History - Toolbox Axe

Two-million years ago, Homo erectus first shaped hard rock with a hammerstone to create sharp-edged tools. We follow the story of the axe from that point forward, tracing its journey as both deadly weapon and lifesaving tool. Then, we see how colonial blacksmiths made axes, and pay a visit to Snow & Nealley in Bangor, Maine, manufacturers of quality axes since 1864. Plus, we look at specialized axes through the years, from a 17th-century Persian parade axe to the firefighter's pickhead axe.

• documentary