Found a Tomahawk in the shed

[Barney]

Anyone know anything about this tomahawk manufacturer?

The marks state "Chillington" and "ar ax" just below.

Any tips on trying to make a handle for this? It looks like it could be a hidden tang type handle but I don't have a drill bit that long and it would be a bit of a wonky hole I think.

The handle bit is 5/8th wide by 1/4 thick.

Thanks in anticipation

 

[warthog1981]

It looks like a fireman's axe to me try googling it ?

cheers Russ

 

[launditch1]

I think hes right.It probably had a rubber handle one...

 

[launditch1]

That ar-ax should read ARPAX.So its WW2 Air raid patrol axe!Nice one.

 

[Shewie]

That ar-ax should read ARPAX.So its WW2 Air raid patrol axe!Nice one.

Good work fella, I bet you didn't expect an ID that quick Wayne

 

[spamel]

Get a stacked leather handle on it, it'd look awesome!

 

[phaserrifle]

nice find!

Get a stacked leather handle on it, it'd look awesome!

would take a lotta leather though.

 

[spamel]

would take a lotta leather though.

You get quite a lot of leather on a cow! I suppose you could do wood in sections with spacers or similar, just depends what you want it to look like.

 

[Barney]

Cheers for that It does indeed look like the arpax axe, why didn't i think of that.

I needed cheering up a bit as I've just cracked a blade blank trying to straighten it.

The stacked leather sounds a great idea, I will have a look for an axe done like that. Is the steel any good to start with and is it worth doing?

 

[launditch1]

I believe the 'Estwing' axes have a stacked leather handle...

I think it should be good steel.There is also a different pattern that was onboard aircraft in the ww2,similar but the blade extended back in a curve to join a short way under the handle.

Like this:http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Military-Surp...0?hash=item45ed60e049&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

 

[wingstoo]

http://www.nbcd.org.uk/images/arp/fire/arpax.jpg

http://www.nbcd.org.uk/arp/equipment/fire.asp

The 'ARPAX' was manufactured by the Chillington Tool Company Limited of Wolverhampton and is notable for its rubber handle, subject to a patent applied for in June 1938 and finally granted in December 1939. [8]
Being encased in a tough rubber, the handle was claimed to be less liable to catch fire or break than the traditional wooden types, and would also protect the user from potentially fatal shocks if he or she happened to accidentally cut through electric cables. To this end, moulded into the handle was the comforting phrase 'TESTED 20.000 VOLTS'.

Great historic find.

 

[caliban]

Barney, when I did my one and only stacked leather handle I used a £1 belt from a charity shop, it'd take a few belts for an axe handle though, cos you cant use all of the part with buckle holes, you can get belt blanks with no holes on ebay, last time I looked they were about £3 and you can use the whole length. I'd think that you'd have to use a wood or antler bolster and pommel though, wouldn't you? Cool find BTW.

 

[hiho]

iv'e got one of them hiding somewhere...
it has a rubbery handley or did have

 

[Draven]

Nice lookin axe you got there! I agree, stacked leather all the way for that one! Post pics as you do as well

http://www.nbcd.org.uk/arp/equipment/fire.asp

Anyone know why some of the rubber was cut away as mentioned there? Could it have been to stop the rubber wedging in the cut if you whacked right through something, slowing you up?

Pete

 

[Barney]

Thanks for the tips guys, my mind is made up. Due to the stunning photos I will try to reproduce the handle shape as true to the original as possible.

I have some veg tanned through dyed black leather I think I will use that with Buffalo horn and brass end bits.

I'm out tomorrow, away Friday and Saturday back knackered Sunday so will do it up on Monday evening Pics up Tuesday.

A Plan.

 

[8thsinner]

I look forward to the progression and revival of such a fantastic find.

 

[Tengu]

Thats a great find.

Ive got a mini tomahawk but its a big socket type...too small to be a firemans axe

nor any marks upon it.

 

[FGYT]

Saw a couple of these for sale at a local Surplus store with the Rubber handle on

ive got my grandads ARP Axe but thats a wood handle


ATB

Duncan

 

[fishfish]

heres a pic of one in mint condition with mask: