Best axe/hatchet for bowyer's work.

[michbowguy]

i took an ol cheap camp axe and put a single bevel edge on it, like a drawknife..it works great.
i dont use the axe much for reducing or shaping, just cuttin it down! and now for weight purposes i just use a modified machete.

nice collection of steel by the way!
mbg

[Justin Snyder]

The true carving axe is a bearded axe.  Justin

[Dane]

The bearded axe I have is a replica of a Viking axe recovered from Hedeby.

But I dont really like using an axe...to painful after just a bit of working with it. I type for a living as a writer, so I don't want to cause any real damage to my hands.

Maybe it is unorthodox, but I have been using a 1" mortising chisel and wooden mallet to remove a lot of wood, expecially at the fades. It works great. 

Dane

[Sparrow]

 I have only chopped out a couple of bows with a hatchet,red oak and black locust.I used a little gerber camp hatchet and enjoyed it immensely.The little gerber takes and keeps a keen edge.  Frank

[mullet]

  I have two beveled hatchets, one left and one right. I also use a big, old, meat cleaver. It seems to have more control.

[cracker]

Looking at my woodworking catalogs, I see lots of different hatchets and axes. I was wondering: which one is the most ideal for bowyer's work?

I have a one sided hewing hatchet that I will GIVE you if you would like to pay for the postage.
Cracker

[bigcountry]

A hewing hatchet is best.  Beveled at one side and hard to make too many mistakes with em.  Also guys, I have started using a Froe with good results for roughing out osage.  Take a little off at a time, but does it in no time.