Mast Axe Use

C

Chignecto Woodsman

Joined
Aug 2, 2014
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Anyone have information on the use of mast axes? Videos, pictures, stories, anything really.

Basically wondering how useful it might be in log building cabins and other camp structures.
 
I have some mast axes and have tried hewing cabin logs. They will work for that but you would be better off with a New Orleans or a Pennsylvania pattern American broad ax.
 
I have one that I've recently had repaired and is waiting to be hung. I think these were used for general rough hewing. Most were double bevelled - though single bevelled ones were used, too.

I think the reasoning behind this design is that with this one axe a fellow could rough hew a large timber expeditiously. Think - notch, juggle and smooth with one axe. In a pinch you could even fell with it. If you were operating a sailing vessel 250 years ago your mast was your engine. Being able to fabricate a new engine on the spot was a critical ability.

http://mudpondhewing.blogspot.com/2012/07/origins-of-north-american-pattern.html

I can't help but notice the similarity to Kent pattern axes.
 
Square_peg said:
I have one that I've recently had repaired and is waiting to be hung. I think these were used for general rough hewing. Most were double bevelled - though single bevelled ones were used, too.

I think the reasoning behind this design is that with this one axe a fellow could rough hew a large timber expeditiously. Think - notch, juggle and smooth with one axe. In a pinch you could even fell with it. If you were operating a sailing vessel 250 years ago your mast was your engine. Being able to fabricate a new engine on the spot was a critical ability.

http://mudpondhewing.blogspot.com/2012/07/origins-of-north-american-pattern.html

I can't help but notice the similarity to Kent pattern axes.
Click to expand...

Must have been a popular secondary type tool, ie for making timber after felling. I've seen rough timbers hewn with basically a felling axe and very smooth timbers that must have used a single bevel broadaxe, but center bevel was probably good enough for most.
higgins_n_libby_broadaxe.jpg
 
Interesting. Sounds like Oxbow didn't feel it was comparable to a broad axe.

It would be interesting to know if they used different techniques. I would have to assume so. I was thinking that they may have cut along the top, with the grain.

Here's another page from that site with more info:
http://mudpondhewing.blogspot.ca/2012/06/kent-axe-revisited.html

Seems like he had positive results. He shortened the handle a lot on his.
 
I always assumed the mast axe was an earlier style than a Canadian, Pennsylvania, or New Orleans pattern broad axe. Just like goose wings are earlier for hewing axes. Not sure though.
 
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