u/Impressive_Kick_6393

This is my second axe restoration project, and probably the one I've had the most fun with so far.

I bought this old Japanese axe on Ebay and had a friend who wanted an axe, so decided to make my own design to it. I named it “Black Fang”, with the 牙 engraving representing the fang, and the red infill as blood running from it.

I also carved my own maker’s mark on the other side of the handle. I designed the mark myself and made a 3D-printed template to get the shape onto the wood before carving it.

The project included cleaning up and restoring the axe head, carving the axe handle, adding the black cord wrap, making the leather sheath, and some finishing details. This was my first time both leatherworking and engraving in wood, so a bit rough around the edges.

I've included pictures from the starting condition all the way through to the finished axe.

Still plenty I could improve, but I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out for only my second restoration.

Would love to hear what you guys think!

I found this axe in my grandfather's shed in Norway after he passed away. It caught my attention because of its very unusual design, so I decided to restore it.

A few disclaimers:

• This is my first axe restoration.
• It's also the first handle I've ever carved, so please be gentle with the craftsmanship.

The axe is relatively small and light. Instead of having a traditional eye, it uses a tapered tang that fits into the handle and is secured with a copper ferrule/ring around the neck. The markings I can make out are:

S??D CAST STEEL WARRANTED REG. No. 545422

The registration number seems to point toward an English design registration from the early 1900s, but I'm not certain. Some additional context: The axe was found on a family smallholding/farm in Norway. The farm was worked from the late 1800s and well into the 1900s. I have no information about where or when the axe was originally purchased.

I'm particularly interested in:

• What type of axe this is.
• What the unusual cutting edge and lower hook/beard were designed for.
• Whether anyone recognizes the maker or can identify the missing word before "CAST STEEL".
• Any information about the registration number or approximate age. I've included photos of both the restored axe and the condition it was found in. Any information would be greatly appreciated.