I just can across this interesting axe. Can anyone help me figure out more about it?

[BG_Farmer]

No kidding! And he obviously never figured on chopping or splitting wood with it either.

RS=Resistant to Sticking.

 

[Redmeadow Knives]

Really Smooth cuts!

 

[rjdankert]

RS=Resistant to Sticking.

I'm thinking maybe "R S" might not be a previous owner's initials for their real name. That person might have been clever and always "thinking outside the box" and got the nickname Real Smart.

I wonder how the temper is on that bit?

Bob

 

[BG_Farmer]

I'm thinking maybe "R S" might not be a previous owner's initials for their real name. That person might have been clever and always "thinking outside the box" and got the nickname Real Smart.

I wonder how the temper is on that bit?

Bob

It looks like my welding, so I'm guessing the bit is fully annealed !

 

[Redmeadow Knives]

It's deep as can be too, I'm surprised it doesn't show through the other side. Temper seems OK, based on a file.anyways.

 

[Square_peg]

It almost looks like the portion where the claw meets the poll could be tempered or kept from the quench. It's definitely lighter in that area and would make sense to have that spot less brittle.

Indeed. A soft spot just at that location would be beneficial. Great photo! Thanks.

 

[Square_peg]

Whoever R.S. was wanted people to know that was his.

No kidding! And he obviously never figured on chopping or splitting wood with it either.

It's a broad hatchet or side hatchet. The flat side goes against the wood. The chips will be pushed off at the angle of the bevel. I doubt that weld would effect its performance significantly.

Looks like all heck, though.

 

[BigBuddha76]

nice little hatchet. here is some info on the rock island line:
http://www.rits.org/www/histories/rihistory.html