biscayna axe.

flexo · May 1, 2015

i just held and sharpen a friend's axe. it's a vizcaina pattern for sure, no poll, rounded obviously hung from upside,but having a small swell at the end, markings are RO in a house like geometrical figure.

man is from basque root,and this was is no basque grand'pa's axe, but connexion is obvious with family in law!

what is that brand?
this axe looks like less 50 years old,i'd guess 35.

steel is poor when compared to his norvegian bearded axe.

no picture i didn't have mi camera!:grumpy:

Ugaldie · May 2, 2015

Hello flexo,

I think you are refering to a industrial type Byscaian axe, it's not as good as an artisan made. I think the marking you are talking about is this one,

Your friend has a Ramon Onraita axe. Those axes were made in the town of Oñati from 1881 through all the XX century. They used industrial processes to made them, I think they were stamped and they heat treated them in low 50's.

They are not bad axes, their low HRC is to esase the manteinance.

But if you look for a good Basque axes, Atxukarro, Erviti and Jauregi are the best. Last two the best ones, Jauregi continues making them nowadays.

flexo · May 3, 2015

thank you Ugaldie por the id! of course it's a bit on the soft side...
eskerrik asko (if my spelling is good)

Ugaldie · May 3, 2015

Ez horregatik flexo

If you have any other question it will be a pleasure to help you.