Bearded axe in Ironwood

BenR.T.

BenR.T.

Tanto grinder & High performance blade peddler
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Apr 18, 2011
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This was a custom ordered axe, and the customer wanted a Desert Ironwood handle. I was able to acquire this big beautiful piece and am pretty happy at how the whole thing came together. The steel is 3/8" 4140 and the OAL is 16".
Let me know what you think.





 
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that looks really nice!
I bet yew would make for a good handle for something like this, too.
 
Ben, these axes of yours are super sleek and powerful looking. Some of the most handsome of all I've seen.

Have you used this design enough to know whether striking at full swing with the front edge of the lower beard feels different to the user than striking with the lower edge of a similar-size head that doesn't have a deep beard? In other words, is there any difference in vibration or penetration or any other noticeable change in the feeling on impact between same-size heads, one with deep beard, one without, specifically on impacts on that lower part of the edge?

Thanks,
Will
 
Lorien said:
that looks really nice!
I bet yew would make for a good handle for something like this, too.
Click to expand...

I agree Lorien, I have always liked yew, in bows or on handles.

Will York said:
Ben, these axes of yours are super sleek and powerful looking. Some of the most handsome of all I've seen.

Have you used this design enough to know whether striking at full swing with the front edge of the lower beard feels different to the user than striking with the lower edge of a similar-size head that doesn't have a deep beard? In other words, is there any difference in vibration or penetration or any other noticeable change in the feeling on impact between same-size heads, one with deep beard, one without, specifically on impacts on that lower part of the edge?

Thanks,
Will
Click to expand...

Thanks for the question Will. I haven't done as much testing as I want to yet with these. What chopping I have done (without a handle attached), there isn't a significant difference in vibration from the top of the cutting edge to the bottom. This bearded design isn't anything new though (obviously) and has been used for centuries, albeit with a solid wood handle. I hope to get out and do serious chopping with one sometime in the future.
 
my folks have a yew on their property which ain't long for this world. Looking forward to the harvest!
 
Make sure and dry it right Lorien. : )

Thanks very much Mark.
 
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