Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: stuckinthemud on January 25, 2016, 10:21:16 am
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So I'm going to spoil myself with a 'new' vintage axe-head off that auction site, or maybe even push the boat out and get two. Any thoughts on what makes a good axe-head for roughing out bows? As I carve equally badly with either hand, swapping when I get tired, is it worth going for both a right-sided and a left-sided hatchet, or does one well-shaped and nicely balanced head mean there's no real benefit to a 'handed' axe? Also, straight-edged blade, curved edge, flaired points (fishtail) or bearded? And finally, how heavy - this is a shaping axe not a felling axe, so big weight is probably a no-no, but how much is comfortable to work with but still heavy enough to do the job? Any/all advice welcome! Thanks
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Personally I like a vintage 1.5 pound Collins with a 14"-16" handle (Osage of course ;)), but the old Plumb hatchets are good quality as well. Norlund also makes a really good quality axe head.
Last year at Mojam, I commissioned a blacksmith named John to build me a 2 pound Scandinavian carving axe (bearded), I am looking forward to getting it at this year's Mojam. I hope it works as well as I have heard they do.
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I prefer a 16" Grizzly, in the 1 hp range :)