limited edition axes

[Dave Budd]

I'm thinking of making a very limited run of axes EXCLUSIVE to BCUK. I'm planning to make 5 axes and offer them to members, but I wanted your input on the design

It's going to be a hatchet size as I'm doing all the work by hand (i long for the day I can have a power hammer/press!). They will all be of about the same size, shape and weight and have cleft ash handles.

Firstly, what shape head? I'm leaning towards a nice Hudson bay shape or a fairly even dovetail with slightly curved edge. Square hammer poll

Secondly size. No more than about 700g. I'm leaning towards lighter these days, around the 4-500g but that's why I'm asking what you lot prefer.

The handles will be from cleft ash (from my woods) and I plan to make them straight so those who prefer a long handle can do, those who prefer a short one can cut it down and those who don't yet know can have a play and decide as time goes by

Sheath will be wet formed heavy veg tan and stitched, brown most likely.

so shape and size? I'll be aiming to have these axes ready by the Moot. Price will depend on size to some extent, but likely to be around the £150 mark.

[robevs73]

Brittish pattern tomahawk Dave! and I will have one!

[Dave Budd]

Well, since no body other than Rob has an opinion I guess either BCUK members don't like the idea of their very own axe, or they just haven't decided what they like

I like the idea of a British hawk. something a litlte heavier than the American favourites that are generally quite small maybe?

I shall see what crawls out of the forge...

[Mesquite]

I'd love one Dave... but sadly finances don't allow it at the moment

[British Red]

Hmmm double bit cruiser pocket axe?

Heavily bearded 4 lug would be nice

Decent 4lb racing axe

2lb splitter on a 26" helve

Custom maul............



Pass the hanky

[John Fenna]

Oh - I would love one...but SWMBO would use it to chop me and the rest of my axe collection into little pieces...cash is somewhat tight and I am in need of selling stuff - not investing

[Ogri the trog]

Ditto the financial restrictions here too Dave.

I'd certainly like to see what you come up with though.

ATB

Ogri the trog

[Dave Budd]

I know the feeling guys. I've just bought a new extension to my workshop, so I'm feeling the pinch quite severely too

I'll see what happens with these axes, though I think some of Reds will be definate no goers I made a double edged nessy once, never again! Racing axe is a bit on the big and shiny side (unless there are hatchet race these days?), 2lb splitter is possible and a Bearded axe is on my list of to dos though

[robevs73]

Hawk's the way to go mate! you got to buy a new toy when you go away.Dont tell the wife if you get grief!

[poddle]

Sounds nice, but 150 sheets for an axe is beyond what I would pay.

[Dave Budd]

the trouble is that people are used to the idea that a good axe costs less than £40, which is fine if the smith is able to move the bar from one special set of dies to another in a very powerful press or power hammer, but if you make it by hand then it take just as long as a knife and is a shed load more hard work!

I understand that a lot of folk won't want to spend this much on an axe, but they would spend a lot more on a knife that has far less work or skill involved in its manufacture

But I make things for those that want them and sell them at a price that means that I can just about pay the rent

[robevs73]

This I know after spending a weekend making axes with Dave last year, I have made about 70 knives by stock removal and its a hell of a lot easyer than forging an axe, thats why I have not got an issue with spending £100+ on a hand forged axe. A few years ago I spent £120 on a GB french pattern hawk and it was a load of un-usable crap that I sold on.

[Chris the Cat]

Looking forward to picking mine up at the show Dave.
Take care.
Chris.

[poddle]

Not saying it's not worth it Dave, and I totally agree that you have to pay the rent and make a living, fair play.

It's just that for me such a price would never be justified, as I am an occasional axe user, I am sure though that the more regular user would appreciate the difference.

Do professional lumber jacks / tree surgeons use such axes as yours Dave? or do they pop down to Jewsons and pick up a cheapy?

I suppose they would be the people to ask.
ATB

[British Red]

I was discussing just such a thing with a tree surgeon the other day. He uses Husqys, petrol chippers, Stihls etc. No hand tools at all.

Thats a business that has to make a profit though, far from "Bushcraft".

He did take my GB working axe and Cegga axes and have a try. He was amazed at their utility. I think I have talked him into a limbing axe

[Silverhill]

I would do Dave, but funds are currently diverted towards a gasser. Your advice is to blame though

[British Red]

I'm actually quite saddened reading this thread.

