Anyone use a fokos?

kamagong

kamagong

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Also known as a valaska (Slovak) or ciupaga (Polish), people are probably more familar with the term Shepherd's Axe. Think tomahawk meets hiking stick. My research indicates that it was used primarily in Eastern Europe and doubled as both a walking stick and tool/weapon.

klemensbachleda.jpg


I'm thinking of picking one up. As fond as I am of my khukuri, it is a bit heavy at ~ 2 lbs. including scabbard and accessory tools. But I don't want to give up choppers entirely, so I think a fokos might be just the ticket. I can have my chopper without carrying any extra weight. Plus I'll have the added utility of a walking stick.

If anyone uses a fokos, I'd appreciate it if you shared your thoughts. Thanks.
 
I've wanted one of these for the longest time, but like Esav has pointed out it is really difficult to find one that is both practical, well made and affordable. There was a Maker here approx 2 years ago that made some that were really great but at the time I didn't have the cash to purchase one from him and I'm not sure if he is still making them.

If you do find something suitable please let us know.
 
I've found a couple of sites, but as you pointed out they are not cheap. Not surprising since they are a bit of a specialty item.

Drop me a line if you want the links.
 
Homemade?
What about a walking staff with a hawk head attached?
Attach the hawk head using a wedge set for a hammer?
 
Joseph Szilaski made the best I've seen, real works of art.

As far as attaching a hawk head to a stick, that's about what they are, but. The head needs to reshaped to be comfortable to lean on. The stick needs to be especially strong. My ciupaga swells slightly toward the center. The tip should have a metal point.
 
They are actually quite close to a Tiriolean walking staff with the small ice axe head
(which is very weapon like)
 
I have ever only seen them in the tourist version, which are very disappointing. I think they are really cool.

However, how practical are they? If you keep them shaving sharp (who doesn't keep their things shaving sharp around here?), then I'd say some kind of cover would be needed. That detracts from the visual enjoyment, or at least cover up your work of art.

The pointy end would also a concern for me. They should have some kind of metal cap to endure on the rocks, and preferably some spike to secure your footing, when it is icy. I am sure that this kind of end would scratch up your clothing and hands eventually.

I would consider it more of a walking stick, that could fend off the neighbors or the lone wolf.

I would love to have one, but I don't think it will be more than a walking stick.
 
Neeman I was thinking the same thing after I seen the price...It wouldn't be to hard to make something similiar with all the differant types of axe heads out there...I think I just found my next project.

CD
 
Out of those available, I'd go with WalkByFaith777's work. However, I'm genuinely surprised that no major manufacturer has stepped up to the plate and made one.

The reason why the real ones aren't commonly available is because steel ciupaga are outlawed in their countries of origin, and so remain more as a cultural symbol than a usable tool.

I desperately want one, but have other more ipmortant items to get first so it'll have to wait.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Out of those available, I'd go with WalkByFaith777's work. However, I'm genuinely surprised that no major manufacturer has stepped up to the plate and made one.

The reason why the real ones aren't commonly available is because steel ciupaga are outlawed in their countries of origin, and so remain more as a cultural symbol than a usable tool.

I desperately want one, but have other more ipmortant items to get first so it'll have to wait.
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It's possible that legal considerations also play a role here. Some states would prohibit the carry of such an item in public, which would make hiking with one somewhat problematic.

I'd love to have one too, preferably with a haft in the 50" range.

Andy
 
Krung said:
I have ever only seen them in the tourist version, which are very disappointing. I think they are really cool.

However, how practical are they? If you keep them shaving sharp (who doesn't keep their things shaving sharp around here?), then I'd say some kind of cover would be needed. That detracts from the visual enjoyment, or at least cover up your work of art.

The pointy end would also a concern for me. They should have some kind of metal cap to endure on the rocks, and preferably some spike to secure your footing, when it is icy. I am sure that this kind of end would scratch up your clothing and hands eventually.

I would consider it more of a walking stick, that could fend off the neighbors or the lone wolf.

I would love to have one, but I don't think it will be more than a walking stick.
Click to expand...

For a modern solution, Google the Ingrid Combi-Tip. Rubber cane tip (polyurethane really) with a retractable spike for icy footing. It’s no surprise they are made in Sweden.

I still worry about that edge. How did they deal with that in the old days?
 
Andrew Colglazier said:
It's possible that legal considerations also play a role here. Some states would prohibit the carry of such an item in public, which would make hiking with one somewhat problematic.

I'd love to have one too, preferably with a haft in the 50" range.

Andy
Click to expand...

I doubt it would be a legal concern in most places in the 'states as it's not concealed and constitutes a tool in its primary role. In some really uptight places it might not fly, but then you wouldn't be able to carry a regular axe anyhow. :p
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I doubt it would be a legal concern in most places in the 'states as it's not concealed and constitutes a tool in its primary role. In some really uptight places it might not fly, but then you wouldn't be able to carry a regular axe anyhow. :p
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Yup. The fact that it's not concealed gives it a green light where I live. I wouldn't walk around with it in downtown Portland though.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Sweet tool, seems really practical.
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I can see practical applications. Particularly when a guy gets a bit older and the bod gets creaky here and there. Maybe grabbing one of my C.S. hawks and mounting it. That old Rifleman was always a brute that I rarely use. I'd keep a hawk sheath on it in public though.
 
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