Yeah unfortunately even online after shipping that is probably about the low end that they go for. Which is why I don't have one, but still want one.
Do I need to buy an axe now?
- Thread starter alex1921
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Yes.
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- #23
Thank you Tim.
What are the non-ax reasons to own a Norton Razor Hone?
To sell to the ax guys?
Exactly this. The flipping potential is marvellous. To the point that every crusty random barber hone on Aussie ebay is now listed as "racing axe hone" for silly prices. But none sell other than that Norton.
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- #27
Yeah when I picked it that's what I had in mind. Flipping potential and/or just a cool collectable. Being the hoarder that I am, it's staying with me since this is the only one I have.
I said that about mine. Then I flipped it, LOL.
My understanding is they are milling these racing axes not forging. So maybe these axes are a tool steel that doesn't respond well to natural stones? If so, a hard fine synthetic stone that didn't shed grit would probably produce a finer edge than anything else on the market. The fascination with Norton in particular I can't explain though.
I can’t either, but it’s nothing new. There’s a video on YouTube from the early 80’s of two gents from Australia who are rebuilding historic parts of the town. The opening scene shows them sitting on a porch, sharpening their axes. Both of them have norton razor hones. I don’t think these guys were competitive axe racers, but I could be wrong. They do work quite well on axes, but so do countless other stones.
So are these Norton barber hone really better that an good barber hone for axes, or is it just a, folklore “magic” stone?
Nah, I think it is superstition and folklore. I bet a million years ago there was a champion axe racer who won every comp, and that was the hone he used, so that hone that became the "magic bullet" path to success.
You could probably get the same edge with a Swaty or something.
I usually start an axe resto with a mill bastard, might follow with a finer cut file, follow the files with carborundum stone. follow that with a finer diamond plate. If I need more then maybe an Ark or possibly a charged leather pad. I know someone upstate that does the most outrageous job with a belt grinder.
I have a Swede SA, prefer the USA Kelly though. Both are very good. Have a very cheap new axe, probably Chinese or Mexico - works fine for what I need it to do.
The Norton combo stones though, I am lost on why people go bonkers for them. Just have not experienced the alleged magical powers. I like the boxes and embossing though.
I have a Swede SA, prefer the USA Kelly though. Both are very good. Have a very cheap new axe, probably Chinese or Mexico - works fine for what I need it to do.
The Norton combo stones though, I am lost on why people go bonkers for them. Just have not experienced the alleged magical powers. I like the boxes and embossing though.
Up here in the mountains, a proper axe is a true mainstay. The Swedish axes are alright but I prefer those made by Council Tool over in NC. I believe they’re a better value. Fire departments really like them
also. Guess that says something.
File- coarse/fine India- Turkey. I’m not racing anyone though.
File, Wästikivi, TOS axe stone.
I used to have a 5" Norton axe stone that had India on one side....actually might have been both sides....coarse/fine. Was a whlle ago, it worked well.
Flap disc on a angle grinder! Simples!
Planes and chamfers posts. At sixty mile an hour down the road a one/two millimeter gap in a split rail fence post is hardly discernible.
Planes and chamfers posts. At sixty mile an hour down the road a one/two millimeter gap in a split rail fence post is hardly discernible.
I have a couple Council Tool axes, very good. Only problem I have with modern access are that the handles are ridiculously thick. A friend of mine has an old Sager Chemical age from his Forest Service days and the handle is extremely slim. Good job for a spokeshave.
