Trevor,

I don't recall him ever mentioning anything other than
using them to clear out brush and poison ivy (the bane
of many a lineman around these parts) from around
poles that had to be climbed.

I do know that the square hole found in many of them was
used as a wrench to tighten cross-tie bolts and whatnot.

Maybe if you were using it that way, on a pole, as a wrench
you might not want it to be so scary sharp.

I guess the answer lies in the fact that they were more of
a gardening tool and not a woodworking tool.

Later,

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Trevor Robinson" 
To: "John Pesut" 
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2005 5:47 AM
Subject: Re: [oldtools] Bio

> Hi, John
> Your grandfather cought my attention. I have always wondered why
> Bell System hatchets are never found sharp. It has made me think that they
> were not used like ordinary hatchets, for chopping wood. Do you happen to
> know? If so, I think that many galoots would appreciate the information.
> Trevor

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