Deepeeka dolabra

[Celtic_Thunder]

Can anyone tell me how I need to rework a Deepeeka dolabra to make it more authentic? Thanks, Jim Hensley

[M. Demetrius]

What do you consider inauthentic about it? I've seen pictures of about 20 different shapes and sizes, and it's very like a couple of those.

I don't personally think the ones with the "S-curved" pick side make sense, though one was found like that, it could have been damaged. Every pickaxe I've ever seen has either a straight pick (like a rock hammer) or a single curve that matches the circle the pick makes when you swing it at the ground.

If that is what bothers you, then a little smithing can reshape that part of the pick. Even a propane torch will get the metal hot enough to reforge, but MAPP gas or oxyacetylene will be quicker. If you tell a welding shop what you want done, they can probably heat and reshape it for you. It's not a difficult thing.


By the way, welcome to the forum! Please add your real name to your signature, as that's a forum rule. That is accessible via the profile link at the top of the page. Don't be shy about asking questions, though if it is one of the common questions, it's probably already been answered, so try the search feature first...feel free to ask for help: you'll find many people willing to offer suggestions and assistance.

[Marcus Mummius]

Jim, please add your real (first) name to your signature. That's a forum rule.


The shape of the deepeeka dolabra is pretty acurate. I don't know how good the balance and quality of the steel is. We use tools from Cezary (he has a section in the marketplace) and Armamentaria (also has a section in the marketplace) in my group. They both have excellent tools.

Vale,

[A_Volpe]

The complaint on accuracy I've heard about the DPK Dolabra was the axe blade is too long, and the overall finish being shiny/polished is not correct (or lack of evidence the head was polished?)

I'm really happy with my Albion Armorers dolabra, unfortunately it's been discontinued.

[Octavianvs]

how well does the head hold up? Does it hold its sharpness or does it get dull rather fast?

[M. Demetrius]

Shiny is pretty easy to fix.

Lots of the originals have axe heads that are very long by modern standards. That may be because they were not just wood axes, but earth axes. It requires a good bit more practice with that long blade, imho, to be able to chop wood. Some dolabrae had the head turned 90 degrees, like a long hoe. (I used to know the name of that sort, but I've forgotten it. Hard to look up in a dictionary when you don't have a clue about the name.) Some had a blade vertical and a blade horizontal and no pick at all. They still sell that sort of tool today. I even have one.

They also used smaller axes, "pioneer axes", that looked basically like various kinds of tomahawk or hand axe the world over. They make them that way because it's a good design, and it works. Some things don't change much.

[Celtic_Thunder]

There is an original dolabra on ebay right now. Interesting to see original.

[John Conyard]

The deepeeka dolabra head holds up well for gardening, and the shape is OK.

I bought one of these several years ago. The handle was made from some strange wood, which didn't look authentic whatever it was.

So I re-handled the head using an authentic wood and it looks much better.

[jvrjenivs]

I also would say the deepeeka dolababra look is okay and authentic, but I would never use it.

When we used one a couple of years ago to cut some wood for the fire (at least that was wat we would have like to do) we cut the blade instead of the wood...

I would defenitally advice to go with those from Cezary and Armamentaria. They are ready for use, and are doiing very well.

[A_Volpe]

Demetrius

You mean a Mattock?

[M. Demetrius]

Yep. That's the word in English. Also called a "grubbin' hoe" in these parts.

[Celtic_Thunder]

Now that I ordered mine..www.collectorsarmoury.com has them on close out sale for $36 each. Also the Roman canteens for $19.