Bag/Belt Axe or Old Roofing Tool?

[mgolab]

Hello Again:

This is the other axe in my collection that I would appreciate any comments/ feedback on. Pretty sure this one is hand forged and handle looks quite old. Based on my research, this one looks more akin to a traditional frontier belt/bag axe.

Dimensions:

5 inches from blade to poll

3inches blade width

10inches overall

15.6 oz

[David]

Seems more a tool than a weapon.

[AHite]

Seems more a tool than a weapon.

Hatchets and their predecessors tomahawks are vicious weapons. The infamous Lizzy Borden supposedly used a hatchet to murder her parents. But yes, this is a tool not made with the intent to be a weapon.

[M ELEY]

Now on this one, I will pause and say in my opinion, this seems like the real deal. Again, there will always be different opinions on these because by their very nature, they are controversial. Hammer pole axes preceded the traditional tool axe, so the only thing that defines one as a weapon and one as as tool are very subtle differences and the time period they were used. Likewise, remember that the pole axe was meant BOTH as a tool and a weapon. The hammer end acted as a counter balance to give a more massive blow, but it could equally be used to chop wood, skin game or hammer in a tent peg. This one appears old, is obviously hand-made and is of an earlier double bearded form. If we accept this as a true hammer pole and not a tool hammer axe, its dimensions indicate that it is indeed a so-called 'bag axe', a more diminutive form compared to a rifleman's belt axe. This is just my opinion, so you can take it for what its worth-:shrug:

[fernando]

Seems more a tool than a weapon.
Definitely.

[mgolab]

Thanks M ELEY for the detailed analysis.

What are your thoughts as to approximate age? My thought was late 18th century to early 19th century. Say 1770s to 1830s...

[M ELEY]

I think your dating is pretty spot-on, long before the days of 'hardware store' pieces. These tools hung around and were essential for survival. I think it's a great little axe!

[gp]

Seems more a tool than a weapon.

most Asian weapons are actually tools...:confused:
at least the ones from martial arts
a poor man's defensive piece against superior attackers

[Interested Party]

I find the slightly offset eye interesting and tool like. Useful to a right-handed person for smoothing and shaping poles and small beams.

[fernando]

... I find the slightly offset eye interesting and tool like. Useful to a right-handed person for smoothing and shaping poles and small beams...

Sharp eye !

[David]

most Asian weapons are actually tools...:confused:
at least the ones from martial arts
a poor man's defensive piece against superior attackers

No argument there. But just about ANYTHING can be used as a weapon with enough ingenuity. I could kill someone with a hammer, a pair of scissors or a screwdriver as well. But we generally discuss intentional weapons on this page and tools end up in the Miscellaneous Forum. ;)

[fernando]

No argument there. But just about ANYTHING can be used as a weapon with enough ingenuity. I could kill someone with a hammer, a pair of scissors or a screwdriver as well. But we generally discuss intentional weapons on this page and tools end up in the Miscellaneous Forum. ;)

And off we go ;).

[A. G. Maisey]

Like a pen.

Very highly under rated implement.

[kronckew]

Tool. And rather crudely made. The 'side axe' offset is good for woodwork, but makes it a terrible weapon.

[David R]

A nice piece with some serious age to it, hand forged with wrap around construction. I would call it a camp axe or bag axe.

[Richard G]

It could be a butcher's\slaughterman's axe. These often had a poll that was designed to be struck by a mallet thus enabling the blade to be placed accurately. Rather like a woodsplitting axe.
I'm not saying it is - just, could be.
Best wishes
Richard

[C4RL]

I would say it's a blacksmith made carpenter's / roofers hatchet with what might be a newer "adze eye" (square) style handle made to fit. Not easy to tell from the photos.

[Richard G]

I came across this the other day. Shows what can be done with a sharp lathing axe.
Sorry about the music.

Regards
Richard

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4uarkKxJkZs