HELP!!!!! what is this type of axe called

[Ugaldie]

That tool has had different designs and names, the last one was Pulaski. It uses to be a dependable tool to work in hard conditions, this is the tool if you will dig and cut any type of wood.

The oldest name I know for this type of tool is "dolabra". The dolabra was the most realted tool to Roman legionnaires.

Romans were masters adopting good ideas from others, I don't think they were the inventors of this tool but this name is the most ancient name of this tool which has arrived to my ears.

This type of tool has been very common in west Europe, specially (and curiously) in the lands were vineyards were common. I know this tool is very handy for vineyard tasks, for much more tasks too. As I know there is not evidence of a direct relation but it coincides.

As you said this tool was very common in the Iberian and Italian peninsulas and France. This type of eye is the most common in Spain and Portugal (I don't know about Italy), but you can find all types of eyes in France, this one included. If I had to choose I would say the "axe" we are talking about here is French.


Hope this helps

 

[Square_peg]

I LOVE that this forum has contributors from diverse cultures with knowledge of regional tools. This is invaluable.

 

[Kevin Houtzager]

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[Yellowdog762]

We call it a Mattock. Or, more specifically, a Cutter Mattock to differentiate it from a Pick Mattock, which has a point on one end.

If you have to dig a hole in an area with a lot of roots, they are a huge time saver!