edge shapes

kkj87a

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Jan 9, 2010
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im interested in the differences between flat edged axes such as broadaxes and normal rounded edged hatchets and felling axes. as far as im concerned the rounded edge is closer than a flat one to a triangular point thus it has more penetration power. and as far as i can tell the flat axes are flat just to be able to have a flat piece of wood when done chopping. ive heard that a flat edge is best for dry or green wood and a curved axe is best for dry or green wood but i forget which edge shape went with what type of wood. as much wood as ive cut ive never noticed a major difference in this despite me rounding my broadaxe and still having heavy use.
 
flat edge is better for dry wood, round for green. the harder the wood the more rounded the edge should be.
 
i always figured it to be that harder wood would be more likely to damage the edge so you wouldnt the edge too flat even though it would cut better.
 
The broad ax was primarity used to square timber for log homes also for making planks very early on. The flat side was against the log with the shaped edge against the scrap side of the cut. Used mainly on green soft wood while standing on the log. I have also seen it used to score the log and then an adze used to smooth it. There are lots of articles on the early use of broad axes if you google.

Best regards

Robin
 
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