Research

Sunday, demo day!

Clogs that are nailed to a wooden board (approx. 30 by 40 cm) and with which the gardener tamps down the soil after sowing. The clogs are sometimes replaced by a wooden plank with straps that you fasten around your shoe; or fitted with ropes held taut by hand (1). The peat-cutter uses such clogs to squeeze the water out of the peat banks before it is slashed with the mud-marking iron. To walk on muddy surfaces, trips are attached under the shoes or boots; there the aim is to increase support. [MOT] (1) Eg. CROMPVOETS & VINEYARD ep.2: 169.

This text can only be consulted in Dutch

This text can only be consulted in Dutch

This text can only be consulted in Dutch

This text can only be consulted in Dutch

This text can only be consulted in Dutch

The fireman's axe mainly serves to break a door or window, but it is used for all kinds of purposes (1). Today it closely resembles a woodman's axe. The straight handle often ends in a small sphere to provide a better grip. Often there is a notch at the bottom of the blade to pull out nails and a spring strengthens the connection with the stem (2). Very common is a pointed axe, i.e. an axe with a heavy point opposite the edge (3). Here too one or two springs are often found. Today there are firefighter's axes made of a non-sparking alloy. The stem can be short (about 35 cm) or long (about 80-90 cm). The short handle often has slight bumps along its entire length to provide a better grip; when isolated, it is usually serrated. The handle of some models ends in a heavy iron point. [MOT] (1) Eg. to drive a peg of emergency into the wall. Certain models appear in military and security equipment. See also the window-smasher to shatter safety glass in a bus, train or plane. (2) In most countries there are official standards...

This kitchen utensil serves to whisk egg whites and the like. It is considerably lighter and faster than with a regular wire whisk. See also the spiral whisk and mayonnaise whipper. More technical information on the Dutch version of this page. [MOT]