Sons of benjamin
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I saw this branch on an cut down apple tree that had been seasoning for a year or so, and saw potential. I used a knife and grinder to form the points as well as the wooden portion of the 'blade'. For the blade, I hammered on a piece of thick sheet metal, attached it with tack nails, and grinded an edge on. I'd like to eventually make another with better techniques, especially a better metal portion. Regardless, the weapon is very effective. The applewood is VERY hard. The point, being hardened akin to firehardening from the friction of the grinder, can repeatedly punch holes in a little less than inch thick boards and not dull at all. The blade (if you can really call it that; at least it was a good idea...) can cut branches an inch in diameter (i haven't tested anything bigger yet) off a tree, albeit not cleanly. It does cut the branch off in the first swing, though. I haven't tried throwing it, but I imagine that with some skill you could throw it so that the main point hits first. I am somewhat afraid to try it, though. The smaller, secondary spike works well also. It doesn't have as much punching power as the main point, but it is effective on a backhand swing, which is really what I intended (so that multiple blows could be landed fairly quickly).
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