Small axes for ID

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Excellent detective work Stu.

As you say, the traditional form of Jerz axes is very different from my axes.
The Hadhramaut axe pictured shows definate similarites. It would be interesting to see if we could find other examples to clarify if they all have the asymetric downward curve.
These are indeed an interesting type. I don't think I've ever come across an axe that has both the full crescent blade and the downward curve.

This has turned into a very interesting and enlightening, if somewhat frustrating search for me! And from the amount of views, I suspect that others are interested too, so come on you lurkers!!

Best
Gene

Salaams, Point on axe shape absolutely understood. It is fascinating that an axe shape in the hadramaut is so similar to one from somewhere in India. By the way I see on the footnotes of Stu .. The reference from Elgood refers to the Al Ain Museum and Dr Waleed (al ain museum Curator) excavation of exes in the eastern UAE region~ I can see the al ain Museum from my office (almost) so I shall find out if these axes are from the Shihuh. It sounds like they are from that area at least.

[Atlantia]

Any further thoughts gentlemen?

[Atlantia]

So, finally found the right dark mahogany-esq (some exotic hardwood) timber with straight enough grain to make new handles.

Here are pictures of the initial results of the first finished handle. Some polishing still needed.
Handle length about 25 1/2", overall 28".
Style is Indian, following the examples shown on Runjeets excellent site. I have used these as I am still of the opinion that Indian is the most likey origin.
It swings well and feels great at this length.

One down, one to go.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

So, finally found the right dark mahogany-esq (some exotic hardwood) timber with straight enough grain to make new handles.

Here are pictures of the initial results of the first finished handle. Some polishing still needed.
Handle length about 25 1/2", overall 28".
Style is Indian, following the examples shown on Runjeets excellent site. I have used these as I am still of the opinion that Indian is the most likey origin.
It swings well and feels great at this length.

One down, one to go.

NICE JOB GENE

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

NICE JOB GENE

Thanks mate
Makes a lot of difference having good wood to work with. The Ash was horribly soft, even though it was old.

[Atlantia]

OK, so here are the two re-hafted. Look and feel great, need some handling and waxing, but I'm pleased with the results.

[kronckew]

not sure how i missed this thread, musta been while i was moving...

the eastern european area around romania/hungary/southern poland saw a small axe known as the fokos or ciupaga, used as protection against wolves. two and four legged. originally in steel, they were later outlawed if steel, so were then made in brass or bronze. they were of walking stick length and normally had an alpine point on the end. the shafts were carved artistically and painted. these were alluded to in the 'shepard's axe' reference posted earlier by atlantia (post 37).

these are my two: the silvery one is plated brass.


(axe 1)


(axe 2)


(axe 3)

this one has an engraved sheet brass guard attached over the sharpened edge.


(axe 4)

even the brass ones were eventually out of fashion, and they were then supplied carved and painted entirely out of wood (see the shepard's axe ref), but in the same 'axe' shape. there has been a revival of steel fokos being made in hungary, tho i'm not sure how legal they are there.


(axe 5) modern steel fokos, viktor berbekucz

for our arab friend, ibrahim, (salaam aliakum) here is my small arabian axe:


(axe 6)

i've always been amazed at how small the axe head is. it's razor sharp by the way... and thanks for the additional information, ibrahim.


(axe 7)

photo archive attached 'justincase'