Axe

The Ax(e) is an ancient and ubiquitous tool that has been used for millennia to shape, split and cut wood, harvest timber, as a weapon and a ceremonial or heraldic symbol. The axe has many forms and specialized uses but generally consists of an axe head with a handle, or helve.

Forms of Axes

Axes designed to cut or shape wood

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Felling axe- Cuts across the grain of wood, as in the felling of trees. In single or double bit (the bit is the cutting edge of the head) forms and many different weights, shapes, handle types and cutting geometries to match the characteristics of the material being cut.

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Splitting Axe - Used to split with the grain of the wood. Splitting axe bits are more wedge shaped.

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Broad Axe - Used with the grain of the wood in precision splitting. Broad axe bits are chisel shaped (one flat and one beveled edge) facilitating more controlled work.

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Axes as Weapons

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battle-axe,

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Hurlbat

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Throwing-axe

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Frankish axe or francisca),

Related Topics:
Frankish - Francisca

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tomahawk.

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Halberd

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Forms of Axes for other uses

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Fireman's Axe, Fire Axe- Head has a pick-shaped pointed poll (area of the head opposite the cutting edge)

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Pulaski, an axe with a mattock blade built into the rear of the main axe blade, used for digging ('grubbing out') through and around roots as well as chopping. In addition to the McCloud, (a tool similar to a hoe/rake combination) the Pulaski is an indispensable tool used in fighting forest fires, as well as trail-building, brush clearance, and similar functions.

Related Topics:
Pulaski - Mattock - McCloud - Forest fire

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Mauls, splitting implements that have evolved from the simple 'wedge' design to more complex designs, some of which are mauls with a conical 'axehead' and compound mauls with swiveling 'sub-wedges', among other types; have a heavy wedge-shaped head, with a sledge-hammer face opposite.

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Halligan bar and flat-head axe can be joined together to form what is known as a married set or set of irons, used for forcible entry to structures.

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Climbing or Ice Axe -A number of different styles of ice axe are designed for ice climbing, and, though less used today than in previous times, for rock work, especially in enlarging steps used by climbers.

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In the illustration to the right, from an 1872 "Art of Travel" publication, figure 1 represents a light axe or pick which has the great advantage of lightness and handiness, with a single blade, or adze, suited to step-cutting and with a small hammer-head at the back which balances the pick, and is useful in inserting pegs into rock and ice. Figure 2 represents a travellers' axe, slightly heavier than the first, and which, at least at the time, was recommended as adapted for mountain work of all kinds.

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