Flax brake
A flax brake is a tool for breaking the woody parts of flax stalks. Traditional hand-operated examples have a frame and hinged arm working the flax between opposing components.
Not the same as a flax hackle
Breaking is an earlier stage than final hackling. Norwegian tradition includes different constructions and names such as mykje, brutu and skalla. A local name does not necessarily designate a separate object type. See also the flax hackle, the tool with iron teeth.
Examine the whole construction
Inspect frame, arm, hinge and the components that fit into each other. Establish whether the object is complete or consists of detached parts. Do not identify a loose arm or repaired frame confidently from an approximate dimension or a seller's label alone.
What should be recorded?
Measure height, length and operating clearance. Photograph open and closed positions if this can be done without stressing damaged parts. Note broken wood, decay, loose joints and later fittings. Keep fingers clear of pinch points. Transcribe dates and initials as inscriptions before using them for dating or attribution. Preserve information about the farm of use and previous owners, but specify what is documented.
