A Forged Carving Axe I Handled/Hung

B

bobasaurus

Joined
Mar 13, 2013
Messages
112
I just finished making the handle for this carving axe/hatchet. The head was custom forged for me by John Switzer of Black Bear Forge, who I met at the Lie-Nielsen hand tool event in Denver a while back. It's O1 tool steel, differential tempered, with a punched eye. The handle is apple wood that I laminated to get the grain in the correct orientation for strength. As a result, the colors are a bit two-tone from the heartwood and sapwood. I got to use my fancy rasps and spokeshaves, so it was very fun to make. Finished with BLO. It sure cuts well, and fits my hand perfectly.

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That is a beautiful piece of work! Impressive tool, shaping, and woodcraft. Thanks for sharing the photos Bobasaur.
 
That is SWEET! An O-1 hatchet will be tougher than all get-out. Excellent choice. Must have been hell to punch.

Kudos to you and your blacksmith friend. I love seeing a tool forged of quality high carbon steel.
 
Bob, that's some nice work you did to haft you new hatchet. I'm looking forward to seeing the cover you'll make for it. DM
 
That's very nice! Proud ownership right there!
Question: are 'carving' axes good for general purpose use also? Their shape appeals to me & have often wondering how versatile they are.
 
The wedges are my favorite part of the handle (which is very pretty by the way) The contrast in the handle is quite striking.
 
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