Double bit hand axe

[Uncle Alvah]

I'm surprized that the double bit hand axe, ala Nessmuk style does not enjoy more popularity.

Marbles offers one, but I don't believe it's particulary well regarded.

Reeves Forge makes a couple versions, but I know little about them beyond that.
http://members.tripod.com/ssidders/id121.htm

In the late 1960's I had a couple that were produced by Norlund. I was quite fond of them. They can still be found on Ebay from time to time, but the collectors have made them very spendy, IMO.

Opinions on the double bit hand axe in general, and info on any contemporary sources for same, would be enjoyed and appreciated.

 

[British Red]

The Reeves is a beautiful axe - rings like a bell

Cegga and I have toyed with making a new one - but it has never quite materialised yet

Red

 

[Bernie Garland]

I knew you'd have to tease us Red.

Bernie

 

[Chips]

The reason I don't use double bit axes is just they aren't practical. Yes, a splitting edge and a felling edge would be handy, but you cant batton wedges with them.

 

[Peter_t]

id love to try one, its a choice between the two cutting edges or the ability to hammer wedges, both have advantages but i think the single edge wins. also i think there is an issue with safty, if the axe bounces back at you from a springy branch the sharp edge of the double bit is alot more dangerous than the flat back of the single bit. this isnt a problem with a longer handle thow.

pete

 

[sam_acw]

I always got the idea that double bits were for the experts. More weight concentrated in a narrow head with two cutting edges.
I doubt many of us practice enough for it to be a true benefit.

 

[Hoodoo]

I tend to prefer a single bit but with a good double bit hatchet, it does not take but a few minutes to make a baton for pounding or fashion a wedge for splitting. One of the advantages of a double bit in a survival situation is that if you should happen to bust a chunk out of the bit on one side, you still have the other side to use.

 

[singteck]

I've never tried a bouble bit axe but I had the pleasure to handle Red's. Beautiful I must say. Would love to try one if I can afford it.

One of the advantage of a poll that might not be apparent to most people is it's ability to be used as a hammer to forge a blade out in the wild. Would be useful if your knife breaks.

singteck

 

[Minotaur]

They do look really nice, but what advantage do you get?

From what he says in Woodcraft, and camping it was not a comman design anyway.

Also wonder how much impact his book had on camping in the UK, or Europe?

Published in 1884, so it predates Scouting for Boys, and there must be other books out there, but not sure how much camping was done in England, before it.

 

[Peter_t]

They do look really nice, but what advantage do you get?

you can have two different edges for different tasks eg. one for softwood and a steeper angle for hardwoods so you can chop softwoods efficently but not blunt it when chopping hardwoods or wood that has lots of knots. also the steeper more convexed edge is far better for splitting than the shallower angle used for softwoods.
another good point about the design is because it is symetrical it is perfectly ballanced althow good single edged axes are well ballenced too but many arn't.


pete

 

[Peter_t]

i once saw a double bit axe head at a boot sale, now im kicking myself for not having a better look!

pete

 

[Minotaur]

you can have two different edges for different tasks eg. one for softwood and a steeper angle for hardwoods so you can chop softwoods efficently but not blunt it when chopping hardwoods or wood that has lots of knots. also the steeper more convexed edge is far better for splitting than the shallower angle used for softwoods.
another good point about the design is because it is symetrical it is perfectly ballanced althow good single edged axes are well ballenced too but many arn't.


pete

Thanks for that.

 

[weaver]

id love to try one, its a choice between the two cutting edges or the ability to hammer wedges, both have advantages but i think the single edge wins. also i think there is an issue with safty, if the axe bounces back at you from a springy branch the sharp edge of the double bit is alot more dangerous than the flat back of the single bit. this isnt a problem with a longer handle thow.

pete

You have the same danger in using the back of a single bit for a hammer. I make a short maul to drive stakes and wedges. Much safer than the back of an ax and easy to make when needed. A hand ax is not really made to hammer with anyway.

 

[stevec]

In kephart's book he mentions that he had used a "nessmuk" style hatchet, but the one that he details for use is just over a pound in weight with a 17" helve, single bitted. i suppose its all personal preference at the end of the day.

steve