Woodworking Newsletter Vol. 3, Issue 2 November 2008
	From the Collection   The smaller of the two axes has a stylized tree of life with blossom at the bottom corner, which is repeated at the top, flanked by the unique blacksmith mark. The middle marking is perhaps a decorative line used to equally space the two other stampings. However, it too is bordered with the blossom stamps. It is interesting to note that this axe has had a welded repair to further its working life. It also appears to have been cut down in size. This particular style of construction does not allow for the interchange of the handle, as found with North American broadaxes. There is always a definite right- or left-made axe with this type of forging. The socket is made to give the correct offset for the handing, be it right or left. There is an anecdote as to the value of the left-handed axe man. It is said that a right-handed axe man's wages were a dollar a day, but the left-handed chopper made a dollar and twenty-five cents. In the square timber trade, this meant that two sides were cut at once and the stick rolled only once to complete the other two sides. D.S. Orr             Go to page: 1 2 3   Other Articles from this Issue   Building a Mission-style Rocking Chair   Make an Automaton   Return to Newsletter Home   What's New in Woodworking   Veritas® Block Planes Veritas® Dovetail Saw Digital Height Gauge Stop Rules   What's New in Gifts   Catapult Kit Notebook LED Light Wireless Weather Station Plus Knife & Firesteel Combo	News & Events         Innovative New Product from Veritas® Tools Inc. Recent Catalog Mailings         Features         Subscriber Services       Subscribe Privacy Policy Newsletter Archive