frankish axe for bushcraft?

[Mike8472]

Iv spotted these when i was looking at viking related stuff on the internet at the weekend. With all the talk recently on the forum with tomahawks i was wondering how useful for general camp chores/bushcraft etc one of these would be?

I know they were orininally used for fighting and throwing but i think it looks pretty cool, and wonder about how useful it would be in the woods.

I may just buy one for the cool factor. But just wanted to canvas fellow members opinions!

 

[joejoe]

have you a link please

 

[HillBill]

That type of axe is known as a francisca. Designed purely for throwing. I expect it'd make a decent enough tool.

Normally sold as a weapon online. Tons of them about, quality varies. But most arent made to be used for any proper work, beware.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=fr....,cf.osb&fp=bcfae1d93a8cc2cb&biw=1402&bih=876

 

[Adze]

Well said Mark!

 

[HillBill]

Bargain price on this and it looks/sounds like a proper tool. Not a carp repro

http://www.swordsswords.com/antiqued-vikings-francisca-axe.aspx

 

[Mike8472]

I was looking to buy this one on ebay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Frankish-...Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item27c62e147a


£52 seems like it should be well made?

Worth a punt?

 

[HillBill]

The name of the company selling it is "the costume castle"

The description describes it as a re enactment piece and fully functional.But what is it fully functional in?

 

[HillBill]

If you want to spend that kind of money, get a paul chen version.
http://www.blades-uk.com/view_items.php?cat_id=59

He makes decent swords and other items along that line. I'd go with this over the one you posted up

 

[Mike8472]

http://www.southernswords.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=39&products_id=200

This is the company makes the stuff the ebay seller stocks

 

[Mike8472]

Mark the link won't open on my computer.

 

[HillBill]

Sorry mate, i'm on a Mac. Just paste the link into the address bar at the top

 

[HillBill]

http://www.southernswords.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=39&products_id=200

This is the company makes the stuff the ebay seller stocks

Fair enough then, doesnt look too bad on that site The ebay description set alarm bells ringing for a working tool.

I'd still get the Paul Chen

 

[Mike8472]

Just done that mark they look nice, it has a straight handle on his version, though it is a bit cheaper.

Im torn!

 

[Mike8472]

I was just looking a little closer at the southernswords page and it says they are made by hanwei.
Just googled it and it is paul chen! That is a strange twist!

 

[HillBill]

I expect they will both perform similar to each other. How well they perform as a working tool i do not know. I suppose it comes down to the handle. One will work better for you. Not 100% convinced on the impact strength of that backwards curved handle. It's like building a dam backwards, it wouldn't take the pressure of the water. I've never used one though, those are just my initial thoughts. Just remember it was designed and built as a throwing axe. The curved handle i expect is to aid that purpose.

Just done that mark they look nice, it has a straight handle on his version, though it is a bit cheaper.

Im torn!

 

[HillBill]

Down to handle shape and head finish then.

I was just looking a little closer at the southernswords page and it says they are made by hanwei.
Just googled it and it is paul chen! That is a strange twist!

 

[Mike8472]

Im torn its a hard choice!
I think aesthetically i prefer the antique finish/sweaped handle version.

 

[heath]

Don't go fo an antique finish. I've bought an axe like that for display purposes and antique finish meant very pitted and rusty. Expect to have to change the handle too as it probably won't be fitted properly with a wedge, mor likely to be loose with a pin going through to secure it.