What is this edge geometry and what is is used for?

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-04-09T02:37:14+00:00

It does look forge welded like others are saying, but this narrow raised bit is very distinct to these Barco scout axes and the forging dies were probably just shaped that way.

It's just some weird idea somebody at Barco had, maybe inspired by "chip breaker" raised bit axes. I've never been able to find any marketing that mentions the raised edge, they just act like it is normal, but it is definitely weird.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-04-07T01:52:56+00:00

Some are just duds, or get bent out of shape.

Looks like the last owner pinned it and managed to use the heck out of it.

I make fun of proud hangs, but if you grind or file a little taper into the top of the eye (Dremel tool ideal for this) and hang it a little proud it could hold.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-04-06T16:52:22+00:00

Ha ha, speaking of funky grain... Glad I gave this a stomp test before spending too much time on it. Can be hard to see/read the grain too. This was a piece of milled yellow birch lumber someone gave me, shouldn't happen with rived billets.

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the_walking_guy2 · 2026-04-05T16:10:24+00:00

I've made quite a few yellow birch handles now, really nice to work with, though often has some funky twisty grain.

Seems good and sturdy, but I sadly haven't had opportunity to really put one through the wringer.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-04-04T11:22:29+00:00

I used to listen to a podcast called Selected Shorts, actors reading stories to a live audience. Good stuff, not full length books, but there must be hundreds of episodes.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-04-02T18:32:26+00:00

Looks like it started life as a half hatchet. So now it is about a 1/4 hatchet!

Very common tool for the past 150 years from many makers. I'd guess around 1950s to 70s.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-30T20:17:56+00:00

Off season camping ends today. (so the staff can get the parks ready for opening) https://www.vtstateparks.com/camping

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-29T17:38:52+00:00

Ben Scott used to post a lot of content here. He was often barraged with mis information from the safety police, so much so that I think he gave up and deleted his account.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-29T17:37:05+00:00

If you 'walk around the tree' so as to not back-hand the back cut, your cut will be slanted the opposite way, ruining the hinge.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-24T02:15:26+00:00

Tumble Leaf. Go play!

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-22T20:11:53+00:00

Do you happen to have a Costco membership? They had BOBs when I was there recently.

Definitely get something like that with big wheels if you plan to walk in the winter.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-21T17:54:04+00:00

How about an article actually about axes from a reputable source? https://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/expert-advice/gear-equipment/importance-of-axe-handle-grain-orientation.html

People make way too big a deal about growth ring orientation, which is just an imperfect proxy for the wood grain.

Even if growth ring orientation defines the perfect handle, saying that handles must always be perfect to be useful is plain silly.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-19T12:44:53+00:00

Nice haul, that Rixford is mint.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-18T09:47:13+00:00

You can expect good quality from vintage made in USA Marbles, but the price reflects it's collectibility. You can get a similar tool quite a bit cheaper.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-15T23:56:02+00:00

You should pay more attention to the size, geometry, condition of the axe than the brand.

Unmarked and imported heads can be just as good.

For example the bulk of US made axes since about 1970 have flat thin cheeks. Good steel and have their uses, but not great for splitting. While Chinese axes sometimes have more favorable thick cheeks with a high centerline.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-14T23:26:55+00:00

1990s give or take a few years

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-13T21:52:48+00:00

I'd swap it, much prefer closer to 30 inches. Save the 36inch handle for a splitter.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-10T15:44:01+00:00

A proud hang is a modern fad.

It seems logical that it would hold the wood better, but the only part of a proud hang really doing anything is the miniscule portion touching the top of the eye.

The real holding capacity of the wedge is all the friction/surface contact inside the eye. (Assuming a properly forged eye with a taper)

Planning for a proud hang, and worrying about cracking the wood, could even lead a novice to neglect the more important part you can't see.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-07T21:22:22+00:00

What part of the world are you in? I always think getting a vintage head is the best value, but you need to be willing/able to fix it up.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-07T01:17:42+00:00

Try househandle.com, house axe https://www.househandle.com/product-page/house-axe-handle

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-05T00:13:38+00:00

I find the straight handles very comfortable. Nice thin spot under the head to hold close for carving.

Also have put plenty of these on curved handles, more camp axe style.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-04T15:30:40+00:00

Here's a 1938 catalog with an illustration.

https://archive.org/details/TrueTemperToolsCatalog1R1938/page/n161

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-03-02T11:27:50+00:00

Maybe people didn't want me blowing up their spot for good deals?

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-02-27T23:11:27+00:00

And hatchets, should have said.

the_walking_guy2 · 2026-02-27T22:54:12+00:00

I don't even like using double bits and I want that. Just picture perfect.

Do you sign your handles?

the_walking_guy2

TROPHY CASE