Origin of axes styles.

lucas teixeira said:
thought that this style originated in Spain, begins to have reference to the south america. as is the case in the US tomahawk.
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Lucas, as I said earlier, it may have originated from a common late Medieval or early modern type of European axe, which might have been common on the Iberian Peninsula (Portugal, Spain, including the Souther Basque regions) and the Northern Basque regions of neighboring France.

Axes similar to the South American axes were still produced in France in the late 19th Century.
There is an example in the catalog of the French firm F. Bret et Cie, discussed in another thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1351140-Old-European-axes

Also, look at these two vintage axes, a belt and a felling axe (with a 26” handle) from North America:

http://www.cowansauctions.com/auctions/item.aspx?ItemId=11129

They do look very similar to the Brazilian axe, don’t they?

Additional readings about these poll-less, round or oval eyed antique axes:

http://www.architectureweek.com/2000/0823/building_2-2.html

http://www.architectureweek.com/cgi...cle=building_2-2.html&image=11096_image_3.jpg

http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf99232823/pdf99232823Pdpi72pt04.pdf

The South American axe pattern(s) like your Brazilian axe has been likely influenced by the broader bits of the typical North American felling axes, minus the poll and the narrower eye.
 
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lucas teixeira said:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/fs_publications/99232823/toc.cfm

Very much interesting material prepared by the US government.
Chapter for the source of the ax, and ther utilities.
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Lucas, this the “Ax to Grind” written by Bernie Weisgerber, who is also a member on this forum. The material was endorsed by the US government, but written (“prepared”) by Bernie.
It is well known and well liked writing on axes. I have referred to its first chapter, “The Brief History of the Ax” in my previous post (the last link).

I think this text is a must for any beginner and even for advanced axe enthusiasts.
 
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