17th Century Scottish Iron Bill

[Timo Nieminen]

Originally Posted by Madnumforce

These, with the large hook in the back, are specifically designed for debranching: you chop the branch, and the hook is used to catch the branch and bring it down if it is stuck.

The hook is also good for standing the billhook stably, point down on, e.g., a stump, for sharpening.