A Rare Dutch Axe From Between 16th and 18th Century

[Fmont]

I found this head under a pre- 1776 Penn. building that had a log cabin section hidden and covered over. I was working this job about 50+ yrs ago. I finally just recently cleaned it, sharpened it, and hung it. If you live long enough you might get around to some of the important projects!

It's fantastic looking wood. Incredible story on that one!

 

[Old Axeman]

Fmont-- Since this head helped build American history, I felt it needed a hand made hickory haft. I used my last piece of good air dried riven Shagbark. I dont think you can see in the photos, but it has a drawknife / spokeshave texture to match some of my other period American axes that have, what I believe to be, original hafts. I used my favorite finish- waltnut oil/ beeswax/ carnauba wax- then rubbed it with REAL hickory charcoal. I put on a very small butt swell, even though this is generally not period correct. I intend to use this axe in period demonstrations, and I REALLY like a butt swell on a user axe.

 

[Old Axeman]

Forgot to mention that I believe the head to have been forged in America, not brought from Europe. The reason I believe this is because of the early poll. Its found location puts it right in that period of American axe transition to a dominate poll. The head weighs right at 3 lbs, my haft is 31"

 

[Lotmom]

Normally I don't get in a rush and post up an axe to the forum's site before it's in a functional condition but in this case because the axe is unusual not only for its age but place origins as well I thought maybe there's some scope for input and assessment. Not only this but there is a concurrent theme going on about how to resolve the problem of an overly enthusiastic chemical emersion cleaning I would like to see commented on in this instance since for me too such an abuse would normally be cause enough to let the axe go to the one without an objection but in this case the attraction was strong. I could go on and on and on, you know it, but here is the axe in many aspects speaking for itself.

Top view

Bottom view

Edge view
A view of the views lets us see that the top of the blade is substantially thicker than its underside indicating the construction technique among other things. What are we to make of this taper - toe to heel - at the edge with the corresponding variation in the bevel geometry?

Here are some of the indications I've made out of the axe's unconventional composition. A very interesting and complex eye construction I'm still puzzling on.

Is it possible that the small gap in the vertical piece in front of the eye is to drive a nail through to help secure the handle? it looks like there even might be enough clearance

 

[Ernest DuBois]

No no not at all, this is purely the imperfection in the forging process, something the smid knew well would have no bearing on the functioning of the axe and that since it was purely a tool for working, further refinement would be wasteful. On top of this the suggestion is conceptually misguided because a nail in the handle that way is attempting to utilize the wood in an unsuitable way, cross-grain connections putting stress on the wood where it can least resist.

 

[jake pogg]

It's fantastic looking wood

I agree,i think it a SUPERLATIVE haft.

I'm deeply grateful to Old Axeman for sharing the knowledge here with us,it is a unique and extremely valuable privilege.

Here're some thoughts that are worded better than i could put it with my ESL English:
Action-born knowledge
A lot of knowledge in our society is theoretical, for example, history or geography, and can easily be consumed through reading books or using the web in order to learn. The craftsman’s knowledge often is what is called action-born knowledge. We use this term to describe how craftsmanship is in the practice and in the action. The term describes, in a good way, how the living craft is best carried on. The transfer usually takes place in a working environment where the traditional craftsman hands the tradition over to the one who acquires it. Although living craft knowledge is individually stored in the craftsman, it is important to keep in mind that tradition is refined and built over time, through generations.

This was taken from here:
http://www.ichngoforum.org/concerns-of-diversity-2/

 

[Old Axeman]

I appreciate all the kind words and help everybody gives me using my computer. I would like to add my thoughts on what Jake just posted. It's true that in America we practice and support historic preservation. But, we support it by preserving objects-structures, tools, etc. In Japan (and maybe other countries) they support historic preservation by also actively supporting the craft skills, they actively support the craftsmen who build the objects. They have programs (someone who knows more about this than I, chime in) that support the craftsmen and support these craftsmen teaching these ancient crafts to younger craftsmen. THAT APPROACH TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN AMERICA! This is why what Jake has been doing with his axe forging is so important.