how to put a beard on an axe?

[paleosteveo]

i noticed that some folks have put a beard on their trail hawks. im thinking about doing it on my pipe hawk. how does one go about it, i searched for it but i could find a tutorial. any ideas tips or pointers? thank you all so much in advance

 

[Ookami]

The blade is only hardened up to approximately 1" from the edge. You can use a file on the unhardened part.


Ookami

 

[BearKinder]

File, coping saw, or Dremel.

 

[pullrich]

Done in a matter of seconds with an angle grinder.

 

[Ballenxj]

i noticed that some folks have put a beard on their trail hawks. im thinking about doing it on my pipe hawk.

What's a "Beard" in relation to an AXE or Hatchet, and why would I want one?
Sorry, just trying to learn.
-Bruce

 

[IlikeSA]

The beard is the lower end of the blade of a hawk or axe, where the bottom point stops. The beard then extends back to the haft. To answer the OP, a mill file will do it. Be careful with your angle though.

 

[BearKinder]

What's a "Beard" in relation to an AXE or Hatchet, and why would I want one?
Sorry, just trying to learn.
-Bruce

The beard is the unsupported part of a head then sweeps downward. Here's an example:

Reason you (may) want one is:
1.) On a fighting axe like a tomahawk or battle axe, you can get a long sweeping edge while saving a lot of weight versus a solid head.
2.) On a working axe, it allows you to choke up with your hand directly behind a good portion of the edge for butchering, fine carving and hewing, giving you better control.

For full-on heavy swings like when felling, bucking or splitting logs, it's not so good, as it is weaker than a solid bit, and the lighter weight, while easier to carry will not bite as deep.

 

[Carolina River Rat]

Just don't shave it for a couple weeks.

 

[Ballenxj]

The beard is the unsupported part of a head then sweeps downward. Here's an example:

Reason you (may) want one is:
1.) On a fighting axe like a tomahawk or battle axe, you can get a long sweeping edge while saving a lot of weight versus a solid head.
2.) On a working axe, it allows you to choke up with your hand directly behind a good portion of the edge for butchering, fine carving and hewing, giving you better control.

For full-on heavy swings like when felling, bucking or splitting logs, it's not so good, as it is weaker than a solid bit, and the lighter weight, while easier to carry will not bite as deep.

Thanks for your in depth answer. Sorry it took so long to get back to this thread. Been trying to read a few hundred emails.
-Bruce