A wonderful brad-bound catalog and price list, with large glossy pages. Because of the method of binding, the pages appear off-center when isolated, but appear centered when viewed in their bound state.
North Wayne Tool Co. Catalog, ca. 1937
Tag Archives: axe
Rixford Catalog Leaflet, ca. October 1956
A three-hole-punched leaflet acting as an abbreviated catalog of Rixford’s wares. This may have been a supplement to an existing catalog, but the composition seems to imply that it was intended as a stand-alone document. Of interesting note is the “Mighty Atom scythe” mentioned as one of the items not depicted, as it describes it as not only being especially lightweight, but that it was available in both American and European “shanks” which we take to indicate as the tang. We have never seen a blade of American form with a European style tang, which would be quite unusual. However, as they are shown listed adjacent to “genuine Swedish scythes” of “Austrian pattern” it seems very likely that they were not the original manufacturer of these, and instead were importing them, possibly from Redtenbacher of Austria.
Prototype Universal Axe Handle From Split Stock
This prototype universal-fit axe handle is made from split hickory, for perfect end-to-end grain, measuring 1-7/16″ x 3-5/8″ with an overall length of 34″ and the main length reduced to 1-5/8″ wide x 5/8″ thick, with the tongue and swell left at full stock dimension.
The intent is to leave material for the end user to fine-tune the handle to their particular head, while doing the bulk of the time-intensive thinning work for them. The main length is extra broad to permit the end user to make minor alignment adjustments in the handle orientation in addition to at the tongue, and the flat sides of the knob make laminating additional material easier, if desired. The swell is also left broad so that it may be finished to whatever shape the end user most prefers, and by not cutting a kerf it may be cut as the end user sees fit, or not at all (as is traditional for bush hooks.) The head may be positioned more forward or more rearward on the generous block of the tongue/neck to adjust the balance and orient the bit as desired.
