Kentucky Belt Axe (Ft Megis)

[crbnSteeladdict]

I try to never leave my long term campsite without small survival fanny pack just in case I brake a leg, or get lost and cannot make back to my tent by the nightfall. I think this tiny hatchet goes well with that idea.

It has been a while since I bought it. It was fleabay situation: See it, pull the trigger and than think

I have found similar item at Ft Megis.
I just do not understand the description: "The head is CAST from 1095 from high carbon steel with 2" edge tempered to 55 Rc." I always assumed 1095 steel had to be forged. Can somebody smarter then me chime in, please.

The head weights 8.9oz. I have seen some of those Ft. Megis replicas stamped INDIA, but I believe some of them were also made in USA.

I need to make new14" handle. The eye is so narrow I am thinking about Plumb Take-Up wedge solution.

 

[Hairy Clipper]

That sure is a cute little critter

 

[jake pogg]

I agree,it Is cute

I just do not understand the description: "The head is CAST from 1095 from high carbon steel with 2" edge tempered to 55 Rc." I always assumed 1095 steel had to be forged. Can somebody smarter then me chime in, please.

Dunno about being smarter...doubt it......But,i have often noticed how casually and interchangeably people tend to use terms "cast",forged","milled",and anything in between...Especially when attempting to add some perceived value or importance when advertising product.

But technically speaking All steel alloys are initially cast,that's how they're compounded,adjusted as per content.
That initial casting is then forged into assorted shapes,by rolling or other forging methods,et c.

So,there wouldn't necessarily be anything wrong about casting one of these out of any steel alloy.

It's a cool little axe,have fun handling it...I once bought one very much like that,at a gun show,it appeared to be an old original...It was equally tiny,built like a box,out of two side pieces and poll and edge inset...Regret to say that i no longer have it,and even the photos gone now..

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

I agree,it Is cute
It's a cool little axe,have fun handling it...I once bought one very much like that,at a gun show,it appeared to be an old original...It was equally tiny,built like a box,out of two side pieces and poll and edge inset...Regret to say that i no longer have it,and even the photos gone now..

I hope it wasn't just lost in the woods, and somebody actually enjoys that artifact.
C'mon Jake, you actually have the skills to make another one for yourself !!!

 

[thebrain]

I think cast in this case is likely a mistake in terminology. Just like you will see internet experts say an axe head was cast because it has what looks like a cleaned up "seam" around the perimeter, you know just like when you drop forged something! Besides even if it is cast they seem to know what steel it is so it should be decent.