Axe handle grain orientation

A

akennedy73

Joined
May 5, 2006
Messages
1,265
Axe handles are supposed to have their grain running parallel to the head - not perpendicular. This is emphasized as really important by most, but some few say it doesn't make much difference as to whether the handle is likely to fail.

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So I'm wondering, does anyone have an axe that they've used with bad grain orientation and had a problem with it? I'm curious if anyone has had an issue because I recently picked up a cheap axe with bad grain orientation.
 
I've had at least one axe fail (the handle snapped) because of a bad grain orientation. If at all possible, try not to buy axes like this. They are really not safe, and probably won't last long. If you must buy one, try to minimize the chance of breakage. Use the axe carefully so as to avoid any impact on the handle. If you don't mind an ugly axe, you can wrap the part of the handle near the head with a layer or two of duct tape...this way, the chance of breakage is lessened, and if the handle DOES break, it lessens the chances of the head flying through the air and killing someone, or going through a car windshield, etc.
 
Years ago, I was using someone else's axe. After a few minutes, I heard a "funny" sound when the axe would impact the wood. I checked the handle, and it was developing a crack along the long axis of the handle. The grain orientation was almost 90 degrees "wrong." The axe was an old Collins, and the handle very dry with many small surface cracks.

Another way to avoid breaking car windshields is to avoid chopping wood inside cars. :p
 
Another way to avoid breaking car windshields is to avoid chopping wood inside cars
Click to expand...

lol


I think grain alignment is very important, I always hand pick a good handle, but think of how easy wood is to split along the grain vs across it. The same applies to an axe handle.
 
Who says such silliness? How can you say grain orientation wouldn't matter here. Have you ever seen a bow built cross grain? That makes no sense to me. Check your axe handles, but really I've never heard of this theory. Which is totaly wrong IMO, no if ands or butts, wood is weak cross grain.
 
Sadly, it is getting very difficult to find handles with proper alignment. I would say that my peace of mind is worth the effort of tracking down a handle with great grain alignment.
 
thanks for the responses everyone :thumbup: looks like i'm gonna hang a new handle on that axe - something i should learn to do anyways

FB, i don't know anyone in particular who says such silliness, it's just that i've read some people have used weak grained handles on their axes and haven't had a problem. doesn't mean they won't eventually or that i won't eventually. at any rate, i'm a safety-first kinda guy - so i'll be finding a proper handle with good grain
 
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