Help::: Identifying Use for Large Handmade Swedish Axe

C

craft

Joined
Feb 24, 2013
Messages
42
axe_new.jpg


I ordered this hand-made, swedish axe online. While it is a masterpiece of hand craftsmanship, I'm perplexed as to what I can actually use this axe for?

The bit is heafty, weighing in at 3 3/4 LB's, while the cutting edge is 5 3/4 inches. While the wide cutting edge might lend itself to operating like a broad axe for rough carving, the lack of substantial radius precludes any such use. Additionally, the cheek is wider that your typical broad axe.

If the bit is not confusing enough, the handle is a total mystery. Short, no use in felling. The angle between the beard and handle is too acute for any broad axe functionality, unless you want bloody knuckles. The handle is also very wide, which makes it awkward for one handed use, if you manage to lift this behemoth with one arm.

So my question is simple: what could this axe be used for? Is this some old traditional swedish design? Or should I be questioning what the axe maker was thinking when he crafted such a tool?

I'm no where near being an axe expert (clearly), and need some help in making this more than something I hang on the wall.

At the very least, I think making a new handle would greatly improve functionality. A new profile might also go a long way into turning this axe into something I can use.

Funny enough, I was able to shave hair with this axe. If the bit were straighter I could shave one entire side of my face with a single stroke. Look out Gillette :)
 
The two biggest problems I see are that the weight to handle length ratio is messed up and also that the hang is way too closed - the bit is turned downward.

3-3/4 pounds is a big axe. That thing needs at least a 30" handle.

A third issue is that it appears to have flat cheeks. That's OK for carving and bushcraft work but not ideal for chopping, felling or splitting - the kinds of tasks that a 3-3/4 pound axe should be used for. And at 3-3/4 pounds it's much too heavy for carving and bushcraft work.

Hang it on a wall or send it back.
 
Strange, It looks like a really good carver but it is WAY to heavy.

I really like the curvy handle, but 3 3/4 lbs I'm thinking you need to grab something around 36" long.

Beautiful piece, but I'm just curious as to what it was designed for also. It seems like someone had a brain fart when they hung it on something so short.

Hey, maybe you can put a screw into that wedge and pull it out in one piece.
Save that handle. That thing is beautiful.

I agree with Square-Peg. I think I would send it back. Just to many issues.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the input guys. I agree, the handle length to weight ratio is completely off, along with the closed hang which makes the current setup almost useless.

I have requested a return and refund from the online retailer, minus the restocking fee. What a shame, I was so excited about this axe, but realized it was completely useless the moment it was in my hand.

Thanks again for your input Square-Peg and SamuriDave, greatly appreciated!
 
It is a carving axe to be used from anything from making wooden shoes to spoons. The geometry lets you grip right up under the head while maintaining good balance. If you don't like it get something suitable for what you need and pass it on to someone who will appreciate it as it is made, rather than altering it right off the bat. Alternatively maybe it's a sign from your subconscious that you would really enjoy slojd.

E.DB.
 
Last edited:
Ernest, thanks again for your input. So what you're saying is that this setup, including the massive 3 3/4 lbs bit, with the small angle between beard and handle (hang), along with such a short handle, is actually well suited to carving? I cant imagine having any level of dexterity with such a massive bit. Maybe my arms are not built to Swedish standards?

I have conscious thoughts that I would love slojd! But I'm in Canada, and finding a traditional instructor here would be difficult.
 
Last edited:
Axes every bit as big and more used to rough out blanks for bowls or in shoe making for example are not so uncommon, really it comes down to the relationship between the user, both physically, as well as subjective personal preferences, and the style and posture of work each person adopts or develops, the axe - dimensions geometry, and the (scale of) work being undertaken. The hang on this axe, is rather closed indicating a certain relationship between the user and the work piece rather than a misconception or faulty execution in the nature of the axe. As long as a good balance can be achieved - and I would guess that with the shape of the handle and the head that is no problem with this axe - the extended poll supported between thumb and forefinger, the nice swelling right there under that up against the heel of the hand, a little notch for the middle finger where the head meets the inside of the handle with the forefinger extended down the cheek, the mass then used to full advantage in removing large amounts of wood effectively in more of a slicing than a chopping action, before moving on to another axe, gouge, inshave, adze or knives... for further work.
There is, in any case, one truth to be taken away and that is you can never have to many axes. Once you've used it for a small amount of time you will probably find its advantages and be glad to have such an axe.

E.DB.
 
This is an ordinary carpenter's ax. Main grip ax - "in the hands of one and a half": one - the main grip,
second hand - maintenance.
 
I would say that is a good representation of a traditional swedish multi purpose carving axe. The shape and length of the handle is not what I would choose, though and the hang of the bit seems way to closed for me. The long and upswept blade realy helps when carving and the way this is mounted looks to take much of that away. For a reference to what many knowledgeable axe users around here would consider a perfect do it all axe look at "Hjärtumyxan" (daskebackarn). From what I have read the obnoxious head weight have been a source of pride for swedish people

But you seem not to be mainly interested in a tool for rough shaping, but more fine carving, basic slöjd stuf. In that case, I find a 1 1/2lbs head the most useful. Big enough to remove large amounts of material, small enough to be comfortable using for a couple of hours.
 
