Hello, Noob with a GIANT axe question

[Square_peg]

It's not just a giant axe. It's a piece of American folk art.

And a carcass splitter is as likely as a broadaxe. Maybe more likely as a carcass splitter would see a limited number of blows. A 25 pound axe would simply be too cumbersome to hew ties.

 

[NitsaeKram]

It's at least 4 pieces (I don't see another steel at the bit) and it is most definitely forged welded. The left and right side plus the front and back of the eye are each individual pieces.

This begs the question, is the bit even made from high carbon steel? It would be very difficult to make that if the whole right side were high carbon steel. The high carbon side would require a higher heat in which the low carbon side would become extremely malleable. It would be awkard to forge at the least.

And it looks like the smith didn't have well formed drift for the eye. More evidence that this was a farm shop piece (which in my mind makes it even cooler!).

I think you nailed it!

Looking at it closer, I can see the 4th piece at the Poll.

 

[Ugaldie]

Taking in account the size and the broad blade it could be an "press axe". Used to cut what remains in the press once you have pressed cider, wine or simmilars. Is there any alocholic beverage producing culture?

It's not just a giant axe. It's a piece of American folk art.

This is my second though.

 

[Ernest DuBois]

The weight of the axe is exceptional, and it is largely from the mass of the poll through to the cheek. The format though is less unique as we can see from this collection out of France of very big hewing axes, one coming in at 7 kg or 15 lbs but we can see where the weight reduction occurs.
http://www.en.charpentiers.culture.fr/node/468
http://www.en.charpentiers.culture.fr/node/403

 

[NitsaeKram]

Taking in account the size and the broad blade it could be an "press axe". Used to cut what remains in the press once you have pressed cider, wine or simmilars. Is there any alocholic beverage producing culture?



This is my second though.

Another “never thought that”
Unsure about the alcohol producing.

Guy said he found it out in some scrub.
I imagine there is pine, bois d’arc and locust in the area due to general location.

Thanks