Fokos

JimStC · Mar 25, 2013

My fokos arrived today.

Overall head length 9 1/8"
Hammer poll to handle 3"
Handle to cutting edge 5"
Cutting edge 3 1/2"
Overall length 40" including bottom tip
Total weight 2# 13oz.
Hickory handle - medium brown (slightly darker than it appears in the photos)
Full head sheath

It is very nice and very sharp. More pictures to follow.

Jim

JimStC · Mar 25, 2013

We got over 8" of snow last night. Off to the woods.

Jim

Certaindeaf · Mar 25, 2013

40" oal.. that'll do some fokos. lolz. looks pretty sweet

Piraticalbob · Mar 25, 2013

Oh, nice. Looking forward to a review. How does it weigh in the hand compared to a cane? Comfortable to walk with? Does the spike clog with leaf litter?

JimStC · Mar 25, 2013

Bob,
Probably a pound to 1.5 pound heavier than my Blackthorns.
The ax head makes for a great walking handle. I don't know regarding clogging with ground litter since there is 8"+ of snow on the ground presently.
The leather work was done by the smith's wife. It fits perfectly. She provided a leather string to wrap the sheath but it fits so well it isn't necessary.

Jim

Certaindeaf · Mar 25, 2013

Did you take a great swing at some lumber while out on your walk?

JimStC · Mar 25, 2013

I thought about it but decided against it

. Probably best used for thorny impediments and other light stuff. I liken it to a machete regarding its applications. Brush, etc....
Also seems to be a good tool for camp fire wood so long as no trees are involved, just downed branches.

Jim

Certaindeaf · Mar 25, 2013

It seems like it's half overbuilt to some certain degree. You'd think/hope you'd be able to swing it.

JimStC · Mar 25, 2013

I will definitely report back once I have put it to some use. The hickory and langets do add that overbuilt characteristic.
Here is the web site: http://walkbyfaith777.com/walking_sticks.
The blacksmith and his wife are very, very nice people.

Jim

bikerdoc · Mar 25, 2013

I like it. Enjoy!

jbkebert · Mar 25, 2013

Heck of a nice looking tool.

Can't wait to hear a review.

rcmodel · Mar 26, 2013

But the biggest question is.

Have you been watching 'The Vikings' series on the History channel??

Theres some Fokos like action going on there!!!

rc

JimStC · Mar 26, 2013

No, rc I haven't but I expect I better. With the proper technique the fokos can be a formidable weapon.

Jim

Certaindeaf · Mar 26, 2013

That Viking show is great. That little ship builder dude seems to use a small adz like thing for fighting.

JimStC · Mar 29, 2013

The spike does not pick up ground litter. I have tried to get stuff to stick and nothing will yet. The ground is still wet from the snow melt and that may have something to do with it. Alternatively, the size of the spike is so robust that it makes a BIG hole in a leaf and leaves (pun intended) it on the ground.

The utility of having a hawk and poll as a walking stick handle is really nice. I have been alternating between poll forward and hawk forward. Can't decide which I like best. I have used a straight walking stick for years and this handle design provides much better walking balance and less wrist torque. I guess the European shepherds figured this out centuries ago and now I get the benefit....

Jim

CA Raider · Mar 29, 2013

"My fokos arrived today."

Very practical design for a tomahawk.
But you've got me - I have not seen one of those before.
Who makes it??

tx,
CA R

JimStC · Mar 29, 2013

CA,
See post #9. Actually the intended use is a walking stick.

Jim

Certaindeaf · Mar 29, 2013

That's the wickedest walking stick I've seen in all my born days. I'd have to attack a tree with it but that's just me though.

mdauben · Mar 29, 2013

See post #9. Actually the intended use is a walking stick.

Not sure you'd get this one past TSA!

Cool looking, though. I don't think I've ever seen one like that before and I certianly would not mind adding one to my cane collection.

JimStC · Mar 29, 2013

M,
I have wondered if I could get that into the courthouse. I expect not as that might be pushing the limits of the ADA.

Jim

Certaindeaf · Mar 29, 2013

This Katana.?. that's me walkin stick!

mdauben · Mar 29, 2013

This Katana.?. that's me walkin stick!

There's actually a famous Japanese movie franchise about a blind swordsman with a katana in his walking stick. Paul Chen makes a replica sword.

Piraticalbob · Mar 29, 2013

JimStC said:
The spike does not pick up ground litter. I have tried to get stuff to stick and nothing will yet. The ground is still wet from the snow melt and that may have something to do with it. Alternatively, the size of the spike is so robust that it makes a BIG hole in a leaf and leaves (pun intended) it on the ground.

The utility of having a hawk and poll as a walking stick handle is really nice. I have been alternating between poll forward and hawk forward. Can't decide which I like best. I have used a straight walking stick for years and this handle design provides much better walking balance and less wrist torque. I guess the European shepherds figured this out centuries ago and now I get the benefit....

Jim

Outstanding. Sounds like it was a good investment.

JimStC · Mar 29, 2013

Bob,
I am very pleased. Thanks for the referral to the Otts. They are great people!
You get the credit for this purchase. Thanks for the education. Much appreciated. The fokos accompanies me on every trip out the back door.

Jim

JimStC · Mar 31, 2013

Did some testing today. Cut branches from a mulberry tree/bush. (you'd have to see it). The fokos makes quick work of branches. It is head heavy and that helps when cutting. I need to be aware of the spike as that adds a new dimension to a cutting tool. Unlike an ax or a hawk, both ends can hurt you. Should have thought about that.... I'll live. Damn that scratch!

Jim

Fokos

Member

Attachments

Member

Attachments

member

Member

Member

member

Member

member

Member

Moderator In Memoriam

Member

Member in memoriam

Member

member

Member

Member

Member

member

Member

Member

member

Member

Member

Member

Member

Similar threads