Russian axe head at Epsteins

[Jawn]

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/MilitarySurplus/RA.html

Kind of an interesting design... straight-ish edge like a carpenter's axe. I wonder if it's flat on one side for hewing? Anyone have one?

I'm no axe usage expert, what do you think this sort of head would be practical for, and what length handle would you put on it?

 

[Jawn]

bump

 

[jamesc]

I don't know what use that would have over any other axe, but I will say I found that description on epsitien's website to be halirious.

 

[Packard V8]

While I haven't seen Epstein's axe, I have been to Russia. The axes I saw there were double ground, but on a longer taper than a typical US axe. The handle on the extreme rear gives the cutting edge more leverage to twist and thus requires a more experienced axeman, but rewards the practice with a faster cut.

jack vines

 

[BMcC]

Is Epstein's a legit site? They have some pretty cool stuff there...

 

[north]

Epstein is as genuine as they come. Loads of people here have ordered from them, myself included. Excellent service.

 

[BMcC]

Hmmmnn, I might order myself an axe for the heck of it...

 

[2oolhound]

It is interesting looking. It looks like some kind of carpenter's axe, I'd say that thing is good for notching.

If you get one post some more photos so we can see more detail how the handle fits. If you look 1 1/2" above the edge you can see the surface changes from smooth to rough. It could be the way it was finished but it also could be that they made it like a broad axe. A special hard steel was used for the cutting edge and welded on the forge to the softer steel of the main body. That was bent around for the handle slot and pounded back flush to join at the hard steel piece at the front. When buying a used broad axe you always check to see how much good steel is left on the cutting edge.

It's only 2 1/2lbs so I'd put a 14-16" handle on it and use it mostly like a slick for shaving the final finish on a tenon or a notch keeping one hand on the head and the other rocking the end of the handle. With the wide blade it will work right into tight corners of notches (yeah, it really is good for notching).

 

[Jawn]

Is Epstein's a legit site? They have some pretty cool stuff there...

I'll echo the above poster in saying yes they're legit. I've placed a couple orders with them before. Look for a thread from earlier this summer about "Buy from Epstein's Day" or something like that.

Hmmmnn, I might order myself an axe for the heck of it...

I'm thinking that too.

Packard V8 and 2oolhound, thanks for the info.