Axe question for wood carvers

[Chris the Cat]

I have been offered a GB carving axe at a good price,and as I have always fancied having a go I think I will take it.
Now,and I know this is going to sound like a stupid question! but what bevel face do I need!?
I am right handed,and as you all know they come in left bevel only,right bevel only or double bevel. Do I take it that I want a right bevel or double bevel??
Thanks for any help!!
Chris.

 

[launditch1]

If you are right handed you will need the axe with the bevel on the Right hand side.
Im assuming they are like a side axe,ie only one bevel and flat on the other side..

So.Handle to the left hand side,axe head on the right the bevel will be on the right hand side.Make sence?

 

[jojo]

I don't think the carving axe is RH or LH like some carpenter's side axe, I think you can use it either hand.

 

[Tiley]

If it's a Swedish Carving axe, go for the right-handed bevel if you're right-handed. It really does make a difference! They are wonderful tools; mine has pushed my SFA into second place in terms of being a 'user'.

 

[Chris the Cat]

Thanks gents!
I will find out more and get back to you!!
C da C.

 

[Dave Budd]

Chris, I've got two GB carviing axes, one right handed and the other double beveled. If you want to come and have a play to see what you like, just let me know

The right handedness is not as defined as on a side axe, it's more sided to one way or another than a double bevel. It's about two thirds over to one direction rather than having the edge in the centre of the blade. In use you can tell the difference, but either one bites deeper than a normal hatchet it's more that the handed version allows for more parallel cuts (like a side axe)

 

[Chris the Cat]

That makes sense Dave,thanks for that!
Hope all is good with you,C and S!
My best.
Chris.

 

[nickg]

Chris

I have a side axe and a right hand carving axe. I am right handed. The biggist difference that i have found is that the handle of the Swedish carving axe is cast off to the right - as you hold it in your hand and look down on it a right hand axe has the flat face to the left hand of the head and the handle as it points to your body angles out to the right. This means you can get the head parallel to the cut without skinning the knuckles of your right hand - useful if you are trimming a flat face to a log etc.

Cheers
Nick