Wondering what a custom axe would run

S

Silverthorn

Joined
Apr 24, 2011
Messages
3,910
Hey guys,

I am looking for a bearded axe with a hammer back, that's larger than a "camp axe" but smaller than a proper axe.
I am thinking maybe a 5ish inch cutting edge with a 2 or 2 1/2 inch hammer back.
Say 22 inches oal ?

First question is how much would something like that run me ?

Second question is do those dimensions sound good to anyone else for a all rounder/pack axe?

Or.. am I off my nut ?

Ideas/Thoughts ?

If someone has ideas on how to make this a better axe design, chime in.
If someone can make it for for a good price at good quality, let me know and we can chat.

Thanks in advance for the help

Silverthorn
 
Silverthorn,

I'm actually in the midst of drawing up something similar.
You want to consider construction (full tang?),application (Breaching? tactical, wood-chopping?), steel (O1, L6, 5160?),grinds (Convex?) and geometry (Bearded, hammer back).

At 22" it will still depends on the steel, HT and the types of finishing you want.
I'm visualizing one at max 16", straight handle with both breaching, tactical and could still function as a walking stick (don't flip, i think it's completely making sense to conceal the axe in it with the added length.)

Since this is an all-rounder 22" is quite long. Are you going to hike with it? I'm not well-built so i would carry something at 12-16" in length.
 
Its funny I was actually thinking 18 inches but I thought a 5 inch head might be a bit much on a 16-18 inch oal axe.
I don't NEED it to be tactical really, but it wouldn't hurt my feelings any if it was truly an all rounder.
Realistically thought probably high carbon steel head, wooden handle prefer it to be shaped a bit like the Estwing camp axe handle wise because I really like the feel of that handle, chopping grind..lol so nothing fancy.
More custom just to get it the way I want it, as opposed to custom to build a beast.
My Riflemans hawk is about 20 inches oal so meh, maybe 16-20 range length wise.
I am not a pro was just thinking of my favorite aspects of axes and hawks that I have owned.


P.S Hi JAY !!! Nice to see ya.
 
You might want to talk to the blacksmith called "Kentucky".

Kentucky said:
...the hammer poll was also heat treated like a regular hammer..
4 5/8" wide bearded cutting edge. Hair poppin sharp..
newpics584.jpg

newpics583.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Kentucky AKA Wolf Creek Forge make's some nice Hawk's, Here's another one that he made and I'm sure If you wanted one like this made with a Hammer Poll he would do It,

WolfCreekForge.jpg
 
That's what I want, a bearded axe with a hammer! Been looking at the 2 above for quite some time.
Going to have to start saving up. I gots a feeling they aren't cheap!
 
Seems a bit large for a pack ax, but that may just be me. I know that this one I made easily takes down 6" mountain cedar:

ax005.jpg


ax006.jpg


It's 3 3/8" from the top of the blade to the bottom of the beard in a straight line. Very light, very capable.

But a 5" blade would definitely be do-able. :)
 
I think you guys are right, 5 inches will probably be larger than what I really want,
From some stuff that I have handled the last few days, I am thinking a 4 inch or so cutting surface would be good.
Thanks for the ideas and input guys.
 
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