The Ardex Axe: An Axe Brand Made in 6 Different Countries
A unique range of axes originally imported from various European countries before finally being made in Canada.
Author: Jim Bell
The Cruiser Axe: Definition, Uses and History
The name comes from the Timber Cruisers who historically used these axes to blaze trails and mark trees.
Lewis Bros. Black Diamond Axe
A private label brand by a Montreal-based hardware wholesaler. These uncommon axes often get misidentified as Walters.
The Chillington ARPAX & Diablo
A fire and rescue axe introduced just in time for WW2. For the civilian market, it was branded the “Diablo”.
CPR Axes
Axes stamped CPR were used by the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Barrel, Produce, & Packer’s Hatchets
Unique hatchets designed for packing and unpacking goods shipped in wooden barrels and boxes.
The Pulaski Tool: Designed After Disaster.
An iconic tool invented to fight forest fires after the “Big Burn” of 1910.
The Adirondack Axe: From the Mountains of New York
A double-bit axe with on a unique curved handle developed in the Adirondack region of northern New York.
AB Gefle Smidesfabriker (Gefle Vapen) Axes
Founded around the turn of the century (1900), in the port city of Gävle, Sweden.
GDR Axes From Behind the Iron Curtain
Axes made in East Germany during the Cold War period, stamped “GDR” for the German Democratic Republic.
The Michigan Pattern Axe: Design, Use & History
One of the most widely made patterns of all time, established around 1860 for logging pine trees in winter.
CNR Axes: Tools of the Canadian National Railway
Axes made for the Canadian National Railway during the 50s and 60s.
The Berghaus Axe: A “Swedish” Axe Made in Canada?
Sold in Canada from the early 1900s into the 1950s, the maker of these “Swedish” axes will surprise you.
The Welland Vale All Steel: A Canadian Etched Axe
One of the few Canadian axes with a large etched design
Walter’s Pulpwood Axe
A line of mid-size axes made to accomodate the shifting needs of the lumber industry.
Howland’s Samson Axes
The high-end private label brand of Toronto-based hardware wholesaler H. S. Howland, Sons & Company.
Howland’s Waverly Axes
Howland’s affordable entry-level line of tools that followed the success of the premium “Samson” brand.
Owl Quality Axes
A brand made by Welland Vale in the 1930s-1940s for an unknown Canadian hardware retailer.
Howden’s Trueset Axes
A private-label axe brand created by one of Canada’s most long-lasting hardware businesses.
The “Canadian” Kelly Axe & Tool Company
A “company” created to cleverly bypass foreign tariffs and conquer foreign axe markets.