9 Best Ways To Find Old Axes (with tips)
The hunt for something special is part of the fun of axe restoration and collecting. I have well over 100 axes and axe heads found all kinds of ways. I’ll show some of my favorite finds as I go through each method.
If you want to find old axes to restore, they can be snagged pretty easily – and often for fairly cheap. If you are looking for something specific, it can take some time and luck – but it also helps to know where to look. In either case, you need to start looking to see what shows up and speaks to you along the way.
There are axes out there you won’t know you want until you see them.
TLDR: Top 3 Ways to find old axes
This article covers 10 ways I find old axes – but if you want fast answers… here ya go:
Online Auctions = Easiest
The easiest way to find an old axe is through online auctions like eBay. You will pay more than some other methods, but it’s so convenient. There is always something available, and it will be mailed right to you.
If you like online, I suggest checking out Whiskey River Auctions, which has axe-focused auctions every month or two. Their axes tend to go for less than on eBay, and unlike eBay, they physically hold, photograph, and list them – so you know exactly what you are getting.
Flea Markets = Most Popular
I asked around 50 other collectors, and Flea markets are widely considered the best way to find vintage axes at a good price – but they can be inconsistent, regional, and take some effort. Similarly, Garage sales can be dirt cheap – but they are even more hit or miss.
Tell People You Like Axes = Seems Obvious
I have been given many random axe heads just by family and friends, knowing I like axes. I don’t ask them to look for me; they just stumble on axes in the wild and think of me. Some are junk, and a couple have been surprisingly rare. It helps to have extra eyes out there, even if it’s passively.
This isn’t really a ranked list; just a guide to help figure out what will work for you, based on how you like to buy and the area you’re in. It may take some time, and it will usually be a combination.
1. Flea Markets
A fun way to find old axes.
I asked 50 other collectors, and over 40% of ranked flea markets as the #1 source for axes, and it was always in the top 3 places.
One of the biggest advantages of a flea market has nothing to do with actual axes. IT’S FUN. It’s much easier to justify taking time to go hunt for axes over the weekend when it’s fun for the whole family. You can take your spouse or your kids, and make a routine of it!
While axes aren’t guaranteed, they tend to show up with fairly high frequency. Plus, the markets are on a schedule, which makes it easy.
You can often find regular sources of axe heads at a good (or at least fair) price. Some sellers focus on buying and reselling old tools. They manage to get them in bulk from farmers or estate sales and bring them to the market.
Unfortunately, the prices have been going up for a while now. A lot of these sellers see the prices on eBay and price to match, so you won’t often find amazing bargains – but you can.
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2. Garage Sales
Low chances, big scores.
Garage sales are a total shot in the dark, but you can find some screamin’ deals if you are lucky.
If you DO find old axes, they are usually a great deal – lots of stories of $1 rusted heads found in buckets of junk. I’ve never been quite THAT lucky, but I got a few $5 scores.
I don’t rely on garage sales because it’s just not a good use of time. It’s far from certain you will find one at all, and you will likely spend a lot of time in the pursuit.
But it never hurts to look if you come across a sale.
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3. eBay
A convenient way to get an axe
eBay is without a doubt, the easiest way to get a vintage axe head, especially if you are just looking for a single axe to work on. You can find one with your phone, and it arrives on your doorstep.
BUT you are likely going to pay a premium for it. The days of finding easy bargains on eBay are long gone. That’s not to say they don’t happen – I always keep an eye out for good deals, but it’s become much harder to score over the last few years.
If you aren’t looking for anything in particular, you can find okay prices. Maybe $20-$30. But then you also have to add in another $10-30 for shipping. No free shipping here; it’s expensive to send large chunks of steel in the mail.
One unique option for eBay is that you can find axe heads from around the world. You just have to be willing to pay the shipping.
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4. Whiskey River Auctions
An axe-focused auction site
Whiskey River Art & Trading is an independent company that focuses on axes. They are known in the axe community for both their regular vintage axe auctions as well as their premium axe handles. The auctions always offer neat options and tend to be more affordable than eBay.
Unlike eBay, Whiskey River auctions axe collections they acquire – so they physically hold and photograph every axe for sale. As a result, you know exactly what you are bidding on with far more confidence than eBay.
Because of this, they do their auctions in batches every couple of months. So you might have to wait for the next one. But the audience is also much smaller than eBay, so you can get reasonable prices (you still have to pay shipping).
Their premium axe handles are modelled off vintage patterns, and are perfect for restorations. Plus, they are just good axe lovin’ folks. They have been supportive of the axe museum, allowing me to use some images from their auctions in articles about historic axe brands and types.
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5. Online classifieds
Digital garage sales
I was shocked by how few people surveyed liked this method, but it’s been one of my favorite and most successful ways to find old axes for a long time now. It works best around a medium to large city, but it could work anywhere.
You can search every day, and it just takes a few minutes of your time. The big platforms all have their apps, or you can use your browser and check when you have a couple of minutes during the day. It’s all local, with probably only a few new posts per day – or even per week.
