Axe profiling testing

S

skillgannon

Joined
Apr 27, 2009
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I have two Husqvarna Multipurpose axes. One I have played around with re-shaping the handle cleaning up the blade and have reprofiled it to around 20 deg with a micro bevel. The other is stock other than sharpening. I will toss up some pics later if anyone wants to see the mods.

So my question is can anyone come up with some testing that they would like to see axes put thru.
 
Swing hard on dry black locust or chestnut oak. See how the edge holds up. I recently cleared a deadfall chestnut oak from a trail with a boy's axe (all I had with me) and it started to fold the edge (filed 20° primary 27.5° secondary). I had to touch it up in the field with a diamond hone. Axe was from Union Tool.

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Trail time suggest a very rigorous test, probably late in your cycle, as dry black locust is no laughing matter...usually we have to drill holes to start nails in old posts.

I would like to see the two used to make curls and feathersticks. I'm not so much a proponent of them for every fire, certainly not when I have diesel available, but I have found that they are a good indicator of whether the profile is handy for finer tasks.
 
I really like what you did with the bottom one! I am curious what you used to get the head cleaned up a bit.
 
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This is after cold blue. I think cleaning out the scale and adding the blue really shows off the forged look of the blade. Also I mirror polished the cheeks and the poll prior to blueing.
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Lay out an equal number of hardwood logs and start chopping them up and splitting them. Time yourself and record average number of strikes to get through. And after a couple of intense hours (at very least) inspect the blades of each axe.
 
Well some of those test are going to have to wait until after the snow melts. My primary use for the axe will not be chopping up large hardwoods. I see this as more for use in woodcraft/camping as well as some carpentry task.

I did do the feather stick test and they is a huge difference in the capabilities. I will post some pics soon. Both will dry shave and the stock model has been mildly reprofiled as well. Also having the sharp edges taken off the poll makes carving nice. If anyone has any ideas for other mods before I send it I would love to here them.

I am planning to send it to a friend who takes better photos than I do and have him run it through its paces. If anyone was interested we could start some axe pass arounds.
 
I thought you'd asked for advice on testing edge profiles. If these are never intended to chop anything serious then 'shaving sharp' retention is about the only thing left and I can tell you already that you'll be able to make feather sticks, with either of them, until the cows come home.
 
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