can you tell me about this tool

[iowabow]

Can you guys tell me as much as you can about this axe. How was it used is it left or right oriented etc....

[Spotted Dog]

It is a carpenter/ wood workers hand axe. Used for hewing lumber square for building cabins. A smaller
version of the Log hewing axe for squaring logs.

[iowabow]

Ok that's a great start. Anyone know what the handle length should be on shape

[iowabow]

Also thank you spotted dog.

[bubby]

I've got one of those too and was trying to find a handle shape as well

[bubby]

Here's what i found

[Spotted Dog]

You more than likely have to make it. The Amish folks could help. Hickory about 16" long.

[osage outlaw]

I believe those are designed to have a straight, loose fitting handle so you can reverse it and use it both directions.  If you look at the design of it you can see it's not flat on the top like most hatchets.  It has a lip at the top and bottom.  I have a similar hatchet and it has a solid handle.  I would like to replace it with one that is loose.

[Spotted Dog]

None that I have seen or have own were that way. The flat side would go against the work to keep it flat and not
dig in deep. Most of antique tools I have handled are right handed only.

[mullet]

John, I've had several of those heads. The one thin I learned about them is to fit them to a tight fitting handle. If you use them on staves, go down one side to rough out and then take the head off and flip it around for the other side. This way the flat side against the stave will "kick" out instead of gouging into the wood.

[osage outlaw]

When I said a loose handle I meant one that you can pull off and switch it around on the head.  It should be tight enough to use like Mullet mentioned.

[lostarrow]

 the handles are offset, so the blade can lay flat on the work without busting your knuckles.  Most are universal ,only becoming left or right handed by the side the handle was put in. Some were only right handed , with a small claw hammer arrangement on the poll. Sharpened to a razor edge the same as a chisel . Dead flat on one side bevel on the other and polished like a mirror. Gransform and some specialty smiths still make them . you can check their sites for possible info.

[Pappy]

That one is made for a right handed person, they make them flat on the other side for leftys also.The one in the middle makes a great handle. It works very good for what it was made for. I am still looking for the left hand type.

 Pappy

[BowEd]

Hey John either one will work great for cutting chicken heads off.Just joking.

[mullet]

Pappy, if you want the left handed one just take the head off and flip it over.