Hand Making Axe Handles

[XP_Slinger]

Figured I’d start a thread for making handles instead of cluttering up the other axe thread. Some of you know I’m working on a handle for my Plumb 2lb cruiser and it’s going good so far. If I remain patient and go slow, this will have the best fit I’ve achieved thus far.

 

[XP_Slinger]

The handle is done except for sanding it to its final profile. I’m letting it dry for a few days then I’ll finish it up

 

[XP_Slinger]

Got this one roughed in today. While this drys I’m going to finish up my cruiser.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Cruiser is done. It turned out great!

 

[RI Chevy]

Awesome job. Are you going to do one from scratch for us?

 

[XP_Slinger]

Awesome job. Are you going to do one from scratch for us?

Sure I can do that.

 

[Sty57]

Great job!

 

[XP_Slinger]

Great job!

Thanks

 

[KYsawman]

Are you using hickory for the handle? I am thinking of trying to use some hedge apple to make one. I am hard on axle handles lol!

 

[RI Chevy]

I would think straight grained woods would be a stronger choice.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Are you using hickory for the handle? I am thinking of trying to use some hedge apple to make one. I am hard on axle handles lol!

Yes I’m using hickory. I’m going to knock down a white ash today and see if I like how it shaves better. Hickory is stringy and pulls out very easy when it’s green.

 

[XP_Slinger]

I would think straight grained woods would be a stronger choice.

Though not by any bad experience I agree. Just because wood is hard doesn’t mean it will be a good handle. Grain orientation is 75% of the strength imo

 

[ajschainsaws]

Great thread nice too see the handles from scratch I personally like ash handles
But I’m gonna try some holly , maybe mountain ash , European larch

You gotta knack with them handles keep it up my friend

 

[ajschainsaws]

Here’s a link too woods and strength Osage orange is unbelievable

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/axe-handle-materials-full-guide-to-species-toughness.183764/

 

[XP_Slinger]

That’s some awesome info! Thanks for posting! Certainly clears up some speculation such as apple not being ideal for a handle. According to the test results it is just as strong as white ash. This list really opens the door to using types of wood I had never considered.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Just did some more reading else where, it seems that the strength of hickory heart wood vs sap wood is a highly speculative topic. I’m gonna make a handle out of heart wood because it is very nice looking wood. I would speculate that it will last my lifetime. I also learned that the best pieces of hickory to make a handle out of are those that have 20 or less rings per inch. This fact is the opposite of what I had assumed. I figured the tighter the rings the stronger the wood which is not the case when selecting a billet for a long axe handle.

 

[ajschainsaws]

Yeah I thought it would be a good read for everyone who enjoys axes , I was sure some of the other timbers would be way out of the running but it shows what can be used

 

[XP_Slinger]

I bet the big difference between some of these is how much shock goes to the hand and such. I was surprised to see white ash comparatively low on the scale compared to hickory. Yet ash as we know is a choice wood for making handles.

 

[XP_Slinger]

Some might call this unnecessary but I made a brand for my handles. I think it’s a nice touch on a hand made handle. Gotta do some practicing and record how long to heat it, as you can see the first attempt was way too hot. This was just a store bought handle I’m using as a shape template so nothing lost in making that over burned mark.

 

[RI Chevy]

I like it. A nice personal touch.