I hadn't noticed that bit.  It looks like a modified spade bit (hard to 
be
sure from its brief appearance) of the sort Scott G recommended making a
while back.

As for the ax work, I'm trying to do some like this, a bit at a time.  
The
ax is a good deal more versatile than we commonly think.  (I've seen 
photos
of a Maine hunting guide whittling a canoe paddle using his ax.)  I now
have two Russian axes one at about a pound and another at about 3 1/2 
pounds.
They're interestingly balanced.

Mike in Sacto