As the name suggests, an axe has several parts. These parts are the Throat, Butt, Eye, and Toe. Each of these parts has a different function. Here’s an overview of their functions and where they are located on the axe. The shoulder area should be given special attention.
Butt
The butt of an axe is the flat portion on the back of the head that helps balance the axe head. This flat portion is also useful when mauling and hammering. Modern axes sometimes feature synthetic handles for added strength and comfort. The shoulder of an axe is the back portion just below the head and is broader than the rest of the handle. The belly of an axe is the portion of the handle that curves toward the front of the axe.
The head of an axe is made of steel, although some contemporary styles feature synthetic materials. The eye of an axe head is the round hole at the top of the axe head and is the most stressed area of the axe. Aside from the eye, the cheek is the long, flat portion of the head. Its geometry varies depending on the purpose of the axe.
The bit of an axe is the cutting edge. The heel is the bottom corner of the bit and is used for puncturing objects. The toe is always sharpened. The belly is usually curved, while the heel is straight.
Throat
One of the best ways to protect the throat of an axe from damage is to wrap it with leather. This is a simple and effective way to prevent wood chips from entering the throat of the axe. It is also called a throat collar or sleeve. If you do not protect the throat of your axe, you run the risk of damaging the axe or damaging the wood in the handle.
The throat design is a very important part of axes, because it determines the overall comfort and durability of the axe. The throat of an axe is the part near the knob, so it is very important to choose the one that feels comfortable. The throat design also affects the axe’s accuracy and power.
Axes are broken down into three parts: the Head, the Throat, and the Handle. This makes them much easier to understand and distinguish. There are also variations of the anatomy of each part. For example, a double bit axe will not have a butt, while an all-steel axe will be eyeless.
Eye
The Eye of an axe is the part of the axe where the haft is mounted to the head. It is the most likely part of the axe to break. Luckily, there are many ways to repair the eye and rejoin the head and handle. Here are some tips to help you make the process easier.
Axes with longer eyes are stronger. This is because the arcs are more gradual. Sudden changes in arc can cause weak spots. In addition, thick axe handles put undue stress on the thin eye area. Sudden changes in size are known as a stress raiser.
To make the Eye of an axe more secure, you can insert a wooden wedge into the kerf. This will force the sides of the axe handle against the eye, and friction will hold the axe head in place.