Double-edged steel axe

1998_1_037_b
Year of production Early 20th century
Dimensions (width x height) nd
Material Wood, iron
Collection Ethnological
Acquisition number 1998.1.037
Exposition(s) nd
Number of items 2
Credit nd
Last updated date 22 august 2024

Description

Double-edged axe head mounted on a wooden handle.

The preferred tool for felling and shaping wood in logging camps in the early 20th century was the steel axe. Lumberjacks first used it to create an initial notch at a specific height on the tree, allowing them to control its fall direction. Then, the axe was used to remove branches and bark from felled trunks.

A particularly popular model was the double-edged axe, offering unique versatility. On one side, a very sharp blade facilitated precise cuts, while the other, a less honed edge, adapted to various auxiliary tasks—making this tool the Swiss Army knife of lumberjacks.