How to Identify a Collins Axe: 3 Profound Ideas 

Collins has evolved as a great brand name over the years. You can find many brands under the name ‘Collins,’ and here starts the issue- how to identify a Collins axe? It might not seem very easy for you to ensure the authenticity or originality of Collins’s axe. Where many people are confused about the factors to consider to identify a Collins axe, this guide will introduce some ideas to make the process easier for you. 

Rich History of Collins Axe

The Collins axe achieved widespread popularity for its high-quality service. Many woodcutters and loggers considered it a master of craftsmanship. Though we know how amazing it is to get a vintage Collins axe, we don’t know enough about its history. Check out the history of Collins axe to gather more in-depth knowledge about the brand. 

First, we should mention the person who formed the Collins axe. In 1823, a guy named Samuel Collins formed his company, Collins and Co. He was a successful businessman who grew his small factory consisting of eight people into a large one. This company became a brand and reached a reputable position for producing high-quality, polished, and pre-sharpened axes. 

Undoubtedly, the Collins axe brand was a master of craftsmanship in its early stage, but it was handed over to other company owners over the last few decades. Collins’s brand was in its peak position until the 1930s. The brand value became less strong after 1955 when the company was handed over to other companies several times.  

A Mexican farm named Truper Herramientas started their production of axes under Collins’s trademark, indicating they owned the company. After that, the Collins brand shut down its business in 1966 after successfully running 140 years of their business. Stanley Tool bought the Collins company’s South American operations, and Mann Edge Tool Co bought the company’s domestic US operations. 

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Quality of Collins Axes of Different Periods

Collins Axes Manufactured before 1966

From the reviews taken from many, the Collins axes before 1966 were such high-quality tools made by the manufacturer’s intense care, hard work, and many years of experience.  

Collins Axes Manufactured after 1966

When the Mann Edge Tool Co. took ownership of the Collins company and manufactured independently, they maintained their quality well. Their tools were also high-quality and famous in the USA. However, they couldn’t retain the quality of the original Collins axes. 

Collins Axes Manufactured after 2004

These axes are suitable for chopping roots, splitting wood, and many other jobs. You may find them quite more affordable and suitable for occasional use. They are also good enough to invest in. 

How to Identify a Collins Axe Correctly  

You must go through a few stages to identify a Collins axe correctly. The Collins company’s Legitimus mark is something to look for to identify the real Collins. What you can do is dig into Collins’s Legitimus Axe history so that you can notice that the axe was last from 1875-1966. 

Sometimes, it might seem challenging to identify an axe for the absence of the histories of the manufacturers. However, dating a Collins axe is not a difficult task to attempt. Remember two factors before dating a Collins axe-

  1. Logo of the Brand on the Axe Blade

Always consider checking the Collins logo as an identification key. Before 1966, the Collins ‘Legitimus’ brand had a square logo that indicated it was a vintage axe. The logo of Collins was changed after 1966 when Mann started owning the brand. The logo will help you to determine whether your axe is on the stage before 1966 or after 1966.

The Collins brand used many different shaped logos containing different identification. Those logos can be found on the axe head or blade. Between 1966-2003, the real Collins was not found because the logo was changed into a rectangular shape for Mann. The users must know these ideas or tips to find the authentic Collins axe. Remembering the tips to identify through catalog and brand logo, you can quickly date a Collins axe. 

  1.  Differentiate the Original Collins Axe from Others

Look at the label very closely to identify the original Collins axe. Identifying the real Collins axe by checking out the label might be confusing since many other labels look like Collins. Looking similar to Collins labels or including the name ‘Collins’ doesn’t mean all the axes are from the honest Collins company. 

The axes manufactured by Mann or Mexico have an ‘M’ curved on the axe head. This indicates the axe is from Collins, who was sold to the owner named Mann in 1966. You will find many brands running the Collins brand. It is easy to find the axes from those brands that originated from Collins, but it is too tough to find the one when the real Collins company existed. 

You must check the dates on the axe’s label to identify whether the axe is from the real Collins time or not. Don’t worry if you find the other brands running under the name ‘Collins.’ 

  1. Try to Make a Strong Guess

You can identify a Collins axe by using your strong IQ when you can gather enough accurate information. Please find the logo identification. However, your guessing can help you to discover a vintage Collins axe. If you see the axe is significantly rusty so that you can’t detect the origin seeing the logo, go for checking out the catalog. 

Seeing the catalog might help guess the axe’s origin as it contains its picture. The picture of the axe helps the user to compare the looks. It is essential to explore whether the Collins axe is manufactured before or after 1966. Always dig the catalog as much as possible to identify the origin of the Collins axe. 

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The Collins Company’s Produced Brands 

  • Red seal
  • Oldtimer
  • Dynamics
  • Homestead 
  • Commander
  • Hercules
  • Red Knight 
  • Rayo
  • Legitimus
  • Luchador
  • El Martillo
  • Fleetwood 
  • Collins Bonded Axe
  • Collins Kromite or Shoprite

Some of the Currently Produced Collins Axes

  • Pulaski axe 
  • Hatchets 
  • Single bit axe
  • Double bit axe 
  • Hunters axe
  • Half hatchet 
  • Splitting maul
  • Mattock
  • Splitting wedge

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FAQs

How effective are Collins axes?

The effectiveness of Collins axes depends on the date of making the axes. The axes made before 1966 were so authentic that they could serve your demand for many years. The Collins company produced excellent axes with extra care and profound experience during that time. 

How expanded the Collins brand was? 

The company expanded its business massively and produced 2000 tools daily by dint of 350 employer’s hard work. They introduced many new tools such as adzes, hoes, picks, sledgehammers, cane knives, Spanish machetes, etc.

When did the Collins brand stop its business? 

The company stopped production in the fifties or sixties due to flooding. The disaster was so massive that it damaged many operations. Their business was impossible to survive due to the competitor’s operations. 

How did the competitor buy the brand Collins? 

Though the company ran successfully for about 149 years, the competitors made it challenging for it to operate and pushed it to stop business in 1966. In 2004, the name ‘Collins’ was bought by Truper Herramientas, who shifted the business to Mexico. 

Where can I find a replacement for a Collins axe handle?

Some online shops offer exclusive axe handles designed explicitly for Collins axes. Elsewhere, you can also go to a physical store near your house and match the handle with your Collins axe. 

Final Verdicts

Hopefully, you have no more confusion in finding out how to identify a Collins axe after reading this content. When you can’t see any date on the label while buying an axe at an auction, it is so disturbing and stressful to identify the authenticity of the axe. Besides, many sellers unethically sell replica versions of the original one, and the sad fact is, they are floating around the shop wisely. You must always be very careful before purchasing an axe.

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Hey, I'm George Fanton. I've over nine years of experience in the woodworking industry. I've cultivated a deep interest in practical wood and tasks. I enjoy sharing new information on woodworking technology to maintain my expertise in the current woodworking industries.

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