Heirloom Tool - None Fishing Related

[coastal_dan]

This was my grandfathers 'carpenters' hatchet or 'wood shake' axe (depends on who you talk to).  When I first found it in his basement it looked like it was used as a paint stick...completely coated in various paint colors and most people would have pitched it (I should have taken a photo, but didn't).  But in the little details I noticed 'Germantown'...a little research and found out Germantown Tools were made very close to where we live in Philadelphia.

Quite a bit of time later on the head and handle (with a wire wheel, files, sanders) I found that the handle was cracked!



So I sent it over to Latvia to John Neeman Tools, who are to me, some of the finest craftsmen today; handmade leather sheath, new handle, honed blade.

The end result is an heirloom tool that will be passed down for generations.

[thorhammer]

WOW. That's awesome!!!! I got some stuff of my grandfather's I redid / repurposed but not NEAR like that.....

[reelrepair123]

i think it was  eastwing put out a hammer similar to that style of head, alot of guys used them sheetrocking.  harryk

[Alto Mare]

Beautiful tool Dan, good thinking on getting it back as it once was. Your grandfather would be proud.

[coastal_dan]

Thanks guys, it was a long 8 months waiting for it to arrive but WELL worth it, in my opinion.  I used it over the weekend to split some kindling for our backyard fire pit; special moment for sure.  We'll be using it camping as well for the same purpose, nice overall camp axe for setting tent stakes and firewood prep.

[tholmes]

Very nice! I've always known those as a "shingling hatchet".

I have a fwe old tools around that belonged to my grandfather, I should get busy and do some restoration.

Tom

[bluefish69]

The Lathers used them on wood lath. They put a hand full of nails in their mouth & removed them 1 at a time. When I started Plumbing there was Rock Lath [1/4" Sheet Rock with 1" holes] Plasterers would put the Brown Coat on the Rock Lath. They cut the Lath with the Hatchet. Brick Layers used the Hatchet to cut Gypsum Blocks for the Air Shafts that I have in my apartment.

Mike

[Dominick]

Great job Dan.  I would be as proud as you are if I had some of my Grandpa's stuff.  Dominick

[redsetta]

Nice work Dan!

[cbar45]

Some really nice photos of a fine restoration--thanks for sharing Dan.

[foakes]

Beautiful Job of restoration, Dan.

In touring the old Colonial areas over the last couple of weeks -- we visited with and asked some questions of a couple of working blacksmiths who made axe, hatchet, and hammer heads.

The story is that the two most important tools an early settler possessed was a musket or long rifle for food and protection -- and just as important, if not more so -- was a good axe head.

Nice to see that historic old tool honored as you have done.

Best,

Fred

[coastal_dan]

Thanks for the input and feedback guys.  I knew many of you would get a kick out of it.

[Tiddlerbasher]

Lovely renovation job

[BMITCH]

Dan...you sure you wanna take wood to it. Looks suitable for framing. Buy a cheaper version thru HF. And hand that one down..history!!

[David Hall]

That's an original roofers or riggers hatchet in the 60's carpenters would cut the blade off and weld claws onto the head for a custom framing hammer.  This one is in excellent condition and you have had a fantastic restoration done and brought it back to relevance as a family heirloom and camp hatchet.theres many years of use and enjoyment in that piece and you get to relive it every time you pull it out!
Nicely done