An axe ... what type ?

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

I have seen several coupes marc over the years. The difference I see is that they were designed without consideration of the arc that is followed when an axe is swung in a full, all out effort. They seem to be designed for short, straight strokes, not so much for power but for scraping or light chopping in a restricted environment.

I have (only now) learnt that these devices vary a lot in shape among the various regions of France. Apparently only this specific model, so called Beaujolais, has this particular shape.
http://www.citedesarts.com/fr/Aff.php?select_nom=269
Considering that 'modern' units of this model have a lower profile, as i (now) saw out there, i find mine rather well developed, consistent with some age, most possibly 19th century ... and even more resembling a lethal weapon.

Originally Posted by kronckew

the coup marc axe seems to be quite a bit larger and with a VERY short haft ...

google image find: looks rather ungainly...the haft ends just off camera...

The article in the link above also mentions 60 cms. hafts; in fact with the weight of my example it would need a man with extra strength to chop bagasse with only one hand ... even considering short movements.
And if you exclude that stump like haft, it doesn't look so clumsy.

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