Object number
85/30
Description
Side axe used by Henry John Knight a hurdle-maker from Silchester Common, Hampshire, for trimming and paring wood.
A side axe has a cutting edge which is bevelled (sharpened) on one side only. This side axe has a wide cutting blade and a slightly curved wooden handle. It was used by the donor’s father, Henry John Knight (1909–1963) a hurdle-maker from Silchester Common, Hampshire, for trimming and paring wood. The donor’s grandfather, Harry John Knight, was also a hurdle-maker.
Physical description
1 axe: metal, wood
Archival history
MERL ‘Handwritten accession form’ (Institute of Agricultural History) – ‘Standard museum name: AXE, side // Accession number: 85/30 // … // Recorder: JMB // Date: 14.5.85 // Description: This axe has a wide side cutting blade which is carried well below the socket. It has a heavy flat pole. It has a slightly curved wooden handle. // Dimensions: Total length: 47.0 cm. // Length of head: 17.0 cm // Depth of head: 14.0 cm. // Associated information: see 85/25 for details about user. [Used by Henry John Knight (1909–1963) hurdlemaker of Heathcote, Silchester Common, Hants. (father of Mr Knight the donor) // Grandfather was Harry John Knight, hurdlemaker and thatcher of Calleva Cottage, Silchester.] // This tool was used for trimming and paring wood. It is capable of delicate work and has been widely used since medieval times. The weight of the axe did the work but it needed careful handling. // References: MERL Library 5850 R. A. Salaman, ‘Dictionary of Tools’ P51 + P63.’
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Material
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_15453.tif - High resolution image
