Now most of you know that I'm mainly an avid knife using and knife collecting fan for the most part. But after obtaining a great book & video from the US Forest Service a few years back it spurred in me a side interest in other edged tools like axes, hatchets & tomahawks. I've picked up a few of them at garage sales, estate sales and a couple at a local flea market. Actually I wish I knew more about these types of tools than I presently do know.
Now a very good friend of mine who has come over to my home several times and showed me a small ax made with S7 tool steel and I was impressed. Which led me to believe that axes just like knives do better with better blade steels. Now I do realize that the blade steels used for axes, hatchets and tomahawks is a different blade steel than would be ideal for knives.
So my question to you guys is two fold>> which blade steels are the best for axes, hatchets and tomahawks? Also other than Granfors Bruks and Council Tool Co. who else makes really top notch edged striking tools? The S7 tool steel in the one my friend showed me seemed like really good steel>> is it good? Or are there better options? I would also guess that heat treatment just like in knife blades probably plays a huge role as well?
Now a very good friend of mine who has come over to my home several times and showed me a small ax made with S7 tool steel and I was impressed. Which led me to believe that axes just like knives do better with better blade steels. Now I do realize that the blade steels used for axes, hatchets and tomahawks is a different blade steel than would be ideal for knives.
So my question to you guys is two fold>> which blade steels are the best for axes, hatchets and tomahawks? Also other than Granfors Bruks and Council Tool Co. who else makes really top notch edged striking tools? The S7 tool steel in the one my friend showed me seemed like really good steel>> is it good? Or are there better options? I would also guess that heat treatment just like in knife blades probably plays a huge role as well?