0n wrote

Nice. I’m open to restoring an old head so thanks the tip

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Umbert360 t1_ixoznkp wrote

Don’t know about Vermont, but I’d like to get a Brant and Cochran axe, they’re made in Maine. Last time I looked, they were months out so I ended up getting a Hults Bruk at Farmway in Bradford, which I really like. Then I was at Kittery Trading Post and saw that they had Brant and Cochran’s in stock there

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Clorox_enema t1_ixpvfjz wrote

Sugar Shack Forge

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ultrabolic OP t1_ixr9o8p wrote

Not quite what I’m looking for, but now I know where to go if I find an old one worth restoring. Thank you!

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Grafius_ t1_ixq2u2k wrote

I don't think there are local axe makers. The Rixford plant in Highgate has been out of business for decades. There certainly are local folks who make handles and restore axes though.

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ultrabolic OP t1_ixrarux wrote

It’s sort of too bad, but understandable when there’s other options than a hand axe for felling and splitting. At least if I find a quality old head, I’ll be able to get it restored. We’ll see!

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whaletacochamp t1_ixq8akb wrote

Fiskars x27. Not local but it’s all you need

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ultrabolic OP t1_ixr9xjr wrote

I love a Fiskars but what I’m really looking for is that hickory handle

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fiddlersgreen2021 t1_ixqlxl0 wrote

Council tool isn’t in Vermont but they are American made and have several levels of finish for different prices. All fair and excellent axes.

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ultrabolic OP t1_ixra10f wrote

Thanks, something to keep an eye out for!

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reddittheguy t1_ixshyxf wrote

Wait for flea market season and get one there. You won't have a lot of trouble finding plenty of perfectly good maul bits that might need a little grinding and they're as good as new. Check out the videos on youtube on how to properly hang/grind one.

If you go the flea market route you'll save a good bit of money. I always suggest people who are splitting their own wood have two mauls. One lighter one you'll use 95% of the time and a big 8 pound smasher for the tough pieces.

Good luck.

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wrenchingdonkey t1_ixs7wow wrote

I forge tomahawks and war clubs. I don't have the tooling for Western axe heads...yet.

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awky_raccoon t1_ixvs92g wrote

Helko Werk. Not local but excellent quality. We have their splitting maul, hatchet, and mini splitting hatchet. They make chopping wood so much easier, and I know we’ll have them for many years to come.

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