✅ SOLVED What was it used for

[relic nut]

I found what I think is some kind of wedge, possibly home made. It is not an ax because it dose not have a place for the handle. You can see in the pic that it is not as thick as a wedge made for splitting wood should be. It also has an eyelet for something near the top. It has seen a lot of use and I think is very old. This relic was found near an old home site were I have found several ax heads. Look forward to your input.

 

[Indian Steve]

It is a felling wedge. When you cut a tree, you cut a notch on the side that you want it to fall towards. Then you make your backcut. On bigger trees, you hammer this wedge into the back cut to help it go the way that you want it. Most had a string attached so you could hang it from your belt when not in use.

 

[Mud Hut]

kinda hard to make out any real detail in the photos and they don't seem to be "clickable" to enlarge them.

 

[NOLA_Ken]

I've seen thin wedges like that for splitting cedar shingles

 

[pa plateau hiker]

Felling wedges clean up very well with electrolysis.

 

[relic nut]

Thanks guys for the input. I agree with felling wedge. Will mark solved