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proceed to chip away at the brick, removing waste and developing the desired
profile and finish.
Testing this process revealed that, although it works to some degree, it is not
practical, because bolsters are percussive tools to be struck by a hammer. It also
proves uncomfortable, poorly balanced, and requires much effort to make up
for the lack of tool-weight over the cutting-edge; negative factors that would
have been apparent to the medieval craftsmen. The development of a sharp
double-bladed bolster, thus creating the brick axe, is both a logical and prac-
tical outcome of such a situation (Fig. 24).
Figure 24
The finished axed
moulding against its
templets with the
brick axe.
Nathaniel Lloyd (1925, 73) remarks that experiments undertaken with a brick
axe in the hands of a bricklayer expert in the use of a 'scutch' (see pp. 274-5)
revealed it to be 'far inferior to the latter in handiness'. Tests on the use of the
brick axe also invited comment from several skilled bricklayers and two stone-
masons, who were all previously unfamiliar with the tool. After initial tuition
with the author, its use was highly praised by all parties; somewhat surprised
and impressed by how it performed. Hill (2001) stated that the brick axe was:
…awkward to use at first, but with a little practice became easier. In particular,
working in an arc so as to use only about half the blade width at once proved very
satisfactory, and removed material more accurately and more easily. There was
also much less tendency to pluck.
The overall opinion, therefore, was of a well-balanced and comfortable
tool with good control and very effective in executing tasks for which it was
designed. The double-blade, it was agreed, served several purposes. Firstly, as
described above, it gives balance either side of the handgrip. Secondly, forging
two blades saves metal for a given weight of material. Thirdly, it gives weight
above the lower cutting-edge and behind the blow being delivered. The final
advantage is the benefit of an extra blade, sharp and ready for immediate use
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