That was a beautiful piece of writing that painted a perfect picture of the importance of special people and maul axes in our lives. I keep a tool that my father used welding Liberty ships together during WWII. It is a person to me. Thanks.
A beautiful and very moving story. My dad's favorite axe is sitting in the corner behind the wood stove...it "wears" a leather boot that slips over the very sharp head of the axe to protect it. It's amazing how attached you can get to tools, especially functional ones that have to do with firewood and kindling and keeping warm. The axe is next to a pair of paddles my dad made. Having these near is a comfort. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
I love old tools. While modern tools are often stronger, they also lack the forethought of the really old ones. The old craftsmen had to be craftier because their tools required so much more effort to use. Try drilling really straight holes in grainy wood with an old bit and brace. Or cutting a long straight groove in hardwood with a hand plane. So, it’s not just the tools themselves, it’s those awesomely talented old craftsmen. Thanks for the wonderful story.
Hi, John. The restored maul story struck me as so quintessentially American that it caused me, age 86, to reflect more than usual about what America has been during the many years of my Life. The loss too soon of Nina, the artisanal nature of the maul restorers’ loving (and indeed proud) work, the fireside friendships, toddies, and dancing brought home memories of friendships shared, lost, and often recovered. Thanks for treating your readers to all of that. John Schwab
Mr. John...up at 4 to deal with my sciatica & read your welcomed post. Your story about Nina, The Maul brought a little tear. Besides the Moitrin a great way to kick off my week before Advent week.
Blessings. edk
Oh, yeah. Because I split a finger to the bone with my wood chipper...my doctor insisted I NOT maul through 6 logger's cords a season...we now own a 35ton splitter...things we deal with as age comes a'creeping,
Dr. Droz,
That was a beautiful piece of writing that painted a perfect picture of the importance of special people and maul axes in our lives. I keep a tool that my father used welding Liberty ships together during WWII. It is a person to me. Thanks.
Paul: Glad this resonated with you!
A beautiful and very moving story. My dad's favorite axe is sitting in the corner behind the wood stove...it "wears" a leather boot that slips over the very sharp head of the axe to protect it. It's amazing how attached you can get to tools, especially functional ones that have to do with firewood and kindling and keeping warm. The axe is next to a pair of paddles my dad made. Having these near is a comfort. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
SM: You deserve to be comforted.
I love old tools. While modern tools are often stronger, they also lack the forethought of the really old ones. The old craftsmen had to be craftier because their tools required so much more effort to use. Try drilling really straight holes in grainy wood with an old bit and brace. Or cutting a long straight groove in hardwood with a hand plane. So, it’s not just the tools themselves, it’s those awesomely talented old craftsmen. Thanks for the wonderful story.
David: You're welcome. I thought it was a fine story...
Hi, John. The restored maul story struck me as so quintessentially American that it caused me, age 86, to reflect more than usual about what America has been during the many years of my Life. The loss too soon of Nina, the artisanal nature of the maul restorers’ loving (and indeed proud) work, the fireside friendships, toddies, and dancing brought home memories of friendships shared, lost, and often recovered. Thanks for treating your readers to all of that. John Schwab
John: Glad you felt that way. I did also which is why I reposted it.
Wonderful story, wonderfully told.
David: I agree on both counts. Perfect for Thanksgiving week!
Mr. John...up at 4 to deal with my sciatica & read your welcomed post. Your story about Nina, The Maul brought a little tear. Besides the Moitrin a great way to kick off my week before Advent week.
Blessings. edk
Oh, yeah. Because I split a finger to the bone with my wood chipper...my doctor insisted I NOT maul through 6 logger's cords a season...we now own a 35ton splitter...things we deal with as age comes a'creeping,
Ed: TY for sharing your connections with wood working.