Not that anyone is rude, just the observation that Dave made on the value of this tool. I read Dave's thread on forging an axe with fascination. These things are harder to make - much harder to make - than a stock removal blade and basic riverted on handle - using bought in parts.

That's not to decry knife makers - hell I can't do it. But these items are core to what we do - and they dont seem valued like a knife is. Now I would be in the queue were it not for my new homestead and impending move and lack of income (and the collection of Wetterlings, GBs, Ceggas and Lee Reeves)

A one off axe?

For that money?

Bargain!!

Trade for exotically made booze and soap Dave?

[John Fenna]

I agree - bargain!
Having some idea of the work involved, and the good looks of the hand forged work I would be in like a shot...if I had any money
Recent repair to my van cost me the best part of a grand and I never earn much as it is - but that is what I chose so I can't moan
However - I can recomend Reds soap (I am just getting to the end of the supply I traded from him) and if you are up for trades then we too might work something out....

[Chris the Cat]

My knives from Dave are the best I have used , and I have used plenty in my 25+ years
of this 'hobby'
My axe is £50 pound cheaper than my favorite bushcraft knife ( Green man pro. )
It is a lot of money but it will be worth every penny. Those of us who know Dave,
who know his standards, and have seen him at work understand that it is a more than fair price.
Times are hard at the mo., I have just lost my job, this will be my last purchase for some time.
I am glad that it is an axe by Dave Budd.
My best.
Chris.

P.s Red, I am desperate for somepine tar soap!! Can you help Sir?
Chris.

[British Red]

Chris,

Winter is soap making time. I'll be a full time small holder in September - try me then

[Chris the Cat]

Will do Red!
Since you pointed out the old 'Palm oil' scandal I have been having a real
hard time! ( I even shave with the stuff! )
Thanks for giving me some hope ( in a soapless world! )
My best.
Chris.

[MikeE]

Dave, I'd be interested in an axe, especially if it's a little different from the "run of the mill". I don't have a bearded axe and would welcome one of those when you get round to it!

[robevs73]

I just had an axe from Dave and its the dogs bo****s. Its a bit nordic and a bit hawk with a long straight handle. You see I make and sell knives to buy other knives and stuff!

[Dave Budd]

Thanks for the support guys It's the whole way people perceive value I guess. Billhooks for example, I sell them for around the £90 mark. Now that is a really pricey billhook, but its also a bloody cheap and very under priced hand made 12" heavy duty knife (which is also a real PITA shape to forge).

Still, as long as there are people in the world who are happy to buy the things that I make then I shall continue to make them and avoid getting a proper job

[Jaysurfer]

thought i would add my opinion on here too...

I was lucky enough to buy one of Dave's first axe's, a Tomahawk (British trade axe), which is absolutely amazing!
it is one of my most prized bushcraft posesions....

It looks amazing and you can see the working that went into it every time you look at it!

It does every job i have thrown at it, so well that i have got rid of my gransfors SFA!!!
Dave's axe's are something else and when you get one in your hand, look at it, admire it and use it, it's easy to see that it is worth every penny.

If i could afford to buy another one so soon after the first i would but i might leave it until next year...

These axe's are a handcrafted piece of art that also works as a tool, i like my knives and have several that range in price but my axe is my most loved piece, i just find there is something nicer about an axe...

[poddle]

Guys, just to clear things up, I was not criticizing Dave's axes, I am sure they are every bit as good as their reputation suggests.

Just more than I would be prepared to pay for an axe... I am sure many others would agree. Dave has a great reputation, and I have not meant to tarnish it, hope you get where I am coming from here.

Cheers

[kawasemi]

Brittish pattern tomahawk Dave! and I will have one!

I'm with Rob on that one - often looked at the GB one but a 'DB' would be better.

kawasemi

[Dave Budd]

as it happens that is what I'm going for I've got the bar marked ready to cut bits off for heads and I'll hopefully start work on them next week. looking for about the 500g mark for the head and a slightly slimmer eye shape

[British Red]

Now that sounds yummy -proper friction fit trade axe?

[sam_acw]

I'd love to be able to say yes, but I couldn't justify the price to my wife I hope some people can sign up to the project and we can follow it on here.