New to it all. Question about an axe head.

[Curt Hal]

I am new to the axe thing, but really enjoying it. I purchased a Michigan style axe head off EBay. Upon close inspection, the bit appears to be slightly convex on one side and slightly concave on the other. Might there be a reason for this, or is it an improper grind?

 

[Steve Tall]

Can't think of a reason it would be made that way intentionally.
Even Gransfors makes mistakes sometimes:

...

...This specific example from Gransfors actually has a slight hollow on one side of its face...

 

[300Six]

Makes you wonder if it warped from being a hot fire. I've come across cast iron pans that no longer have flat bottoms due to excess heat.

 

[Square_peg]

Might there be a reason for this, or is it an improper grind?

Not an improper grind but an improper forging. It'll still work.

 

[Curt Hal]

Thanks, everyone. As a nube, I really appreciate the advice. As I worked on it, I realized the forging was fine, but the cutting edge was wonky, which was giving me the impression that one side was convex and the other concave. Time with the file straightened it all out.

 

[Bo T]

I met one faller who convexes one side and sets the other flat. He said it helps keep the bit from sticking.

 

[300Six]

I met one faller who convexes one side and sets the other flat. He said it helps keep the bit from sticking.

Must have been an old codger! Back in 81 while touring the MacMillan-Bloedel forestry operations in Kelowna BC axes had already become sideline gizmos only to cut rope, help unstick power saws and knock ice off the Cat-powered feller-bunchers.