History of the ax

An ax is a tool known since ancient times. Some scholars suggest that it was with a similar weapon that Cain killed his brother Abel. There is evidence of this, found by archaeologists in the territory of modern Kenya. However, in those days it was still far from the instrument used by humans today.

First copies

In fact, the prototype of the ax was simply a stone, sharpened on one side, which the ancient man held in his hand. He was entrusted with many tasks:

• used as a weapon;
• instead of a hammer;
• like a chisel;
• scraper and others.

Today its appearance has changed a lot and its purpose has been reduced.

Classic ax

Its history goes back more than 30 thousand years. This is the first human tool, consisting of two parts and different materials. At first it was difficult to fit the blade and handle together. Strips of animal skin and sinew were used for binding.

Later, man learned to smelt copper. Instances appeared entirely made of metal.

Having passed through time, the ax became associated with the power and might of the ruler. In ancient tribes, products were kept by the elders and given to ordinary people only for a certain period. Stone tools were most often used.

Traditions that stretched through centuries were broken by Christian missionaries. They distributed metal tools to everyone who wanted them.

The significance of the device was confirmed by engravings and images of gods, emperors and rulers in different countries.Most of them are depicted with axes at the ready, decorated with drawings, stones and inscriptions.

Increased popularity

However, it was not widely used in ancient times. The rulers did not use it for its main purpose - cutting down trees. Everything changed in the 8th–9th centuries AD. New territories were actively populated, and the need arose to deal with forests, in which axes greatly helped.

Land clearing was required during the active settlement of Europe.

Later, axes became an indispensable weapon in battle. The Vikings were the first to use them for such purposes. And later other nationalities in the European part of the world.

Main characteristics

The effectiveness of using an ax directly depends on several parameters:

• center of gravity;
• strike direction line;
• center of impact.

Ancient craftsmen made weapons based on intuition. Their products were not ideal in terms of weight and cutting quality. In the 1830s, axes began to be produced on an industrial scale, and technology appeared.

The guns gained particular popularity in the United States, where there was a sudden need to clear areas of forested vegetation. Collins axes, which had equal weight of blade and shaft, were in demand.

Today there are many known varieties axe. They all differ in size, weight, quality and blade configuration, as well as other characteristics.