Erik and GGs:
  
  Scott said everything I'd've said, and much better than I'd've said it. I've
seen some Native adzes, like this:



   in museums, and some actually for sale, plus my BIL, being Makah, has one of
his own, passed down thru the centuries. I never could afford a D-handle that
was for sale, and I never have seen a stirrup adze in the wild, so yours, Erik,
is about as close as I've gotten!

I'd maybe replace the wedging stuff on that jewel of yours, but I'd definitely
try to make it work 'like new' with the original wood.

It has so much to teach us, so please share, even if it seems obvious to you,
OK?

Real OT content:  When the first Europeans came to the Northwest Americas, they
found the natives working with iron-bitted tools like this one.



How horrible it is to have so many people killed!---And what a blessing one
cares for none of them! 
Jane Austen 

    On Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 11:39:38 AM PDT, scottg  wrote:  
 
 > Great find!  Me, I'd work with the existing handle for a while

I'm with Mike
Scrub it up, sharpen the adze and try it out for a while.

Even if you want a new cooler handle I don't know how you could know 
what you want yet.
Trying it will offer a lot more insight over what is working for you or 
not.

   I am badly jealous. I always wanted one of these things to try. But 
as far as I know not a single one ever made it to the (tools) worst coast.
   I wouldn't have any idea how to improve the handle geometry.
But I'd like to know haahhaah
   yours scott

-- 
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    Scott Grandstaff
    Box 409 Happy Camp, Ca  96039
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