I think this has been mention a long time ago, but I'll bet nobody remembers it. "Frowward" reminded me of it.

froe
PRONUNCIATION: AUDIO: fr KEY
VARIANT FORMS: also frow
NOUN: A cleaving tool having a heavy blade set at right angles to the handle.
ETYMOLOGY: Earlier frower, possibly from froward, turned away (of the handle).

as you post words, i look at them, and think, do i know this? have i encountered this word?

Froe was a definate yes. John McPhee, (i think its McPhee) had a book of old tools.. all sorts of tools that were commoner in yesteryear, and froe is one that comes to mind...