Bag/Belt Axe or Old Roofing Tool?

[David]

Originally Posted by gp

most Asian weapons are actually tools...
at least the ones from martial arts
a poor man's defensive piece against superior attackers

No argument there. But just about ANYTHING can be used as a weapon with enough ingenuity. I could kill someone with a hammer, a pair of scissors or a screwdriver as well. But we generally discuss intentional weapons on this page and tools end up in the Miscellaneous Forum.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by David

No argument there. But just about ANYTHING can be used as a weapon with enough ingenuity. I could kill someone with a hammer, a pair of scissors or a screwdriver as well. But we generally discuss intentional weapons on this page and tools end up in the Miscellaneous Forum.

And off we go .

[A. G. Maisey]

Like a pen.

Very highly under rated implement.

[kronckew]

Tool. And rather crudely made. The 'side axe' offset is good for woodwork, but makes it a terrible weapon.

[David R]

A nice piece with some serious age to it, hand forged with wrap around construction. I would call it a camp axe or bag axe.

[Richard G]

It could be a butcher's\slaughterman's axe. These often had a poll that was designed to be struck by a mallet thus enabling the blade to be placed accurately. Rather like a woodsplitting axe.
I'm not saying it is - just, could be.
Best wishes
Richard

[C4RL]

I would say it's a blacksmith made carpenter's / roofers hatchet with what might be a newer "adze eye" (square) style handle made to fit. Not easy to tell from the photos.