Broadaxe

Description: A broad axe head, metal, and a long wooden handle. The handle is smooth and curved (known as the 'Scroll Knob' curve). It has a flared square head that fits into the metal head. The metal piece is flat on one side with a bevelled cutting edge 2/3rds of the way up on the flip side.

Description: A broad axe head, metal, and a long wooden handle. The handle is smooth and curved (known as the 'Scroll Knob' curve). It has a flared square head that fits into the metal head. The metal piece is flat on one side with a bevelled cutting edge 2/3rds of the way up on the flip side.

History Of Use: This broadaxe came from the Owens farm in Evelyn. For more info see Historical Research file; Owens Farm. This knife edged axe is flat on one side, bevelled on the other and was usually used to hew and score railway ties. There were 2 methods: 1) By standing on top of the log, the axe was used to made deep vertical cuts alongside of the log. The logger walked along the side of the log and 'chipped' out pieces, leaving a flat edge. 2) A logger stood on top of a felled log and swung the axe in a sideways manner to get a flat edge. This is the way most railway ties were made in the early 1900's. Later in the 1940's, tie cutting sawmills came into use. Tie making was once a main industry in this area. Other tools of the trade include scoring axes, picaroons,peeling spuds, one man crosscut saws, snaabs and bucksaws.