Kevin Stammerjohn

Decided it was time to try out this BB after a passing RV took out a low hanging branch in front of where I work. I've been having trouble getting my hands on some round wood, so this was a nice little bit of good luck.


Here's the branch I cut from.


My starting stock. Each about 12" long.


After removing the bark and roughing out the handle. I opted for a tapered handle to reduce the stress concentration that 90 degree angles create.


The completed mallet after shaping with a knife and a bit of sanding. A little small, but I think it will get the job done. Complete with ergonomic handle!

Just got a new Collins Axe hatchet from the hardware store for about 20 bucks, and it seems nice but the edge is pretty terrible. This'll be my first post on a BB, so bear with me if I'm doing this wrong. I hope my pictures are good enough.


The new hatchet.


The dull edge. I shaped it a bit with a metal file first.


Shaping the edge more with a coarse stone.


After polishing with a fine stone. I did a few passes on my cutting board to knock down the wire edge. I haven't done this much with my knives, but after hearing about it from Paul's podcast review of that knife sharpening video I've been doing it, and it seems to work.


Test cuts on paper. Pretty good for a cheap hatchet it you ask me.

Hello! I too am a 20-something looking for a more natural and sustainable existence, and I'm interested in checking your farm out.
Sounds like you have a great place, just curious what you mean by anti-smoking being a problem.

Otherwise, growing food, baking, brewing, and building are all things that I thoroughly enjoy. Any openings in May/june/july?