Different axe names

C

cckw

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May 24, 2008
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What defines the different types of axes from each other? A hunters axe got me wondering. On The GB hunters axe I know there is a specific head design but other then the GB, what makes it a hunters axe instead of a house axe, or etc? what other traditional axe styles are there ? (felling with a 3.5lb head, boys axe with a 2.5, double bit with 3-4 DB, cruiser with a 2.5DB) those are the ones I know. Also my question is on traditional axes.

What about hatchets? In the traditional identifications there is the boyscout wost of all, but are there others with specific names?
 
There are a few different charts floating around out there like the one attached. They're old, I think as the decades have passed companies have found it more economical to just make a couple different types of axes and cut down the variety shown here. Logically they've taken to naming the axe after its intended venue or use, as in the hunting axe or house axe. Makes it easy for the typical clueless American consumer to decide. "I need an axe for around the house, so this house axe must be the thing."

It used to be based (often) geographically, as local blacksmiths created patterns that were especally well suited to the types of trees in the area and the work habits of those cutting them down. Hence the Connecticut, the Jersey, the Kentucky, and so on. There are some inconsistencies in the charts like these; to some people a rockaway has that rounded lug, and others will still call something with a pointy lug a rockaway while others say that's a Jersey, though there are other differences between the two that I think are more subtle but also useful in differentiating. There probably aren't a lot of folks left who could really tell the identifying characteristics. Those are my theories, anyway.
 

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what about handle shapes? Handle length vs head weight? any rules with that leading to type?
 
Well, you've got me there... I'd tend to say the handle is more a matter of personal preference for what works best. That's just a guess, I'm not aware of any real set handle/head styles or combinations. I'll defer to others who probably have more knowledge than I. All mine comes from books about the good old days, since I wasn't around then :)
 
This is a very subjective topic. Yes, head shape is probably the most important variable when differentiating between axe/hatchet types, but as stated previously, handle length has a lot to do with it as well. Obviously there are some types, such as Felling Axes, which are fairly cut and dry. Long handles, can be single or double-bit, and a decent amount of weight in the head. Now in the category of Felling Axes there are various shapes and designations within (as seen on the chart posted), but that doesn't really help this discussion.

A "hunting" axe may be different depending on the company that designates it so. Typically from my experience a hunting axe has a head weight from 1 1/2 lbs to 2 1/2 lbs. and a mid-sized handle (18-25 inches). It's a difficult thing to nail down to specifics, as there are so many differences between companies over the years that have designated their axes and hatchets in ways that don't necessarily follow a pattern. I try not to get hung up on what makers call their axes as opposed to the sizes, weights, shapes, and how they will work for me.
 
This is one of the topics I enjoy the most with axes and hatchets. The naming of the particular styles, where that name came from, and why. Dayton and Michigan as far as geography references, felling and hewing as far as job type, then boy scout and belt as far as common reference. Technically you could have combos. Some people call a lathing hatchet a roofing hatchet. Some call a half hatchet a handyman hatchet. Where does it end? I really enjoy talking to people about why they call a particular item a particular name, you get all kinds of answers. It is one of my favorite parts of the history of axes and hatchets. I think it really shows the importance and variance of the piece thru history. When people ask me why I am so into this area, I show them an axe, and explain to them the parts, the names, where it came from, how old it is, kind of handle, wood type, grain type, poll, eye, bit thinkness and implication, stamped or etched, etc etc etc.

And they always say to me "I thought it was just an axe".

No sir. It's our history.
 
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