A Throwing Ax or a Tomahawk?

[hogge]

We think that's what this is. The counterweight is there (we assume) for how it is shaped. The hole for the handle is smaller than my pinkie finger. Are we correct? Can anyone give a date?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[TheHarleyMan2]

I would say throwing tomahawk by the size of it. Not sure of the date though.

 

[lonesomebob]

A small smoothing hatchet, note the blade offset to enable a craftsman to smooth rather than chop with it,it would be used after the work with a hewing hatchet to make nice on the board. Bob

 

[Steve in Michigan]

Definately a tomahawk! Nice find. I go back and look for some more indian artifacts.

Your Friend,

Steve in Michigan

 

[Sky_Warrior]

Even though I am no expert I would put my money on Tomahawk. Either way great find.

SEMPER FI

 

[bradyboy]

Whats the thing in the back ground with the oranges in it.
Looks cool, can you post a picture and explanation of what it is?
Please?

 

[l.cutler]

Like Bob said, it is a shaping hatchet. The offset blade is the key, like a small broadaxe.

 

[Rob66]

Hell yea!!!! Nice find. looks like it hit some rocks.

 

[mrjosh]

the blade is shaped wrong for a throwing hawk, I have one I get a pic on here soon.

 

[Old Dog]

Can a woodworker chime in?

I would say a craftsman made shaping axe,
a thin delicate handle,
an offset blade edge,
narrow to work in a tight space.

A throwing tomahawk would have a thicker haft area and blade so as not to break,
and if the blade did not strike the target edge first it would cause plenty of damage just from the blow delivered.

What you have is a craftmans tool.

Nice find
Thom

 

[Old Dog]

Trader.

The simple answer to the size question is that a craftsman needs a tool of a different size he will make one if it can't be found.
If you look closely the offset begins at the eye.
It is a flat piece of steel wrapped around a rod to shape and welded tp make an eye for the haft.
easy and to the point. there never was anything on the back side
There is nothing like it on your site.

 

[rmptr]

I work with wood a bit...

I'm inclined to agree with the Olddog, it's someone's idea of a scarfing hatchet.
The offset is intentional and small eye would indicate it was mean for more precise work.

And all that is not to necessarily say it worked well, just someone's idea, and they asked the local blacksmith to make one up for them, if they did not do it themself.

Balance would be all caty-whompus for a throwing hatchet in anyone's hands.

Best

 

[Old Dog]

Something I neglected to say...
it is an awesome find and a rare thing.
very few craftsmen ever accomplished the skill needed to use one of these.
Most were made as a tool of necessity.
they are not common in any shape.

very nice find.
Thom

 

[trikikiwi]

Made by a craftsman, for a craftsman, Awesome
Mike

 

[QUICKSILVER (appletree)]

A small smoothing hatchet, note the blade offset to enable a craftsman to smooth rather than chop with it,it would be used after the work with a hewing hatchet to make nice on the board. Bob

Yeah I'd say it was a tool instead of a killing device!

 

[truckinbutch]

Can a woodworker chime in?

I would say a craftsman made shaping axe,
a thin delicate handle,
an offset blade edge,
narrow to work in a tight space.

A throwing tomahawk would have a thicker haft area and blade so as not to break,
and if the blade did not strike the target edge first it would cause plenty of damage just from the blow delivered.

What you have is a craftmans tool.

Nice find
Thom

Craftsman tool.Stacey Grosecup taught me hawk making and throwing.That could be thrown in defense.
Not primary offensive weapon.

 

[EDDE]

Hell yea!!!! Nice find. looks like it hit some rocks.

or some dudes skull