Couple of nice hooks Jas and not a bad find.
Havent come across Kitchin before but perhaps the clue is the fact that it is Government issue and perhaps it was a one of order. This would be of interest to a collector. You arent doing anything wrong when you are using the hook, it is just the fact that you are using it for the wrong job.
The shape and the weight of the hook is design for snedding ( trimming of branches) up the sides of timber. The broad blade is designed to give you maximum power at the point where you will be cutting and that is about 1 2 back from the nose. These hooks are only really any good for that job and believe, you can cut through some wood with them but as you have found out, they arent any good for leverage work.
The Martindale that you have is also a rare hook, this company, like all good companies, was founded in the 1800s and was based in the midlands. You have to be careful with the numbers on hooks as this quite often interpreted as the year of manufacturer, when in fact it is the stock/model number.
With regards to the Hook v Axe debate, I will let their owners speak for themselves, but in my opinion, the axe is the wrong tool for bushcraft. I believe that someone has picked up an axe and everyone else has followed without giving much thought to the functionality of an axe. An axe is design for a couple of tasks, felling timber, not wood and for splitting a log in half, period. What seems to be happening is that the bushcraft world is trying to get the axe to fit every purpose, but it wont, because it cant All you have to do, is look at any woodsmen tools. They may own an axe, but dont know where it is. I can guarantee you that they will have at least 4 hooks and they know exactly where there are, they are right next to them. These humble, under rated tools have been the backbone of our ancient woodlands for thousands of years.
People are starting to see where the hook comes into play in bushcraft world and they are out selling all axes. I believe the reason for this is because people have thought that axe is the must have tool if you are a bushcrafter but have soon realised that 9 times out of ten, it is a pain.
A hook becomes a part of you. Over the years, the handle mould into your hands and that is why woodsmen cuss and moan if they have to use someone elses hook as it feel alien in the hand. I have seen grown men reduced to tears when they realise that their hooks have been stolen.
The axe is a fantastic tool for its job, but it is best left doing the job it was designed for. Wouldnt you agree?
Havent come across Kitchin before but perhaps the clue is the fact that it is Government issue and perhaps it was a one of order. This would be of interest to a collector. You arent doing anything wrong when you are using the hook, it is just the fact that you are using it for the wrong job.
The shape and the weight of the hook is design for snedding ( trimming of branches) up the sides of timber. The broad blade is designed to give you maximum power at the point where you will be cutting and that is about 1 2 back from the nose. These hooks are only really any good for that job and believe, you can cut through some wood with them but as you have found out, they arent any good for leverage work.
The Martindale that you have is also a rare hook, this company, like all good companies, was founded in the 1800s and was based in the midlands. You have to be careful with the numbers on hooks as this quite often interpreted as the year of manufacturer, when in fact it is the stock/model number.
With regards to the Hook v Axe debate, I will let their owners speak for themselves, but in my opinion, the axe is the wrong tool for bushcraft. I believe that someone has picked up an axe and everyone else has followed without giving much thought to the functionality of an axe. An axe is design for a couple of tasks, felling timber, not wood and for splitting a log in half, period. What seems to be happening is that the bushcraft world is trying to get the axe to fit every purpose, but it wont, because it cant All you have to do, is look at any woodsmen tools. They may own an axe, but dont know where it is. I can guarantee you that they will have at least 4 hooks and they know exactly where there are, they are right next to them. These humble, under rated tools have been the backbone of our ancient woodlands for thousands of years.
People are starting to see where the hook comes into play in bushcraft world and they are out selling all axes. I believe the reason for this is because people have thought that axe is the must have tool if you are a bushcrafter but have soon realised that 9 times out of ten, it is a pain.
A hook becomes a part of you. Over the years, the handle mould into your hands and that is why woodsmen cuss and moan if they have to use someone elses hook as it feel alien in the hand. I have seen grown men reduced to tears when they realise that their hooks have been stolen.
The axe is a fantastic tool for its job, but it is best left doing the job it was designed for. Wouldnt you agree?
I'll post some pics when it arrives.
