Axes with circles in the eye.

[Shotgun]

I've seen pictures of axes that have 3 circular cutouts in the eye and was wondering what they were used for and how would you re-handle an axe head like that? Of course now that I'm curious about them I can't seem to find a pic on google.

 

[M3mphis]

Marbles does that. I think it's just to differentiate themselves. I can't imagine that the extra work to re-haft one is worth the trade off in performance, if there is even an advantage at all. I've never had one, so I'm just speculating.

 

[Shotgun]

Ah marbles. See them now. So how would you go about re-handling one of them? Seems you'd have to either buy a marbles handle or file the ridges flat. Any other way of doing it?

 

[M3mphis]

You could try to carve the handle to fit, but it just seems like too much work. I'd just sell the axe...

 

[A Visitor]

I bought a double bit "throwing axe" from Sportsmans guide recently. It appears to be a knock off of a Marbles , complete with the three hole mounted haft. After a very short time of chopping on dead hardwoods- the handle slipped - EXACTLY like forum members had noted in previous post about the Marbles.
I bought it as research for making a "Nessmuk" stlye double bit as a future project. My options to secure the head to current handle- glue / pin through the head. If I was replacing the handle - I would probably file the protrusions down- reshape the interior of the head to a hourglass shape .

 

[Pipeman]

I believe that Marbles used this style of eye on the axes that were made in the USA. They hung them properly with good dry handles and they seem to have hung in over the years. I think the problem has been in the offshore models and the knockoffs. I've seen a few early pieces that had a fair amount of use with the original handles. That said, I'd probably grind the eye out to a normal shape.

Regards

Robin

 

[Pipeman]

I bought a double bit "throwing axe" from Sportsmans guide recently. It appears to be a knock off of a Marbles , complete with the three hole mounted haft. After a very short time of chopping on dead hardwoods- the handle slipped - EXACTLY like forum members had noted in previous post about the Marbles.
I bought it as research for making a "Nessmuk" stlye double bit as a future project. My options to secure the head to current handle- glue / pin through the head. If I was replacing the handle - I would probably file the protrusions down- reshape the interior of the head to a hourglass shape .

Hey Visitor, what's the steel like? I was thinking of grabbing one to throw mainly but I'd like to do some chopping as well.

Regards

Robin

 

[A Visitor]

Pipeman,
Listed as 440 stainless, it attracts a magnet. Finish is good, sharp out of the box with a convex grind- cheeks are also gound in relief. I can't say much about it yet as the handle started to walk off after about twenty chops.
I can count on this forum to movtivate me lol. I'm going to let the dog out - drill and install a brass pin through the head. While I'm at it I will sand the handle and give it a drink of BLO. Hopefully this week I can get some chopping / throwing in. I will try to beat it up - cutting barbwire and digging some to see how it holds up.
I'm really trying to learn about the grinds on small double bit hatchets before I try and make one for myself.
Take care

 

[Liam Ryan]

Marbles does that. I think it's just to differentiate themselves.

I had one and gave it away, the three hole thing just looked like a cheap and easy way to make an eye in a piece of stock, I doubt these things are forged.

 

[Shotgun]

I had one and gave it away, the three hole thing just looked like a cheap and easy way to make an eye in a piece of stock, I doubt these things are forged.

You're probably right. It's probably to save on manufacture. Anyway, I have a bid on one of the mini ones but I bid before I saw the three holes(dark photo.) So chances are I have one coming to me to play with. Maybe I'll try a v chisel or just file the eye down. Should have done more research before bidding. Oh well, live and learn.

 

[Steve Tall]

...file the eye down...

I suggest making the top of the eye wider than the bottom of the eye, if it's not already like that, for better wedging and better retention of the head.

 

[Thomas Linton]

I suggest making the top of the eye wider than the bottom of the eye, if it's not already like that, for better wedging and better retention of the head.

Got it in one. The CHINA makers of the last round of "Marbles" made the axe eyes with parallel sides instead of wider at the top. A rat tail file for metal is the solution. put an ink line about 1/8" out from the edge of the top of the eye and filed it out until the ink was gone. Reinstalled the handle. Head stayed put.