Does anyone on the forum know of a good maker or manufacturer of a Dolabra (Roman entrenching tool). The only one readily available seems to be from Deepeeka. Does anyone have any experience using the Deepeeka model. Any and all information is appreciated. Thanks!

Before seeing the Deepeeka model, I guess I had never even heard of a dolabra. Then again, Roman period things were never of high interest to me. Looking at the Deepeeka on KOA, it seems pretty well made. The only other thing I've ever seen to come close would be a Cold Steel Spike Hawk....not exact, but close. I guess a crafty person could make the brass edge cover....hmmm. Surely other examples could be found on Roman reenactment websites. Good luck!........McM

Check daegrad.co.uk, Dennis Riley is a great guy that does all sorts of tools for both Roman and Anglo-Saxon periods. If he does not have it listed on his inventory he can probably make you one custom.

Bjorn,

Have you seen this on his site? Yikes!
http://daegrad.co.uk/data/storage/attachments...532f2a.jpg

The way I see it this makes it so when the dog is under attack the animal cannot get to your dogs through. Does that sound right?

Raymound,

To me the Dolabra looks like an axe on one side and a mattock head on the other in this picture. I am pretty sure I have seen some old sod tools like that before.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Metopa_Colu...e_drum.jpg
http://www.romancoins.info/MilitaryEquipment-Technology.html

Or a mattock and pick head.
http://www.novaroma.org/nr/Legionary's_tools

I'd check a larger place that sells agricultural/farming or heavy landscaping tools as I am thinking that is where I saw them.

RPM

I've never liked the look of the Deepeeka dolabra--the high polish just seems wrong. The ones I've seen were too large, as well, and the spike or tine was too flat.

My own dolabra is from Albion, back when they were getting some things made by International Steelcrafts in India. Surprisingly good, for an Indian-made tool!

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My axe is just my 18th century tomahawk, the usual hand-forged version, for which I made a Roman edge sheath.

I believe the one shown on the Nova Roma page was made by Dave Stone, here in the US. Excellent piece.

Matthew