Broadax head

1998.23.2

Broadax head with one flat side and a single beveled blade for right hand use. Broadaxes were used to hew a flat plane on a log or to make square timbers.

H-10.5 W-8 inches

Number "6" on beveled side of head.

The broadax was used to hew round logs into square beams. A "dog" held the log in place while the skilled worker stood at the side of a log and carefully struck it with the broadax until the side was flat. The skill of the worker was determined by the marks left on the log. The least amount of marks proved the best broad-ax work.

Axes