1075 Utility Axe

DaveWenger

DaveWenger

Joined
Mar 3, 2013
Messages
287
That's a wicked looking Axe Dave. I'm not real familiar with Axe making but I like what I see. Does the notch at the head of the axe and the end of the handle have special uses ?
Tim
 
what "utility" does either notch provide? I'm just not seeing it. Is it like the Hoodlum "Pot lifter/bone notcher"? It is not very well received by all.

If you lost the notches and maybe made the apparent distal taper a little more aggressive I'd be very interested. Right now all I can see is question marks...


I will say that it looks very well done, even if it's not for me as it is.
 
Looks good!

I've had a similar though on the notches when talking with a firefighter/knifemaker buddy of mine. He suggested an integrated gas valve wrench for a fireman's 'hawk, and a notch was one way we thought about doing so.
 
Unfortunately I forgot to put some info on the thought process behind the notches. Storm Crow got it right on the top notch. I also have a part time firefighter friend who made the exact same suggestion regarding a gas shut off. I however am not experienced in this area so I merely followed his suggestion blindly. Perhaps someone with more experience can either correct me or tell me I'm high. I appreciate your input Scouter27. I think I was a little fast and loose with the design instead of focusing more specifically on functional intent. Look to see some design changes soon. That being said the notch on the bottom of the handle is.... yes a beer bottle opener. Fantastic! I did that one just for the heck of it.
 
As someone who is also working on utility designs for integral hawks, I'm curious as well what the weight is pictured. I also agree about tapering. Since the piece isn't too large, I'd think you might try removing the notch to keep weight in the head wile removing as much or more material from the tang to keep the weight as is or lower. Just some input, it looks really well done.
 
very cool. I can see it being handy around a campsite for minor chores, or even yardwork around the house, especially with the bottle opener for breaks!
 
The hatchet weighs 1lb 4oz. 1lb 5.6oz with felt lined kydex sheath. I have made the necessary changes as far as tapering the tang is concerned in the next axe I will post. I appreciate all of the input thus far.
 
Here is another design to throw against the wall. I have instituted many of the improvements suggested so far however I did not have a blank of the same axe as pictured in the original post so I was not able to show you that I have taken all of your advice to heart. I have as you will see in a later post. That being said I would like your thoughts on this next concept. This axe is considered a hunting axe for quartering large game and general camp duties. It also is made from 3/8" 1075 with dyed and stabilized curly maple. The finish is cold blueing once again. OAL is 9.5" and the weight is 1lb 2oz. The notch on the back is a rope cutter/ gut hook.
 
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I like the overall profile of this one, and the taper is spot on. I don't really see a reason for the hood cutter though. I don't see a need for a gut hook on anything. A rope cutter is nice, but in any instance where I think the quickness of the hook could be essential, the other blade would make it hazardous, IMO. The ones on the market are advertised as shroud cutters or otherwise rescue oriented. I wouldn't want a paramedic coming at me with an axe to cut off my seat belt, burning car or not and I'm certainly not trying to bust that thing out while hurdling toward the earth in low light with a parachute wrapped around my face :eek:


Could just be that there is such a thing as a tool that does too much.
 
Great looking hawks! I was able to meet Dave this past weekend and check out these beauties first hand. Excellent workmanship and a great guy to boot. Keep them coming Dave.
 
I appreciate the kind words. I am looking forward to posting some pics of the next axe with that cool etched finish you showed me Patrick.
 
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