Axe Construction

[Severian]

I've made plenty of swords, and now I want to have a go at making a couple of axes sometime soon. I'm noticing that in every good axe design there is open cell foam somewhere in the striking edges. Would a layer of marine foam as the last layer of foam work just as well? The marine foam I have is the *'s cushion that is rather thick. Are there any other things I should be aware of when building axes as compared to swords?

[Richard le Gris]

Probably better. Just don't restrict the sides of the marine foam over much, don't use it in sub-zero temperatures, reinforce the beard heavily, and don't get too attached to it. Also, expect to die a lot. Axes are somewhat gimmicky. Ultimately, you will just have to build it and see. There are plenty of posts about the proper care and feeding of ensolite/marine foam on this forum.

I feel like a thread necromancer.

[LoganSteele]

When i have used a layer of marine foam on the outside on the striking edge i have had complaints from weapons checkers as it seems to cause a slap effect. I now put one layer of blue over the layer of marine foam with an outer layer of open cell. I use the more thin golds gym yoga mat for this.

I only run the marine foam up the striking edge however for i have found sandwiching it over the round top of a sword causes blowouts.

Thank you for pointing out where i said "flats" above. my mistake it was a mistype. All i have along the flats of my blades is a layer of blue from the box core then fiberglass strapping tape. I also will reinforce the stab tips with fun foam (a thin crafting foam) and i have heard of folks using leather for that also.

[Matthias - Dun Abhon]

I only run the marine foam up the flats however for ive found sandwiching it over the round top of a sword causes blowouts.

Maybe I'm just dense, but I don't see how putting marine foam on the flats does anything other than weigh your sword down and waste your marine foam. You don't hit people with the flats, and the normal blade construction should pad it sufficiently that people aren't feeling core on the off-chance that they do get hit with the flat. At least, that's how every passing sword I've ever met has been.

[LoganSteele]

Edited. Thank you for pointing out my error in wording.