Knife-like point on axe heads question

[RedWolf4]

Hey Bladeforums,

I got a question about the purpose of axes/tomahawks with a flared up, knife like tip. Here's a couple examples of what I'm talking about: https://imgur.com/a/kz5tNYN

Both of these are MMHW axes btw. Just wondering if the tips of these axes have a functional purpose or are mainly aesthetic. Also, would there be any drawbacks to a design like this? For example, a weaker tip compared to a regular axe shape, or something along those lines?

Thanks

 

[Gh0zt36]

Hey Bladeforums,

I got a question about the purpose of axes/tomahawks with a flared up, knife like tip. Here's a couple examples of what I'm talking about: https://imgur.com/a/kz5tNYN

Both of these are MMHW axes btw. Just wondering if the tips of these axes have a functional purpose or are mainly aesthetic. Also, would there be any drawbacks to a design like this? For example, a weaker tip compared to a regular axe shape, or something along those lines?

Thanks

The tip being functional I imagine would depend on the thickness and heat treat . The top one almost looks like a Tom Brown tracker . Looks like it could be good for chopping or processing game .

The bottom one looks atleast to me like some 16th century english broad axe . Perhaps used for fighting . I dont know how practical that profile would be for wood work . It' does look like it could do serious damage as a thrusting weapon but the handle seems kind of short and one handed .

To me its more about the blade steel and heat treat . If the blades are made from " Surgical stainless " or other butter soft steel theyre more of a cosplay prop to me but if those 2 were 1095 or atleast a basic working steel 420HC , 12c27 at least theyd probably be working blades . Experiment with them . Se what they can do without folding or chipping . I'd be curious what that bottom picture broad hatchet could do to a 3" radius branch . Might be a good delimber .

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works is a legitimate maker that's been in business a long time. In the case of the examples you posted, the tools are like a hatchet/large chopping knife hybrid, so imagine the tips are being used for the same range of tasks one would use the point of a large camp knife for.

 

[justjed]

MMHW axes and knives are(with a few exceptions), or were, all made from 5160, with a torch hardened edge. I have one of their early fighting axes(1992-ish, and similar to the top picture), 3/8" thick 5160, and it's as close to an indestructible tool as anything I have ever encountered. And if you do happen to break it, they'll fix or replace it. Ted will probably want to know how you managed it, though...