This head design- why not?

[Gress]

Here is head design sometimes (if not often) used on finnish and russian axes and hatchets.
See this lip?

I have one like that

and it makes the head way more stable with heavy work. I am just wondering why is it not used?

 

[The Zieg]

Perhaps we don't see it very often because it is a complication in the forging process. I can see the usefulness of the little tab for stability and maybe for over strikes. What can you tell us about the axe you have there?

Zieg

 

[aikonen]

I am watching Happy People from the Taiga right now, they use those kind of hatchets and axes... It looks nice. I want one, NOW!!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Perhaps we don't see it very often because it is a complication in the forging process. QUOTE]

Hit the nail on the head. It's just more complicated to make and to haft, from a production standpoint, and the market isn't perceived by manufacturers as having a large enough demand for the feature to sustain the higher cost.

 

[Gress]

Whoever start doing it will IMO be able to command the higher price. I had number of axes with and w/o this feature. I can attest to superiority of the tab. Especially in the hands of amateurs when not every strike is a perfect strike.

 

[Gress]

And as for my hatchet, It serves me for 25+ years. It has been reliable and it accompanied me in all kind of wilderness trips and did everyday jobs in my yard.

I admit, I do minimal care for it. It sure deserves new handle now.

Here with a knife I highly regard for any small wood jobs.

 

[Guitarist7.62]

Yes, manufacturing and profit have a lot do it with it. But so does looks. Unless you're into axes like we are, it just seems ugly(no offense, I think it has a lot character) there's a reason why all hardware store axes look alike, because that's what people buy.

 

[Gress]

No offense taken. Many don't like triangular blade shape at all although it works quite well.
I am with you on the looks tough as there are many beautiful designs which are not only great looking but also proven performers. And this is why I have asked my question: why did not mainstream industry adopt the supporting tab design?
I think it would not affect looks that much, but would have greatly improved the stability. I for one would be buying at a higher price no problem. If any custom maker does it I will be willing to pay.

 

[Guitarist7.62]

That tab, I'm not sure about this, but they would probably have to retool all vices and clamps and the hanging/handles, and depending on how big the tab is it can change the handle design as well meaning that the "off the shelf handles" wouldn't work, or be hard to fit.

 

[Square_peg]

Here with a knife I highly regard for any small wood jobs.

That's an interesting knife. What is it called?

 

[Gress]

It's Boker Vox MTT Mega Tanto. It is flat on the other side which makes it great for wood work.

(Pic is not mine)