New Axe

[Rató:rats]

My new Biscayne axe by Jeff Miller of Maine came today. Exactly like he described. 2 lb head 7 inches long with a 3 3/4 cutting edge. 26 inch handle with 23 1/2 extending from the bottom of the eye.

French Regime touch marks I requested.

Jeff’s mark. A discreet M in box.

Now I just have to decide whether to leave the hickory handle to age naturally or stain it like my tomahawk

 

[tenngun]

Looks great. Do what you think best with the handle, I like plain oil and let it age on its own.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

That is a very good looking axe. I agree with Tenngun on the handle.

 

[Tobie]

Boiled Linseed oil would be my choice. Handsome tools, both.

 

[Notchy Bob]

Wow, nice axe! It gets tiresome, seeing late 20th century "throwing 'hawks" being passed off as authentic trade axes. Mr. Miller got it right, all the way down to the stampings:

Images from Iron Trade Axes from the Plater-Martin Site

If it were me, I would leave the handle as-is, except for rubbing in a little linseed oil. It will acquire some color with age, UV exposure, and handling.

Enjoy that axe!

Notchy Bob

 

[Cruzatte]

Cool! I have one of those, too. Really like it. Unfortunately, I got mine just in time for quarantine.

 

[jbwilliams3]

Love it. Jeff Miller is a top notch craftsman. I would just oil the handle and let it age, but it will not stop being a great axe if you stain it.