"0" Rockaway. What went wrong?

[crbnSteeladdict]

I just couldn't pass this axe (prop to learn something new about blacksmithing methods). I am curious about that damage. Was it bad manufacturing process or maybe that poll was damaged>fixed>damaged again?
Any idea who could be the maker of this axe?
[url=https://postimg.cc/image/g28jmp6s5/] [/URL]

 

[kvaughn]

Surprising how damaged that poll is and yet the edge is not that bad. It does kind'a look like somebody welded on it too. Looks like the owner needed a sledge hammer. All those axes look look like they were used as sledge hammers!----KV

 

[A17]

Nobody welded on it, that's just what happens when it's beaten a LOT! I'm sure there's a sciencey reason it does that but I don't know why.

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

Nobody welded on it, that's just what happens when it's beaten a LOT! I'm sure there's a sciencey reason it does that but I don't know why.

Usually, the weakest point of Rockaway axe is the eye. Maybe the pole was laminated over soft steel or even wrought iron.

 

[Square_peg]

Usually, the weakest point of Rockaway axe is the eye. Maybe the pole was laminated over soft steel or even wrought iron.

Yes, I think you're onto something. I suspect it has a high carbon steel overlay forge welded onto the poll. But the weld didn't take well. Heavy use deformed the soft steel underneath. Then the carbon steel wasn't properly supported and cracked under use. I'm guessing it's an older axe with crucible steel used at the bit and poll. I assume the bit is an insert not an overlay, correct?

 

[Beachlogger]

Looks like a splitting wedge that's been beat on, maybe work hardened

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

T

Yes, I think you're onto something. I suspect it has a high carbon steel overlay forge welded onto the poll. But the weld didn't take well. Heavy use deformed the soft steel underneath. Then the carbon steel wasn't properly supported and cracked under use. I'm guessing it's an older axe with crucible steel used at the bit and poll. I assume the bit is an insert not an overlay, correct?

I am not sure if it is insert. I need to clean it up.
That big "O" got me thinking. I have seen before deep, single letter mark on some axes. https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/old-really-nj-made-jersey-rockaway-axe-head-id.1524590/
It might be actually McKinnon

 

[A17]

Looks like a splitting wedge that's been beat on, maybe work hardened

That's about what I was trying to say.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'd agree with S Square_peg on there possibly being a thin layer of steel over the poll and the iron under it having deformed, mushroomed out, and then torn off under repeated blows. My guess is that it was used for driving ferrous metal wedges, rather than being pounded like a splitting wedge, since the bit looks pretty clean while the poll is wrecked.