Double Bit Axes ?

[JonathanCharles]

Apparently both bits were used for limbing? "Once a tree was on the ground, a different crew of men called "swampers" would remove limbs from the tree so it could be cut into lengths. The swampers were also responsible for clearing underbrush before a tree was felled and also constructed logging roads in the pineries. (Because, swamping required less skill than felling, swampers were paid less than fellers.) A Swamping Pattern axe was different than that used by fellers. The bit on a "swamping" axe had a different profile than a felling axe. Designed for limbing, the bit was usually wider and more rounded than a felling axe of similar size and weight." http://midmichigannatureandscience.blogspot.com/2013/08/logging-tools-part-1-axe-and-saw.html

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

Old time swampers in this area spent a lot of time clearing brush, stobs and roots out of the way on skid trails back when oxen were used for yarding. During my own days in the woods, swamping axes were the standard forestry fire tool box and log truck fire axe. Given most of those axes don't get used much, there are probably a lot of great old brands stored in the fire warehouses of the big timber companies.

 

[longun]

*edit- I just noticed in the article that DeadBoxHero posted that the word "swamped" was used to describe the slimming of a double bit handle?

"Swamped" appears to be a term used in the past to describe something that was thinned in the middle. Some muzzle loading rifle barrels were described as "swamped" when they were thinner in the middle then they were on both ends.
"Swamper" appears to be a term to describe someone who limbs fallen trees. I believe the term used today for a worker using a chainsaw to limb fallen trees is "knot bumper".

I've never noticed a difference in length of any double bit axe I have had. And have never noticed a difference in geometry of the bits. But I may just not be very observant. I'll be keeping an eye out now.