Scout Hatchets or Axes

boykinlp

boykinlp

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I have been following a few of the axe threads, and have been on the lookout for Scout knives for a good while. I would guess there quite a few companies that made Scout hatchets and axes. Please show us what you have, and/or tell us some stories on your experiences with Scout hatchets and axes. What should I look for as far as collectibility goes, and are there fakes out there? Thanks for any information.
Larry
 
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It might not qualify for what you want but for 30+ years I've
carried an Estwing Riggers Axe in the field. The weight's under
2 and a half pounds, A 3 & a half inch cutting edge. a serrated
hammer face and nail puller.

Easy to sharpen and fully drop forged with cushioned handle you can't break.

Hardwick and Sons peddles them for about 60 bucks shipped.
 
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My understanding is several companies made hatchets for BSOA. Plumb seem to be the most collectible. I’ve also seen Tru Temper and Eastwick. I picked one up a yr or so ago. A gentleman in his late 60s or early 70s I’d say posted It on CL. He was only a few miles from me so I went and got it for $20. It was his hatchet from when he was a Scout as a kid. The head was VERY loose and it was pretty dirty but not rusted. Because it was the original handle I simply cleaned it up and put a new wedge in it. Like brand new now. I ordered a leather sheath from Beaver Tooth for it.
 

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I have a Tru Temper with asteel and rubber handle hatchet from the 60's that I used in Scouts and later adult camping. I still use it.
 
I've had this Collins BSA hatchet for many years. Replaced the handle once.
I still use it to split kindling.

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I still have a Plumb BSA Explorer axe that I got in 1972 or '73. The Explorer axe differed from the Plumb Scout axe in that it had a 2¼-pound head and a 26½-inch handle whereas the Scout axe had a 1¾-pound head and a 24-inch handle.

I also have a BSA hand axe that I got around 1962 made by Bridgeport. Both are quality tools and are still used regularly.
 
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BB57, I just went to the garage to check my Small Forest Axe and Hand Hatchet. I was sure one of them had same initials. It’s MS. I can’t tell if yours is MS or MB after looking.
 
No they are not. It’s the initials of the craftsman that forged the head. You can look them up in the “Axe Book” that comes with each GB axe or hatchet.
 
AJ said:
Will dig mine out and get a picture.

Took pictures of my Bridgeport Boy Scout Axe.
Click to expand...

s&wchad said:
Bridgeport also made Boy Scout hatchets.

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Thanks guys for the info. I haven’t heard of Bridgeport before. Any idea what timeframe your items are from?

s&wchad, that’s a different model Plumb, without a nail puller, for me to look out for. Having the sheath is really cool too. I see the BSA logo on the snap. I’m used to looking at the snaps on leather, since I do it all the time with holsters. Thanks.
Larry
 
boykinlp said:
Thanks guys for the info. I haven’t heard of Bridgeport before. Any idea what timeframe your items are from?

s&wchad, that’s a different model Plumb, without a nail puller, for me to look out for. Having the sheath is really cool too. I see the BSA logo on the snap. I’m used to looking at the snaps on leather, since I do it all the time with holsters. Thanks.
Larry
Click to expand...

Mule Packer said:
I got my Bridgeport hand axe (hatchet) in 1962. (see post #6) It's still going strong.
Click to expand...


Found this, it has the info that you are looking for. Mine is a 1958-1964 according to this article.



Bridgeport Scout Axe.pdf - Google Drive
 
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AJ said:
Found this, it has the info that you are looking for. Mine is a 1958-1964 according to this article.

Bridgeport Scout Axe.pdf - Google Drive
Click to expand...

AJ, thanks for the informative article on Bridgeport axes. After looking it over, and if I am reading it correctly, AJ’s Bridgeport Scout Axe from post #9 is from the 1958-64 timeframe as he stated. s&wchad’s Scout Axes from post #10 are: first one pictured is from 1953-55, his second one is like AJ’s from 1958-64, and his last one is a Plumb from 1962-72. Please let me know if I got something wrong.

I had forgotten to point out something else I noticed about Bridgeport’s advertising. In huge letters, their early advertisements stated “Head CAN’T COME OFF” which is entirely true since it is one piece with the handle. I believe that I would have also pointed out, that their Scout Axes were great for young boys to use, because they wouldn’t be breaking handles from the handle striking something hard near the head. I would expect that many more of their axes lasted 10 years or more than many of their competitors.
Larry
 
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Abbynormal said:
I have a Tru Temper with asteel and rubber handle hatchet from the 60's that I used in Scouts and later adult camping. I still use it.
Click to expand...

I think I still have that same hatchet you described; got it when I was in the Scouts probably around 1961 or '62. As I recall, that model was quite popular with the Boy Scouts.
 
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