Axe Handles:

[Fred Bryant]

I have been looking for some axe handles for about a year. Either they are plastic, not going there, or they are improperly made ( grain running the wrong way, off center tenon, not straight, ... ). Well, it is getting to the point I need to do more than look. Any sources anyone knows of in the NW? Or, although I do not like this route as I am buying blind and most handles are not longer made properly, any online sources someone can recommend?

I need 4 double bit with a 34" hafting length, and 4 single bit straight style with a 36" hafting length. Handle: straight grain hickory with the grain running the longways of the eye tenon, no heartwood, properly shaped tenon.

Thx's, Fred ( jyblood@nwi.net )

[Patrick Tipton]

I bought an adze handle from these folks http://tennesseehickoryproducts.com/. It is a nice handle - no complaints.

I recently made a hatchet handle from white oak that was leftover from a chair project. Hand split so the grain runs right and it made for a nice handle. I have a shave horse and sharp draw knives, so the project took about an hour from start to finish.

Regards, Patrick

[Gary Herrmann]

I recently saw a post on axe handle making in SWARF on OWWM.

[Ryan Mooney]

Fred, you don't say where you are? There may be some local sources if you're lucky and someone knows about them...

[Jim Koepke]

In the Pacific Norhtwest I found one in an ACE Hardware store. I think I picked the best of the three there.

Trying to get a bunch at the same time is going to be difficult.

Making your own may be your best option.

jtk

[Fred Bryant]

I have tried all the local stores. I was hoping for a old fashion hardware/specialty store I could hit in my travels. I guess I need info on handle making.

Thx's, Fred.

[Joel Goodman]

I bought an adze handle from these folks http://tennesseehickoryproducts.com/. It is a nice handle - no complaints.



This looks like a good resource. Thanks for posting. Can you recommend a source for wedges?

[Patrick Tipton]

Although not listed on the website, the Tennessee Hickory folks have wedges as well. Download their catalog and you will find a listing there!

Regards, Patrick

[Maurice Ungaro]

I've had good experience ordering from these folks: http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=6727&title=Replacement+Axe+Handles

[Fred Bryant]

I was looking at few handles in the TriCities today and noticed that the eye 'tenon' was too small for my two favorite axes ( circa 1900 ). The handles I found were not aceptable, but will seem to fit my other axes. So, I guess I will try and order some, but I probably are going to have to make at least two. Of course, for me that is really 4, 2 to screw up and 2 that turn out ok.

With that said, what is SWARF on OWWM?

Thx's, Fred.

[Jim Sebring]

The best local surce I know of in the area is Hardwick & Sons in Seattle.

[Zach Dillinger]

The Woodwright's Companion covers this.

http://www.amazon.com/Woodwrights-Companion-Exploring-Traditional-Woodcraft/dp/0807840955/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1330440730&sr=8-4

[Rodney Walker]

With that said, what is SWARF on OWWM?

Thx's, Fred.

OWWM.com is another forum devoted mainly to old wood working machinery. SWARF is the off-topic portion of the forum. Membership is free.

[Terry Beadle]

+1 for Ace Hardware. There were several there to pick from and I mounted it on my splitting maul/axe. Very strong. Good grain pattern. The last one lasted over 20 years. Hickory is tough.