So far the grain has been excellent, these two handles cost $23, shipped. You can call them for a shipping quote and they USPS regular ground. And I select hand picked and unfinished.
I am curious about why you asked about the ridges in the eye?
Progress has been slow, due to lack of effort. The eye does not have ridges.
I ordered hafts for this one and a Homestead Jersey pattern, they came in on Friday. I got a cruiser haft for the double bit and a 36" octagonal for the jersey.
I plan on polishing and blueing both of them and am still...
on the rafter I can only clearly see the 2 closest to the camera, left to right, looks like a Hudson Bay and then a Hoosier.
On the table from closest to far. L to R, looks like a Rockaway or Jersey. The big one I have no idea, then a Jersey.
The next up is a Double Bit Michigan or Narrow...
Jersey Pattern Axes are identified by the shoulder lugs on the eye, usually with a defining point. This is to allow greater contact with the haft. Also Jersey Pattern heads have the long angled straight line from the eye to the bit, giving a larger cutting edge surface.
I was rummaging around in an antique emporium, and found this old head, $3. It is a Homestead by Collins in a Jersey Pattern. I love old Collins axes and had been looking for a jersey. It was in a sorry shape, goody! There is great fun in bring these old heads back. This one went into a vinegar...
I keep the 26" Estwing in my truck box. It has come in handy. Having said that, a Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe is the best currently made, in my opinion. Worth every cent.