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John H.
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 Posted: Thu 29 Nov, 2007 12:02 am Post subject: The Horseman's Axe (my first attempt)... |
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I was inspired earlier this year by THIS thread from 'Toni R'. I already had an angle grinder, so I began casually searching for an axe to use as a starting point.
A few weeks ago I went to a local estate sale, where I found a very old double-sided axe that was in pretty bad shape (& affordably-priced as well). The handle was present but snapped off, & the axe-head itself was broken in the corner (I only have a crappy cellphone pic of the original state, as I wasn't sure I would be using this piece for anything):
[ Linked Image ]
Because of the damage on the axe-head, I decided to try my hand at creating a 'Horseman's Axe'. I figured that I could make use of the shortened piece of the original handle, & grind the head into a pleasing, yet functional shape. In addition, there seemed to be so many different designs (historically-speaking) with regards to the shape of the axe-head on these weapons, that I could use my imagination a bit. I probably drew up a dozen designs for the axe-head before I settled on this configuration (which is slightly different than any I have ever seen in ancient/medieval or even modern replicas). I shortened the handle to 24 inches, & re-installed it. I liked the natural color of the wood (hickory), so I just sanded off the old finish & cleaned it with a wood cleaner/treatment (which darkened it slightly). I'm pretty happy with the results:
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Thanks for looking! :D
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M. Eversberg II
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| Posted: Thu 29 Nov, 2007 12:11 am Post subject: |
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That is one awesome axe.
M.
This space for rent or lease.
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Gary A. Chelette
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| Posted: Thu 29 Nov, 2007 1:25 pm Post subject: |
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Nice work. That must have been a lot of grinding!
Are you scared, Connor?
No, Cousin Dugal. I'm not!
Don't talk nonsense, man. I peed my kilt the first time I went into battle.
Oh, aye. Angus pees his kilt all the time!
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Allen Andrews
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| Posted: Thu 29 Nov, 2007 1:41 pm Post subject: |
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Thats pretty cool! Wicked beak :)
" I would not snare even an orc with a falsehood. "
Faramir son of Denethor
Words to live by. (Yes, I know he's not a real person)
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Shayan G
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| Posted: Thu 29 Nov, 2007 1:50 pm Post subject: |
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It has an exotic look, like a Bat-a-rang and an axe had a child. Nice design!
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Jean Thibodeau
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| Posted: Thu 29 Nov, 2007 11:44 pm Post subject: |
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I might add bevels to the beak on the outside and inside of the hook/beak. These could be fairly obtuse in angle for robustness
i.e. not very sharp, but the geometry would improve armour piercing qualities and also look good aesthetically.
Just a suggestion, but very nice work as it is now. :D
You can easily give up your freedom. You have to fight hard to get it back!
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John H.
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| Posted: Thu 06 Dec, 2007 3:25 pm Post subject: |
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| Gary A. Chelette wrote: | | Nice work. That must have been a lot of grinding! |
Aye. It took about 16 hours total (over 4-5 days), & I wore down 4 cutting wheels to basically nothing in the process. :cool:
Thanks!
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D. Michael McIntyre
Location: USA Joined: 12 Nov 2007
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Mon 10 Dec, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Jean Thibodeau wrote: | I might add bevels to the beak on the outside and inside of the hook/beak. These could be fairly obtuse in angle for robustness
i.e. not very sharp, but the geometry would improve armour piercing qualities and also look good aesthetically. |
I second that motion. This is very nice as it stands now, but this bevel you suggest would be the perfect finishing touch.
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Etienne Hamel
Location: Granby (QC) canada Joined: 09 Sep 2006
Posts: 443
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| Posted: Wed 12 Dec, 2007 8:32 am Post subject: |
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Nice axe! you are getting me creative!
but i will probably do a double bladed beard axe or something like that.
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Ross McCarthy
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| Posted: Wed 12 Dec, 2007 7:10 pm Post subject: |
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Pretty good for a first attempt old son ! :D
R. McCarthy
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John H.
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| Posted: Wed 12 Dec, 2007 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for the positive comments everyone!
| D. Michael McIntyre wrote: | | Jean Thibodeau wrote: | I might add bevels to the beak on the outside and inside of the hook/beak. These could be fairly obtuse in angle for robustness
i.e. not very sharp, but the geometry would improve armour piercing qualities and also look good aesthetically. |
I second that motion. This is very nice as it stands now, but this bevel you suggest would be the perfect finishing touch. |
I have no doubt that you both are correct about beveling the beak. However, all the grinding on this piece was done before I mounted it on the handle. I plan to do some more axes in the future, & I'll definitely be applying the suggestion to later pieces. :D
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Jean Thibodeau
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| Posted: Wed 12 Dec, 2007 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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| John H. wrote: | Thanks for the positive comments everyone!
| D. Michael McIntyre wrote: | | Jean Thibodeau wrote: | I might add bevels to the beak on the outside and inside of the hook/beak. These could be fairly obtuse in angle for robustness
i.e. not very sharp, but the geometry would improve armour piercing qualities and also look good aesthetically. |
I second that motion. This is very nice as it stands now, but this bevel you suggest would be the perfect finishing touch. |
I have no doubt that you both are correct about beveling the beak. However, all the grinding on this piece was done before I mounted it on the handle. I plan to do some more axes in the future, & I'll definitely be applying the suggestion to later pieces. :D |
Probably easier to do on an unmounted head but it should be doable even mounted with a handheld angle grinder or dremel tool or workbench mounted belt grinder: All depends on your comfort level and skill doing this freehand.
Anyway, nice as is. :D :cool:
You can easily give up your freedom. You have to fight hard to get it back!
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