Man Cave or over the Fireplace Mantle display of old hatchets and axes

[preventec47]

I have some old Pilgrim type broad axes and hatchets that are too rare to use much and
I would like to create a display on the wall or hang over the fireplace etc.
Specifically two axes I'd like to show and up to six hatchets but they dont all have
to be displayed. My first thought was crossing the axes like swords but they dont
cross well as they are too thick.

I considered spooning them all together starting at top right and hanging them diagonally
with each one below offset by the head height and tucked up underneath the one above.

My current thinking is I would take a piece of plywood and cover it with stapled on burlap and drill
holes strategically to insert wood pegs to hang everything on.

Anyone know of any particularly nice display strategies ?

 

[Remzy]

I would only display axes that are not meant for use (as you stated) and keep the handle well oiled as the heat will most likely provoke changes in the wood of the handles.
Also, i believe that less is more so i wouldnt want to cram them all in there, 2 or 3 would make a better display imo.

 

[300Six]

There are two minds of thought regarding 'too rare to use'. Certainly if these are NOS items (especially if they still have factory paint, decals or labels) then using them causes consider drop in value but otherwise no. If anything out there can remain useable and durable for centuries the ultimate has got to be axe heads. Only if you grub in the ground, chop roots or create overly acute blade angles that are vulnerable to damage (ie then having to severely reduce the amount of tempered material in order to re-sharpen) the value of a head doesn't really change.
Would you consider a wheel spoke arrangement for displaying your stuff? Have the heads all at the center with the hafts radiating outwards.

 

[joshiecole]

If anything out there can remain useable and durable for centuries the ultimate has got to be axe heads.

This is how I feel. As for how to display them, I'd go with a simple wall rack myself.

 

[preventec47]

In the case of the pilgrim broad axes, my special concern is the handles being broken. No doubt the axe heads will
be around forever. From time to time I borrow the hatchets as needed to whack on something but the axes I newer
use as I have newer models to abuse when necessary. My better idea for arrangement is now to have the two
axes on top with the heads about 4 ft apart and the handles parallel to each other but about six inches apart.
and underneath the axes I will have the five hatchets with the handles at about a 45 degree angle placed side by
side with the sharp bit of one hatchet about on inch away from the handle next to it. I want to use wood pegs
instead of nails to hang the hatchets on as well as the axes. I'll probably stain the pegs a darker wood color.

Surprisingly to hang the axes horizontally on two nails I have to put the nail closest to the head under the handle
and the nail closest to the grip on top of the handle as the head weight on the nail as a fulcrum is still heavier than
the handle and will pull the handle up.