I Finished my Bearded Axe

[Mossyhorn]

I finally found the time to finish my bearded axe. I bought the head from Ben Tendick way back in May. It's made from .125 L6 stock. I mounted on an Ash handle with a raccoon tail finish. I The whole project was done with hand tools. I cut the slot for the head using hacksaw blades taped together for the appropriate width. I drilled the holes through the handle using an antique hand crank/gear driven drill. I wrapped it with black stained rawhide lace. I may remove it and use a hemp wrap. I used brass pins and West Systems G-Flex epoxy, so the wrap is purely ornamental.

 

[screened porch]

I cut the slot for the head using hacksaw blades taped together for the appropriate width.

That's clever.

 

[Mossyhorn]

Thanks. It worked really well after I got the slot started.

 

[pap11y]

That looks awesome. I love the handle material.

 

[pullrich]

That's badass... well done!

 

[Mossyhorn]

Thanks guys. I used a torch for the rings and an ebony stain from Cabot to get the effect. I followed up with two light coats off outdoor varnish.

 

[Mossyhorn]

I'm thinking about shortening the handle by about 3 inches and applying a black coating with a grit down near the bottom. I don't want to cover up too much of the handle though.

 

[scouter27]

You're just a jerk for buying it while I was asking ky wife

Looks nice though ;-)

 

[Mossyhorn]

Sorry about that. . As I recall the head was not very expensive. I've included the original link.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/953943-Tomahawk-and-bearded-axe-Both-SOLD

 

[scouter27]

At the time, I was a full time student, so funds were pretty tight. Sadly, there seem to be no more.

Hold that thought, I think I emailed him and he might be able to make more. Maybe all is not lost after all!

Thanks for the reminder.

 

[Mossyhorn]

That great news. The L6 is awesome steel.

 

[BenR.T.]

That came out great! I love the long handle.
I would be happy to make more guys, just let me know.

 

[scouter27]

Yes please!!

 

[Deoje]

Can anyone say about how much these would go for?

 

[combs6136]

would .500 in. be to thick for one of these?....................carl

 

[combs6136]

Sorry i mean .250 in..................carl

 

[87matt60]

Very nice work. L6 is tough stuff, you have a great tool on your hands.

 

[scouter27]

Sorry i mean .250 in..................carl

IMO, yes. The bearded axe head would weigh nearly a pound. That's really not too bad, but I'd want it to be big and also light. Others' opinions may differ.

 

[zachtateknives]

I am gonna ask a newb question. Would one cut wood with this style axe or would the handle where it meets the axe head get damaged? I have seen hawks done this way but I was always told they were only intended for fighting. It looks awesome by the way.

 

[scouter27]

You could cut wood, but splitting would be a challenge.