Russian Axes?

[ChrisKavanaugh]

I don't know if they've shown up in G.B. but a few patterns of traditional russian axes are being imported www.sovietski.com The patterns and handles look like something out of russian fairytale and prices are modest. Ragnar www.ragweedforge.com told me some time past the prices were vastly overinflated and the quality indifferent vs Wetts and Granfors.

[arctic hobo]

I can't say much as I just don't know, but when in Pevek the few axes I saw looked very similar to those on that site - and they were made locally. Very curious shape, some I saw used reindeer horn rather than wood as apparently it is more flexible if you mis-hit and strike the handle. I also saw the head come off one, don't know if this is coincidence or a common problem with that design.
Those prices seem very fair.

[OldJimbo]

I don't think they'd be that great for chopping due to the straight edge, and small poll - as you'd see using a hewing hatchet. But as with the hewing hatchet, they'd be great for shaping wood.
Mostly I'd be worried about the quality control.