A weaponized camp axe

[LaBonte]

My late friend and collaborator, Gib Guignard, forged this fine little camp axe for me many moons ago from a hammer head. I used it frequently as shop axe for rough shaping as well as for routine camp chores. Unfortunately due to the wages of time on my poor old bod, I set it aside until one day I took a fresh loolk at it and the following is what it became.
I added a bit of file work to the head and then gussied up the red ocher and bear grease stained hickory handle with a rawhide grip, brass tacks, and a beaded and hawk belled horsetail drop. It then sat around for a while since I "felt" something was missing. Then on my way home from town (Durango, CO) one day I stopped for a breather at pull out along the Animas River. While walking around I spied this piece of drift wood and it the light bulb of inspiration went off. I took it home, added a small forked piece of antler to hold the handle up, oiled the wood up, then added some brass tacks, and beaded dangles with tin cones and mule hair tufts.

 

[smo]

Another great work of art. :bow: :thumbsup: :hatsoff: :applause:

 

[chance]

What a Beauty!!!!

 

[Randall Slemp]

LaBonte that's a great looking axe. :thumbsup: Question: How long are the shanks on those tacks? I assume you drill a pilot hole, yes? Thanks.

 

[LaBonte]

Sorry to be slow responding but I got smacked down by the flue.... :cursing:
and glad you enjoyed the look see

LaBonte that's a great looking axe. :thumbsup: Question: How long are the shanks on those tacks? I assume you drill a pilot hole, yes? Thanks.

Generally I trim the shanks to about 3/8"- 1/2" or so - I just eyeball it. If I leave them full length I still trim off the pointed head whihc is and old carperenter trick to help keep the wood from splitting.
Sometimes I pre-drill, other times I've got and old round awl blade with the point blunted and just make a starter hole.

 

[Randall Slemp]

Thanks for the response and hope you are feeling much better. I'm working on my first basic hawk that I received as a Christmas gift from my dear wife (the British pattern from TOTW). I've fitted the head and finished the handle but would like to add a few tacks, but that hickory is hard and I don't want to split it. Thanks for the good tips and get well soon! :thumbsup:

 

[Birdman]

flue huh what yer smokey ol butt drifting up the chimmney now like Santa clause hehe, hope yer feelen better Chuck. :blah: