Here is an executioners axe , based on the axe in the tower of london
weight is just shy of 7.5lb., it is a BIG axe. the edge is 26 centimetres .
the socket construction was an interesting exercise in going back to school (it took me a few attempts ) , since making this axe I have obtained an original and was gratified to see my construction was pretty close to being correct.
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That looks very authentic!

Now all you need is a black hood, a chopping block and volonteers so we can determine how it worked historically. ;)

Nice work! I have always been curious if it is hard to keep the edge aligned when you swing one of those. I've never handled one but it "looks" like the head would want to turn as you accelerate down. But then again with a weight of over 7lbs that might cancel that tendency out and it could be exactly the opposite? Do you have anything you could add about that? Thanks.

Wow! Nice to see a piece of work that has the degree of extremity generally reserved for fantasy art, without actually becoming gaudy fantasy work.