executioners ax

[nate1714]

As some of you many know I work in theatre. Well coming up we have a production that requires a executioners ax.

I have done stock removal for knives before, and was thinking why not buy a big sheet and just cut down from their. There is no stage combat as far as I was told with this so its just for show but might take some abuse getting slammed into a stump or something.

I was thinking to use aluminum but worry about its durability. There will be no edge ever on anything that I would make, they are just props. Here are some ideas I had for what it will look like.

Any help on this topic for construction or materials would be helpful. Also since it will be on stage are there any nice effect (shine, patterns) that could be used/make into it. I'm just brainstorming right now so anything is helpful.

http://www.swordsandarmor.com/images/AX3939.JPG - I like this but, I would make it more dramatic

http://www.swordsandarmor.com/images/AX882433_Executioners_Axe.jpg

 

[Keith_H]

Reminds me of this guy: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=terryschopshop
I think he is on BF.

I would prefer the look of steel, maybe 1/8" mild steel. The eye could be welded and ground smooth or bent.

Good luck!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

For a stage prop I would go with 12 gauge sheet steel (mild), and weld tubing (pipe) on for the eye. The eye/socket can be hammered/drifted to an oval profile after the weld. If weight is an issue, use 3/16 aluminum. The tube will have to be heli-arc welded. For the shaft, use ash. It looks good and is strong, but incredibly light.
Stacy

 

[Tinbasher]

Get your self a circular saw blade and weld the handle part on.
Richard

 

[greatlakeswaterjet]

Oh man, I've been wanting to do one of those for Halloween! Please, can I cut it, please?

 

[Rody]

Copy the design from Macnair's executioners axe from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban....that thing is wicked!!!

Cheers ROdy

 

[mete]

David, do you mean a semi-circular blade with a smiley face cut out ??

 

[greatlakeswaterjet]

Oh yea, got to have the smiley face.

 

[Raymond Richard]

I had a short lived career in the movies. I played the fire hydrant in "101 Dalmatians". One ax that made an impression on me is this one: http://www.amobhitman.com/catalog/product_7045_FX72011_FACTORY_X_SLEEPY_HOLLOW_AXE.html Maybe in a little larger version.

 

[Nuke41]

In the Middle East they still use swords for public executions. In Riyadh I saw 5 people beheaded with a sword in 1994, it was a sight to see.

 

[chewbacca]

When I was a kid, about 12-13, my dad made me a substantial battle axe (14" cutting edge) out of 1/4" mild steel, with a pipe welded to it for handle retention, like bladsmth said. He welded a large fillet in between the blade and then blended it in with an angle grinder. It looked great.

Unfortunately, we had to move away from our house for a time, and while we were gone someone broke into our house and stole it...only the ax and a bottle of SoCo were gone...darn kids

 

[sharpeknives]

I'd buy a cheap sledge hammer cut a slot in one side and slide the blade into it. Weld her up grind the blend from hammer to blade add a few bevels for looks and your good to go. This would make handleing it simple .