Osage Orange haft?

My Father told me that his father used Horse apple trees Bodark trees for ax handles. Subject came up because I was asking about Bodark tree with horse apples on it. My Father and Grandfather who died right before I was born were men who made do with what they had.

RKH
 
garry3: Yes, that makes sense. Bois d'ark would certainly tear up the lathe knives. Pyinkado is also extremely difficult to work with when green and almost impossible when dry. My former Scout Master was in Burma, behind Japanese lines in WWII and had some experience with the wood. Apparently, the stuff lasts longer than steel in the humid environments found there.

Yes, it is challenging to find axe heads locally. I have lived in W. TX for the past 4 years and there's certainly not a lot of trees in this area. About an hour E. of Dallas, in Canton, TX, there is a gigantic flea market covering thousands of acres, with thousands of vendors called "First Monday," which is held once a month and it draws vendors from around the nation. You can find dammed near anything there and I have seen vintage axes there in the past. I was planning a trip out there, which would have coincided with a trip to Dallas next week, but unfortunately, it is not open during the time I will be there. Perhaps I will be able to make a trip out there next summer.
 
Last edited:
garry3 said:
. . . .

If you run out of arrows hunting you could probable beat your pray to death with your osage bow and the bow probably wouldn't have a scratch.
Click to expand...

I'm afraid that if I tried to make a bow It would only be usable to beat the pray with.:D Making a bow is a real art. :thumbup:
 
Sounds to me like a worthwhile project. Gnarly/twisty/non-straight trees don't lend themselves to commercial harvest or exploitation (such as oak/hickory/ash) but a fellow with tools, patience and a keen eye can certainly take advantage of first class wood. Up this way Hop Hornbeam (also called Ironwood) is in a similar category in that it's wonderful for making strong and durable tool handles but is a sonuvagun to get hold of in straight and unblemished pieces. At least Osage has a nice colour and grain whereas Ironwood is white in colour and nearly featureless in character (similar to Basswood/Linden).
 
I have a Lee Reeves Nessmuk Hatchet with an Osage handle and wedges. I think I got it 9 years ago. It has served me very well.

osage1.jpg

osage2.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top