How to Chop Like a Champ

[sashae]

I've been thinking a bit on the differences/uses for various patterns of axes over time, and decided to do a bit of searching to see /why/ certain patterns are the way they are. I knew historically that a wide-bit pattern was for hardwoods and short bits for softwoods, and there was a /lot/ of marketing reasons for the existence of so many different types. During my searches, I found this great article from Popular Science of October 1962 called "How to Chop Like a Champ" and thought it was of good general interest.

My curiosity as to why both a Rockaway and a Jersey pattern exist has not yet been quenched, but this is some good material. Enjoy!

 

[Square_peg]

Great article.

I knew historically that a wide-bit pattern was for hardwoods and short bits for softwoods

You've got that backwards.

 

[chuxwan]

Awesome, thanks.

 

[cityofthesouth]

That double bit knob handle is pretty interesting. Good article, good read. Thanks!

 

[DocT]

Great article. Thank you for it.

 

[Bollingern]

Thanks.....good read.

 

[JayGoliath]

Many thanks for sharing.

 

[halfaxe]

Excellent article. An Emerson & Stevens Racing axe. Another grail axe to look for.

 

[garry3]

Excellent article. An Emerson & Stevens Racing axe. Another grail axe to look for.

Ya, my thoughts exactly. I am glad you don't live close to me.

 

[sashae]

I thought the short handle with the big racing head was pretty nuts myself..

 

[300Six]

I thought the short handle with the big racing head was pretty nuts myself..

Agreed! Like finding a Vette engine under the hood of a Chevette. For sure that fella has a keen stroke, good eye and powerful arms.

Choice of heads I can understand but handles baffles me. Whatever; he sure knows what he's doing.