Custom Ax Handmade by Paul Flannigan of Stumptown Axes (@stumptownaxes)

New owner,
This hatchet is a Craftsman carpenter's axe, heavily modified to replicate a
tomahawk. The "double oval" Craftsman logo was used in the 1930s - early
1940s, so this head is a minimum of 80 years old. I made the handle from hickory
and the wedge is walnut. The cord wrap can serve double function of overstrike
protection if used, or if you're just in need of 550 cord. I hope you enjoy it, even if
it just gets mounted somewhere.

CARE:
The handle is made from a block of hickory. I coat the handles in boiled linseed
oil. This protects them from moisture and at the same time conditions the wood.
I also apply it to the heads so you might notice some tackiness. I would
recommend a recoat once a year. If you use it heavily, take some 320grit
sandpaper to it first to rough the surface. Then wipe it down with a damp cloth,
and apply the BLO.
It's worth putting some leather conditioner on the sheath once a ear as well to
keep it flexible without cracking.
There are many ways to sharpen an axe. NEVER use a bench grinder! This will
heat up the surface too much and ruin the temper of the metal. I recommend
folks to get a sharpening puck. They are cheap and efficient to use. They are
normally two sides with different grits. There are a million videos on YouTube to
learn how to use them. Remember lots of little touch ups saves the edge and
keeps you from having to do a deeper sharpening. It's also super relaxing
sharpening axes, not to mention manly as hell. In the not too distant future,
plan to sell both sharpening pucks and handle conditioner on my website or
through my Instagram (also other merch too!).
Lastly, I highly recommend a quick video on proper use of an axe. It may seem
silly but you'd be surprised by how many things you are doing wrong. I was
making a lot of mistakes and there were a few safety considerations I just hadn't thought about. Most quick videos will cover technique. These handles are
extremely hard wood but wood nonetheless. The most common damage to an
axe is the overstrike. If you miss the mark and smash the handle enough times
they will break. Get to know the axe first before swinging for the fences, get a
good chopping round, don't chop on the ground into dirt.
If you have any issues or questions with the axe please reach out to me at
[email protected] or on Instagram @stumptownaxes Wood is not
perfect and defects can be present inside without knowing. It's important to me
that you are satisfied with the product.