Broad axe find!

jlubas

jlubas

Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
301
So while wandering around a yard sale the other day I found what I think is a small Broad axe. It's marked stiletto on one side and is flat on the opposite side.
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So not wanting a good piece of steel to go to someone who didn't appreciate it I picked it up, for $15 too none the less, I thought it was a steal.
The handle was in a bit of rough shape so I re hanged it today and sharpened it. I changed up the handle style to something I like a bit more. I hope it is appropriate for this head style. So tell me what you guys think.
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Hanging out with an old craftsman hatchet and a Mora bushcraft.
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I know it's not really the best head design to chop wood but I was just having some fun after I got it hung. I also don't have many board I need to hew at the moment.
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A closer look at the makers mark.
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I am really loving my first broad axe!
 
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Looks good. How about that- I have a Plumb broad hatchet that I started to hang on a 18" curved handle on my bench right now.
 
Good to know I'm not the only one who likes the combination. Any idea what handle would be on this traditionally? Would it have been the short straight handle I got it with?
 
In a word, Yes, they are almost always on short, hammer length straight handles. Broad hatchets like this one were used in many applications- As carpenters hatchets, roughing hatchets, and even in small scale hewing jobs. I've also seen folks use them as a carving axe because of the single bevel. Very handy tools.

John
 
I looked on-line and almost all I saw were straight handles. The one I got it with was in bad shape, had a big piece split off the end. I don't have much call for it but it looked too good just to sit in a bucket.
I did some more fitting just now while I fed the dog.
ry%3D400
 
That's a good looking hatchet Visitor. Looks like it has never been used. I like the length of handle on yours a bit more than mine.
What is it resting on if I may ask?
 
Your right, rust and pits but I don't think it was used much. Never been sharpened and straight edges on the poll. Hard as anything, I had others with the polls chipped out badly .
Handle didn't hold up though.
It is on a post vise stand I made. 1/2 inch plate with three legs. The holes are for drifting tomahawk heads. This picture gives a little better idea of what it is.
ry%3D400
 
That's a great broad hatchet. Stiletto made first rate stuff (and I've heard the new owners are following that tradition). They were one of the few major west coast axe makers. In the later years some of their stuff was made by True Temper.
 
Jpeeler thanks for the info!

Visitor very nice hawks and a cool stand as well!

Squarepeg thank you. I wasn't sure were stiletto was out of. I had never heard of them before I found this.
 
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