Historical information

The cutting blade was used to cleave timber apart into shingles or palings. A haft (handle) would have been attached through the socket giving the tool an L shape. The base of the blade is driven into the timber with a mallet forcing timber into two parts along the grain. Twisting the haft then levers apart the two pieces. This can be repeated until several long strips of timber have been cut from a log. Also called a frow or froe. This tool allowed more accurate and controlled splitting over an ordinary axe and required less force.

Physical description

well used blacksmith made. No handle

References