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A Quick & Dirty Field Test of the Traveler's Celt Prototype

FortyTwoBlades

FortyTwoBlades

Baryonyx walkeri
Dealer / Materials Provider
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Mar 8, 2008
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Did a super quick 15 minute field test with the Traveler's Celt head, using only the tool itself for the work. The amount of shaping I did to the haft was minimal due to both my own limited time and to simulate what could be done in relative haste.

Found this properly shaped branch the very instant I walked into the woods. It's dry rotted and punky, and a little crooked, but it'll do for an initial test! The chopping power afforded by the initial low-grade hafting would allow for easier creation of a better quality haft later on. It's all about making do in the moment!

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How I decided it would be best to mount the head.

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Mounted.

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In spite of the rot it chops just fine!

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The log was rotten on the out 1cm of depth and the very core, but most of the wood was still pretty darn hard.

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Contending with the lateral bend in this piece of wood took a little getting used to, but it wasn't too bad once I adjusted to it.

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What the socket taper looked like after all of the chopping. The springiness of the unwelded socket gripped nice and tight.

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More tests to come later as I get time. :)
 
Now that's pretty cool! I could see that having many uses. Looking forward to your future testing and review!
 
That was the idea! A compact versatile and field-expedient tool that carries well in a pack until needed. :)
 
It's funny every time I look at this thread I come up with a different use for it. It really is growing on me it very easily has the potential to replace and add several tools in a simple design.
 
Thanks! I didn't make it, but I did design it! This is a sample that Imacasa whipped up for me as a test of concept based on their existing tooling. A final version will have a couple of lashing holes to bind it in place in addition to friction/compression fit. Here are some more photos from more work on the same haft.

Shortened up both ends for better handling, moving the head closer to the handle region and removing the crooked part. The handle was shortened by incising around the circumference (beaver style) and then breaking it off at the reduction point. It's so nice and clean looking thanks to the flat side of the bit making chisel-like cuts possible.

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Other side.

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Adze configuration. Preferably a separate haft with an acute angle would be used for adze work, but having the bevel side out helps offset the orientation of the edge a bit, and the shoulder aids in breaking from the cut.

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Hoe configuration for agricultural use or digging. The head was rotated without dismantling by tapping one side of the blade with the baton.

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Haft viewed from above. Nice and straight. It was only wonky lower down, which was removed and then used as a baton to speed the rest of the shaping work by using the head as a chisel.

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I really like it.
When will the finalized product be ready for sale?
And if you are looking for a tester, I would be glad to give it some field work and report feedback.
 
Oh I don't expect the final product to be ready for sale for months, maybe even a year. These things move slowly. But I think they'll be pretty inexpensive when all is said and done. :)
 
I think that is a great idea the haft in your pics looks like it has the potential to become a war club.
 
Oh that's so long and with hunting season and all! I wanted 1 to pack with me on a few camping trips too! Bummer!
 
Very cool, I'll keep an eye out for when you do start to sell them. Simple and versatile, I like it! I need more of that Fat Wood soap from you guys also (getting smelly :-)
 
Yup! Very similar construction. Different head shape, but similar principle. The root-chopping implement known as a "mutt tool" is of relatively similar construction, and in Central/South America there is a digging bar known as a "chuzo" that is also along those lines.
 
I can't wIt to field this! I go ultralite and this seems perfact....I'm excited...I'm always available for y'all to use as a test subject...lol
 
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