OldTools Archive

Recent Bios FAQ

121579 reeinelson@w... (Bob Nelson) 2003‑09‑07 Re: Introduction and Tool Storage philosophy question.
Hi Michael & All,

Welcome aboard! Re your question about the "tweebil". AFAIK, you're
right that they aren't being made any more. Old ones can be found in
antique tool circles, but they're usually pretty pricey. One problem
with looking for them on ebay or such might be that the name is spelled
multiple ways - your way being one I can't recall seeing before. Try
"twybill", "twivel", "twibill", etc.

FYI, there are three fairly distinctly different types - only one of
which I assume you'd want for your purpose. That's the Germanic or PA
Dutch style - quite sturdy and with a handle for chopping with the
blades aimed different directions on each end of the head. This is the
type that's most commonly seen in old paintings and other such artwork
from the 1500s or so and would indeed be appropriate for use in Roger's
village. 

There's another French style that's much longer with what looks like a
socket for a wood handle but is the total handle; it's used like a
chisel and the blade ends are just pushed and pried with that handle -
not chopped. The third is a hurdlemaker's type that's smaller and
lighter than the Germanic style and only used to make light weight
fencing.

Don McConnell and I tried to do some research recently that included,
among other things, some aspects of using a twybill - but we have seemed
to run into nothing but dead ends that are grinding that to a halt.

Best Wishes,
Bob



Recent Bios FAQ