Last edited:
That is some damn interesting reading you have passed on KK and about the most costly axes. As I looked into it all, I saw that last summer I had driven with the auto right past this place Hjärtum on the E45 where they were doing some major road construction, the road crew members wearing florescent Bläklader kilts for good visibility, but it was on a Sunday so the forge was probably closed up anyway I know I turned the car around to stop in at that roadside antique store and they were, but yeah four-hundred and a half euros is more than Enander is asking for his nice socketed laminated timmerbila, even second hand versions cost more than new. Still, I'll keep an eye open.

E.DB.
 
@Ernest, I think it's interesting for everyone to learn, especially me, that the axe geometry and bit size is intentional and not an error in execution, so thanks for helping us understand this axe. The ignorance seems to be all mine, in purchasing this axe without knowing what it's used for. To my defense, the photos were deceptive and I did not expect the geometry that I received.

@KingKoma, I am interested in finding an axe for rough carving work, but not for the tasks that ernest described this axe might be used for, such as carving blanks for clogs.

Thanks for the book link and website, will check it out!

One this is for certain, I continue to be impressed by Scandinavian woodowrking and craftsmanship. And, yes, one can never have too many axes.
 
I dont know what the rules say about this but I have heard nothing but good things about http://www.djarv.se/ if nothing else it might be a good place to look at some nice traditional pattern axes.
 
Well, going on from the details that KK posted up there I came across Claesons out of Göteborg retailing the pattern of the axe pictured here in this topic made by the smith of Hjärtum, yes the famous "Hjärtumyxan". There are four standard sizes offered from .56 KG up to 2.3 KG. And best of all they come unhandled so the buyer can custom hang it, the way an axe was intended to come to the user.

Having dealt with these people for various other things, I can say they are good and efficient and friendly to boot. It's not a commercial endorsement, just a recognition of competency.

E.DB.
 
Ernest DuBois said:
Well, going on from the details that KK posted up there I came across Claesons out of Göteborg retailing the pattern of the axe pictured here in this topic made by the smith of Hjärtum, yes the famous "Hjärtumyxan". There are four standard sizes offered from .56 KG up to 2.3 KG. And best of all they come unhandled so the buyer can custom hang it, the way an axe was intended to come to the user.

Having dealt with these people for various other things, I can say they are good and efficient and friendly to boot. It's not a commercial endorsement, just a recognition of competency.

E.DB.
Click to expand...


That place is a marine retailer, they sell mostly tar and tools for boat building and maintenance. I often see the Hjärtumyxa referenced in connection with boats so maybe the pattern began as a shipwrights axe? At any rate, it seem to me like the holy grail of swedish axes, being the oldest and only surviving swedish axe pattern still in production. There are cheaper alternatives, though, in the various "carpenter axes" sold by the big makers.
 
craft said:
I am interested in finding an axe for rough carving work, but not for the tasks that ernest described this axe might be used for, such as carving blanks for clogs.
Click to expand...

Stubai and Mueller both make a wide variety of carving hatchets. A regular broad hatchet is useful, too. You can find a plethora of carpenters hatchets on the auction site. And even the common camp hatchet makes a pretty decent carver when profiled and sharpened correctly.
 
Square_peg said:
...even the common camp hatchet makes a pretty decent carver when profiled and sharpened correctly.
Click to expand...

Indeed, the Swedish book on Slojd that's mentioned in this thread recommends an American hatchet.
(Note: this is a British translation of the book originally published in Sweden):

books

books


books


Several years ago, Lee Valley tools had a special price on a Gransfors carving hatchet, around $100, and I asked Peter Vido if he thought it would be a good purchase. He recommended that I instead get a vintage American hatchet at a flea market to use for carving, and save a lot of money in the process.

In the Foxfire 9 book, there's a chapter on how an old-timer carves axe handles, using only an American hatchet (as shown in the photo), then some rasps and a pocketknife.

"...People would be after me for handles way back whenever my first kids were born, and my oldest girl's sixty-three years old... Ain't hardly nobody left now can make 'em right." -- Frank Vinson (pictured below), quoted in Foxfire 9.

--

F9.jpg
 
Fascinating stuff to me. I am having a copy of that book sent to me now. Thank you to the Northern Euro and Scandinavian contingent that has been contributing more lately. I for one would also enjoy seeing more from Russia.

As for the axe, its too bad that it is not what you were looking for because it is a beautiful tool. If you keep it and find that the hang is too closed (which it appears to be) you can practice your carving skills and carve yourself a new haft for it. Thats what I would do but I have Swede blood coursing through my veins and my fair share of that hardheadedness that comes with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top