Everything you probably need to know about Axes.

“I knew there was an old axe down cellar... That is all I knew. ” Lizzie Borden

(A1)

INTRODUCTION

I have decided to try something New on this site and make a work of non-fiction so extensive it could only be considered as a book. This is an article on steroids, and I could think of no better topic for this task then the tool that made humanity what it is today, the mighty AXE.

The ax has shaped human history and culture more than any single tool known to man. Axes are one of the oldest tools created by proto-human 2.5 million years ago. The Earliest axes were made of broken rock, flint, antler or jawbones of herbivors. As soon as materials advanced the axe was one of the first tools manufactured from those metals.

Every warrior culture has used axes in warfare from building encampments and ships or using them as weapons. Not all armies used the axe on the battle field but they did carry them during their conquests. A sword was a prized and expensive item often costing 2-4 horses, so using them to hack at a tree was an abhorrent idea. Axes are relatively easy to manufacture and were often made of lesser quality materials, so one could buy an axe for about 10 bushels of grain.

Since the introduction of new automated tools, chainsaws and industrial techniques, use of the ax has finally met its decline. Axes are still very useful tools and are found in many homes across the modern world. An axes role is still prevalent, especially if you are on the move or have little space for tools and big equipment.

Index:

Chapter 1 Introduction to Axes.
Chapter 2 History of The Axe and Man.
Chapter 2 What goes into Axe making.
Chapter 3 Types of Axes.
Chapter 4 Historical Axes and Axes of War.
Chapter 5 Tool use and Maintenance.
Chapter 6 Combat Training and Tactics.
Chapter 7 Glossary and Bibliography.