Re: Axes

From: Andrew Solovay <asolovay_at_...>
Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 16:33:58 -0800

Bruce Ferrie wrote:
> Andrew Solovay wrote:
> >
> > But even if a chief *could* afford a saw for such use (circumstances
> > where an axe would do the job, though less efficiently), wouldn't it
> > still be cheaper to pay two stickpickers to use axes instead of one
> > stickpicker to use a (valubale, fragile) saw?
>
> And people always take the cheapest option rather than the one that lets
> you show off how wealthy and cool you are?

But a minute ago, you were arguing based on *efficiency*--that a chief would use a saw instead of an axe because it's a better tool for the job. Now you're arguing based on conspicuous consumption--that he'll use a saw because it's expensive and wasteful.

By those lights, why use a saw *or* an axe? Why not use a team of thralls gnawing through the tree with their teeth? That'd sure show how wealthy you are!

Sartarite chiefs aren't so rich that they can afford to waste valuable and expensive tools--or alienate the skilled craftsmen who make them. Yeah, maybe a chief who owns the Adamant Saw of Thurg Brookisser (which never goes dull or breaks) will show off his wealth by sawing logs with it. But a run-of-the-mill Heortling, even if he wants to show off his wealth with conspicuous waste, will probably find other ways with more bang to the buck (like throwing a big feast) rather than using a valuable and fragile tool for a task where a cheap and sturdy tool will do reasonably well.