Axe: Difference between revisions
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Split the axe handle and insert the axe head. One method of attaching the axe head to the handle is to split the handle down the middle, forming a gap large enough to fit the axe head. You should try to create a split that is symmetrical and not leaning to one side. You can do this using a knife or using a sharp stone. | Split the axe handle and insert the axe head. One method of attaching the axe head to the handle is to split the handle down the middle, forming a gap large enough to fit the axe head. You should try to create a split that is symmetrical and not leaning to one side. You can do this using a knife or using a sharp stone. | ||
You may want to try to knock or hit away at the top of the handle slowly with the sharp stone, making sure the wood is soft and "green" so it does not break. | You may want to try to knock or hit away at the top of the handle slowly with the sharp stone, making sure the wood is soft and "green" so it does not break. | ||
If you are using a knife, you can carve out a symmetrical split in the handle, making sure the width of one both sides of the handle are the same. | If you are using a knife, you can carve out a symmetrical split in the handle, making sure the width of one both sides of the handle are the same. | ||
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Soak the top of the handle and wrap it around the axe head. Another method is to soak the top of the handle in water so it is soft and pliable. Then, you can bend the wood around the axe head so it is attached to the handle. | Soak the top of the handle and wrap it around the axe head. Another method is to soak the top of the handle in water so it is soft and pliable. Then, you can bend the wood around the axe head so it is attached to the handle. | ||
If the top of the handle is very thick, you may want to thin it out using a knife or a sharp stone. This can then make it easier to bend the wood. | If the top of the handle is very thick, you may want to thin it out using a knife or a sharp stone. This can then make it easier to bend the wood. | ||
You will need to ensure the wood is very soft and flexible to use this method of attachment. You may want to work slowly and bend the top of the handle in increments so it does not break. | You will need to ensure the wood is very soft and flexible to use this method of attachment. You may want to work slowly and bend the top of the handle in increments so it does not break. | ||
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Burn a hole through the axe handle and insert the axe head. This method requires access to a fire, but it does not involve cord and can be a useful way to secure the axe head well in the axe handle. | Burn a hole through the axe handle and insert the axe head. This method requires access to a fire, but it does not involve cord and can be a useful way to secure the axe head well in the axe handle. | ||
To use this method, you will need to use a sharp rock and a piece of wood to hammer in a hole a few inches from the top of the handle. You can also use a knife if you have access to one. You want a hole that is wide enough to fit the axe head. You can measure this by holding the axe head against the side of the handle and marking the width of the axe head on the handle. | To use this method, you will need to use a sharp rock and a piece of wood to hammer in a hole a few inches from the top of the handle. You can also use a knife if you have access to one. You want a hole that is wide enough to fit the axe head. You can measure this by holding the axe head against the side of the handle and marking the width of the axe head on the handle. | ||
You will then need to heat up a long piece of wood in a fire until it is burning and smoking. Blow on it until you have a hot point on the wood. Run the hot point around the hole on the handle to smooth out the hole and shape it so it fits the axe head well. | You will then need to heat up a long piece of wood in a fire until it is burning and smoking. Blow on it until you have a hot point on the wood. Run the hot point around the hole on the handle to smooth out the hole and shape it so it fits the axe head well. | ||
Revision as of 11:45, 4 April 2022
An axe is a tool used to shape, split or cut wood, and as a weapon. The axe has many forms and specialised uses but generally consists of an axe head with a handle, or helve.
Materials needed
- Large rock with perpendicular edges. Alternatively, a river rock, round shaped and smooth to the touch.
- Green wood, meaning that it that has been recently harvested and therefore has not had an opportunity to dry, or from a young or small tree. This will ensure the wood can be bent and shaped without breaking.
- Cord, made of bark or wet rawhide.
Crafting instructions
Shaping and sharpening the axe head
To craft the axe head, hit off a piece of the source rock for the head with a hammering rock that can be held comfortably in your hand and with an even rock face, striking the upper edge of the former with the latter. While hitting it, you should focus on striking off flakes and slabs of rock, using swift hits. You might want to wear safety eye and hand protection for safety to protect yourself from flying rock shards. The stone head should be around the size of your palm or a little larger, and it can take several hours until the source rock has the ideal size for the head.
If a river rock is used, its grains have to be slowly removed to prevent it from damaging or splitting. Hit a small area of the rock at a time, using short and swift strokes to peck away the river rock carefully. The work might take several hours.
Once the rock has been pecked down to an appropriate size, you will need to form the cutting edge of the axe head, sharpening it. The head should taper down toward the edge, and the edge should be a similar thickness to a metal axe, with a narrow edge. Hold the axe head vertically, resting on the wide side of the rock, and use the hammering rock to form a narrow end of the axe head by hitting it with small and short movements. Afterwards, polish and sharpen the axe head on a stone with water, since it helps that it stays sharp and durable.
Attaching the head to the handle
References
| This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Axe, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License (view authors). | 
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External links
- How to Make a Stone Axe - Wikihow
- Cómo hacer un hacha de piedra - Wikihow (in Spanish)
- Make a Hafted Stone Axe - 28 April 2012, Sensible Survival
- Stone-Age Tools: How to Make a Stone Axe, a Stone Knife and Spear Point - Knoji
- Making a stone axe without any tools is really impressive - Casey Chan, 22 June 2015, Gizmodo
- Primitive Technology: Stone Axe (celt) - Primitive Technology, 23 May 2015, YouTube