Axes were the first real woodworking tool and at one stage were the most common, used for felling, bucking, debarking, splitting and shaping. There was a huge diversity of manufacturers and patterns and there's still a fair output of both garden variety and boutique models. They're bought by traditionalist woodworkers and builders, hunters, survivalists and self-sufficient farmers, and collectors. Almost every household at one stage would've had one and some axes were passed on through several generations. That means there's plenty of sad-and-sorry old heads around but also a lively trade in collectables.
Here's a post about my work reshaping an Australian-made Kelly: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f152/a...ing-bit-202201 That US Forest Service PDF referred to by hiroller is a terrific resource.
It seems double-bit axes never took off in Aus compared with the US and I'm keen to try one. The virtues seem to be better balance perhaps and more especially the option to have two different bit geometries to hand, one for felling and the other for rough work.
If anyone's interested in sharing postage I'm looking at ordering a Barco/Kelly from the US. It looks good value. HJE Michigan Double Bit Kelly Axe American Made Hand Tools Unit cost is USD 32.50 and shipping for one will be about USD 60 but less per unit for two or more. The lighter version of this has been well-reviewed by Woodtrekker. Wood Trekker: Barco Kelly Woodslasher Michigan Double Bit Axe Review
My modern Kelly 'Dandenong' and the Barco/Kelly double bit Michigan pattern:
Attachment 369276Attachment 369277
Please feel free to post a pic of your axe(s), in whatever shape it is.