The Search for a SMOOTH Hewing Axe!

There are literally dozens of blacksmiths online turning out high quality products on a regular basis. Unfortunately, few offer the traditional goosewing axe, a type I've wanted since I began hewing timbers over ten years ago. Downing Arts of Maine came through for me with an absolute master piece. Not only does the axe look amazing, it performs far better, I think, than most of the mid to late 19th Century axes that are so common today.
This is an unsolicited review of one turned out to be an amazing woodworking tool. In the hands of a competent workman, this axe is fully capable of hewing beams of unparalleled quality.
A link to the maker’s Etsy page. I highly recommend him. I’ll get a small commission if you use this link to make a purchase.
creatoriq.cc/3wpkKKF

[@tonycordill9225]

This is your neighbor Tony, love your videos. keep them coming!

[@urbanlumberjack]

Have you heard of Steve Smith from Maine? He runs Renaissance Timber, and does unbelievable work hewing. He also got his axe from downing arts! I believe the same one as yours. Very good choice that’s a beautiful axe and well swung.

[@HiraethRestorations]

It’s an amazing axe for sure! The results you can achieve with it are astounding! For hewn floor joists, I used to cheat and mill the logs on one side to give the floor boards a perfectly flat surface on which to rest. With this axe, that’s no longer the most economical option.

[@giodavid991]

Old breitbeil are indeed some elegant and beautiful tools, with a lot of variations according to the smithy, region of origin and time period. I have 5 of them so far, luckily here every now and then they appear at fleamarkets. I got the cheapest one for like 40 euros ^^. They were valuable tools for their owners, so they are often in decent condition and got resteeled multiple times. Indeed it's not impossible to find a 1700s breitbeil in an old alpine barn, with intact socket and eye

[@jeffs5093]

Just found your site. I love your videos and your humor, just subscribed.

[@HiraethRestorations]

Thanks! That really does a mean a lot and I’m glad you’ve found us.

[@davidreed2135]

i have watched tons of hewing videos,and have never seen anybody throw tools like this,i am glad i am not the only one,lmao😂

[@HiraethRestorations]

I’m a little bit Irish and I’m most content when I’m pissed off at something or someone. An odd quirk, I guess.

[@davidreed2135]

@@HiraethRestorations so am i,more scottish and norwegian though,but i know exactly where you are coming from,plus i love axes too

[@ylovaht2097]

Nothmen ok

[@HiraethRestorations]

I definitely want to try them out at some point.