While surfing for axe inspiration I found two Japanese pieces with, what is to me, really unusual two piece handles: there is a main handle, and then a large wooden wedge proximal to the blade. I really like the look. Is there a specific name for this design? I there really an great loss in strength if this would be used for a hatchet? Does anyone have any other pictures of this in practice -- or can anyone give and words of wisdom on construction?

Thanks!

Try this site:

 

http://greenwood-carving.blogspot.com/2010/10/beautiful-axes-japanese-carpentry-tools.html

I cringed at watching the fellow cutting that log barefoot on the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyJjZDLVeBA

I found some other inspiration for adze, axes and other wood shaver here,kind of interesting. I have no idea about attaching an axe head that way looks like it could fly off the handle without constant attention. Yeah, I keep waiting for him to chop a toe off but I guess it wouldn't matter much if you just had on a regular pair of leather shoes either.