Andy Pratt
01-29-2014, 1:38 AM
Talking about working axes here, used every year at least, with handles still holding up like they were new.
Mine is on a 2lb snow&neally hudson bay axe that I use camping each year. I fitted the handle to it (factory handle that I re-sized the head on) and dated it in 2001. I'm sure that's not the oldest around, but the way it is holding up I expect it to be a record holder in a few decades. My double-bit axe is from 2002 and has never needed tweaking. I give them a light sanding and linseed every year or two and keep linseed sealed in a plug in the ends that I replenish every five years or so, nothing else. As a disclaimer I only give these two real use for about a week or two a year all told.
I did the wedge-extending-above-the-head thing on both axes, with cross wedges keeping the fit tight front to back where it gets the most wear. I had to tighten them a year or two after I made it on the S&N but it has been perfect since.
281074
Mine is on a 2lb snow&neally hudson bay axe that I use camping each year. I fitted the handle to it (factory handle that I re-sized the head on) and dated it in 2001. I'm sure that's not the oldest around, but the way it is holding up I expect it to be a record holder in a few decades. My double-bit axe is from 2002 and has never needed tweaking. I give them a light sanding and linseed every year or two and keep linseed sealed in a plug in the ends that I replenish every five years or so, nothing else. As a disclaimer I only give these two real use for about a week or two a year all told.
I did the wedge-extending-above-the-head thing on both axes, with cross wedges keeping the fit tight front to back where it gets the most wear. I had to tighten them a year or two after I made it on the S&N but it has been perfect since.
281074