The people selling are generally trying to get rid of stuff as quickly as possible. They aren’t running a business; they just want to clear out some space and make a few bucks. This is one of the best ways to get a real bargain. I’ve got many great old axes for only $5-10, some in near original condition.
The final advantage is that you get a chance to see the axe in person before you hand over the cash. This is what makes this method different from any other online tool for buying axes.
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6. Antique Stores
Worth a look, but expensive
I consider antique stores the opposite of garage sales; they usually have an axe or two lying around – the problem is they are usually listed at “antique” prices. I have seen some pretty haggard old axes with a big price tag hanging on the wall.
That being said, the axe shown above was one of my rarest finds – and it was just leaning in a corner at my local shop.
Some more “casual” antique stores are closer in reality to a flea market, where there will be more tools, and the prices are reasonable. You can usually tell pretty quickly what type of place you are in.
Unfortunately, most antique stores don’t have much of an online presence. It’s just too much hassle for them to bother putting their inventory online. This is still very much a physical business. One exception is the great online store at Jimbodetools.com.
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7. Estate Sales & Local Auctions
Opportunity for bulk scores
Estate sales and local auctions can be a gold mine. I have seen piles of 70+ axes that get sold for less than $200. However, they can vary wildly in how they operate and the cost for axes.
Often, items are grouped by lot, so there is a risk that you will need to buy a bunch of other things (often tools or camping gear) to win the axe you want. That will drive up the overall price and leave you in the position to deal with unwanted items.
In-person auctions can be quite an experience, but they are also a time commitment. It’s hard to tell what to expect because they are always different.
Watch out for a “buyer’s premium”, which is where the buyer covers the auction fees – this can be an additional 15-20% of the final price. Plus, add taxes after that.
Online Estate sales and local auctions
There are a growing number of local estate sale websites and local auctions that let you bid online – similar to eBay. You just need to find the right ones for your area. Just start googling. Some large national sites can link you to your local sites.
Unlike eBay, however, you often need to pick up in person and at a specific time/day. So it’s not always as convenient as some of the other online sources, but it can more than make up for that in volume.
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8. Etsy
Mostly overpriced “restorations”
Etsy would be my last choice. I rarely look. It works similarly to eBay, except there are fewer available and they tend to cost more. It’s only purchasing, and not bidding (which makes it simpler), but that also means no chance for deals. Not ideal, but it is an option.
More axes have already had the “restoration” work done to them (with mixed results), so you will end up paying more for the “work” you wanted to do anyway.
Some beautiful sheath makers on Etsy are worth checking out. But I would go somewhere else for the axes themselves.
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9. Social Networking
AKA: Tell people you like axes
I’m not saying recruit people just to help you find old axes, but tell your friends and family you’re interested. Let people know about your hobby and see what turns up.
My favorite example of this is the rough but rare etched axe (shown above) from my dad, who saw a $10 axe at a flea market (duct taped to the handle), and just grabbed it for me.
Maybe a friend finds an old axe cleaning out their parent’s shed, or goes to a flea market and finds a $5 axe. So get out there and talk about axes, and it’ll pay off dividends in the long run.
Additionally, there are actually social groups on Facebook as well. Axe Junkies and Axe Hounds are two groups that have a fairly decent user base and often have people trying to trade or sell what they have. They even set up at swap meets throughout the year. This can be a great way to find cool pieces and just learn more about axes in general.
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Look around your area, see what is available. It might take some time to figure out what the best solutions are for you in your area. But hopefully, you now have an idea of how to get started.
Please comment below if I missed something or if you have any questions. I do my best to respond to everyone.
About the author:
About the author:
Jim Bell | Site Creator
I’m just a guy who likes axes. I got tired of only finding crap websites, so I set out to build a better one myself.
I’m also on Instagram: @axeandtool
great site bro!! im on maui and not too many axes over here. but I still hang em when I find em and I split hardwood. peace
E-mail sent.
Good morning.
Congratulations for the site, wonderful, learning a lot with you.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
I am also passionate about axes and hatchets.
I’m from Brazil, quality material is very difficult here, both in literature and the axes themselves.
Could you produce an article or tell me something about the box axes, like the brigdeport tomahawk #99? History, origin.
Thanks.
If you can send me a few photos I can do a little digging and add an article. My email is contact@axeandtool.com
Scrap yard and recycling centers. I have had mixed results, but it may be worth your while checking with the main office. Get to the point and politely ask if they have old axes in any condition, with or without a handle, that you could purchase by the pound. You likely won’t be allowed to search through various piles yourself for litigation and safety reasons. One place I found had a phenomenal broad axe lying on a stool. I asked about it and I was told they had already promised it to someone. I groaned, but I still regularly remind them that I’m interested if any other axes show up. Hey: you never know!
Thanks for the idea – I will have to add that to the list. I have got a couple random heads over the years from buddies who are scrappers, but it never occurred to me to hit the scrap yard itself.