Which type of axe would you make?????

M3mphis

M3mphis

Joined
Jan 13, 2011
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Hypothetically speaking...if you had the opportunity to go to an experienced blacksmith's shop and forge any axe your heart desired (with the smithy holding your hand throughout) - what style, weight, etc of axe would you make? Assume this is the one and only time you'll likely do this in your life time. What would it be????????????
 
I really like this http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/replikor/p_skaggyxa_skaftholk.html
But I would also like something a little bit fantasy type.
My design would be single bit very broad sweeping blade with pointy edges able to pierce armor modern and medieval. About 3to 3.5 lbs The poll should be adaptable having a standard poll for balance but also be able to hammer on a war spike for batttle. Cost about 200 dollars and I should be able to sell it for about 2 grand.
Today is beer day so I might change my mind tomorrow!
 
I'd make a nice viking axe. Then I'd cruise along in my canoe at the beach at the local state park with my norwegian/german dog and we'd run ashore to raid picnics.
 
I wish I was more experienced with axes. But I think I'd make a 2.5 pound Hudson Bay Axe, convex'ed cheeks, except with a thinner profile than most Hudsons (since they're meant for splitting IMO). I don't do much if any splitting. I'd harden the poll, bevel the edges around it, and I'd add lugs to the head, not sure what would happen but at least it would help tighten the head down for chopping. Also, I'd put a longer eye on it than most boys axes today, like my homebrew hudson.

My crazy mind is also wondering if... on second thought... secret project time. :)
 
cattledog said:
I really like this http://www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/produkter/replikor/p_skaggyxa_skaftholk.html
But I would also like something a little bit fantasy type.
My design would be single bit very broad sweeping blade with pointy edges able to pierce armor modern and medieval. About 3to 3.5 lbs The poll should be adaptable having a standard poll for balance but also be able to hammer on a war spike for batttle. Cost about 200 dollars and I should be able to sell it for about 2 grand.
Today is beer day so I might change my mind tomorrow!
Click to expand...

That gransfors is pretty much money!!
 
A rendition of Condor's Woodworker Axe only boy's axe sized. 28" handle and a slightly scaled up head.
 
Since you can't buy one of these, to my knowledge, I'd make an axe head around 2 pounds that accomodates a removable handle, sorta like the one in this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/939504-Axe-handle-that-s-removeable-like-a-hawk-(from-Italy)

but looking more like a traditional American pattern with a substantial poll (hardened) and high-centerline cheeks.

I think it would be great for packing, bushcraft, and extremely easy handle removal, replacement, and tightening.
 
I guess I would make an o-no. That was the axe of the Japanese yamabushi ("mountain lurkers", also warriors and priests). It was about 6 ft long overall, with a curved edge about a foot long, and was balanced by a heavy peen which I've seen described as scroll-shaped. I might have to scale it up a bit, since these guys were probably not much over 5 ft tall who were using it. Then I'd probably have to carry it in a wheel-barrow.
 
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Steve Tall said:
Since you can't buy one of these, to my knowledge, I'd make an axe head around 2 pounds that accomodates a removable handle, sorta like the one in this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/939504-Axe-handle-that-s-removeable-like-a-hawk-(from-Italy)

but looking more like a traditional American pattern with a substantial poll (hardened) and high-centerline cheeks.

I think it would be great for packing, bushcraft, and extremely easy handle removal, replacement, and tightening.
Click to expand...

I've raised the idea with Joe Flowers in the past and he said he was a step ahead of me. I predict 2013 will see a similar such piece from Condor. Possibly a fokos/ciupaga as well. I hope I hope! :D
 
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