Thread: Tuatahi axe project - small axe / hatchet for hunting, tramping, fishing etc

Originally Posted by Gruffle

Just heard back from Tuatahi, apparently the team is looking into it. I will try and get someone there to sign up on this forum, then they can answer any questions direct. But they are pretty busy making axes, so we'll just see what happens. I am totally happy to relay any feedback from here.
Also just wanted to clarify, the main purpose (IMO) for the bearded shape is to reduce weight but still retain a decent cutting edge length.
From my research, it seems that the original point of the beard was that when they first started making iron (and probably bronze before that) axes 1000s of years ago, was to reduce the amount of metal needed and keep the larger cutting edge.
Because iron and metals then were so incredibly precious, it made sense to use as little as possible. The bearded shape allows much less use of metal.
And it has the happy side effect of reducing weight, and lowering the centre of gravity lower down the haft, for improved cutting efficiency.

If we remember our 5th form physics, a lighter object moving faster has more momentum or force than a heavier object moving slower, or something like that...

For all these reasons, bearded axes appear to have greater cutting efficiency than the standard basic wedge shape axe design that we are used to, which is more like the American felling axe.
As usual, traditional designs honed over 1000s of years that have passed the test of time have survived for a reason.
Nowadays, steel is cheap, so you can just make a big ole heavy axe head. As long as you don't need to walk around for days carrying it, that's fine. But if you need to carry it, I want the best cutting performance with the lowest weight

Never thought I would have learned so much about axes...

Your comments about the bearded design reducing weight but maintaining a decent cutting edge length makes a lot of sense. Can’t say I like the look of them though, and they may not be as strong as a conventional axe head? But that tuatahi camp axe looks awesome!