Axe hanging question

[mb>]

I'm not an axe guy, so thought I'd ask if this is normal. Should I be concerned with how the head is biting into the handle here? Maybe not preferable, but not really an issue? I'll try to keep it simple and leave the question at that.

Thanks

 

[300Six]

Use a utility knife to carve out the slivers and furred wood. A slope is preferable to winding up with an abrupt shoulder.

 

[SC T100]

Yep! What 300Six said. I always trim that wood off to both look better and prevent those cults from splitting down the haft.

 

[halfaxe]

Fit the bottom of the eye to the handle, and let the wedge take care of the top. I would have sanded the front part down more each side until that gap disappeared before final seating. That gap may cause premature loosening of the head when you use it.

 

[1215]

Usually the goal is to have no gaps. The gap behind the leading edge of the eye is more of an issue (or so I have been told). Usually you taper the shoulder a bit and when you hammer the haft/handle into the head (put the head on two small pieces of wood at the bit and butt and hammer with mallet) the shoulder should be larger than the eye so what you are seeing happens around the entirety of the eye (a little bit). (hope others will correct or add to what I said if it is not accurate)

 

[mb>]

I appreciate the input. What I'm hearing is this is normal but the fit is not perfect.

Now to maybe to take another turn, would you keep this or return it if it you plunked your hard earned $ down on the order? In other words, is this acceptable fit and finish for a high end axe? I'm keeping the brand out of the question on purpose.

I have no point of comparison here. I appreciate fine craftsmanship and quality in any tool. I know "perfection" and "acceptable" are pretty subjective. Not knowing any better though, I had higher expectations in this case.

Once you break a tool in, these things don't matter so much as character dings work their way in to the history of the tool. Quality seems to be lacking in many areas these days. I wasn't sure if this case was a lack of care or normal craftsmanship.

 

[cityofthesouth]

Looks Swedish so you probably don't have to keep the brand a secret. I have a couple GBs and have seen this with many other axes as well - the edges of the eye flare out here and there (or have a slight bevel/rounding) giving you the impression of a gap when that gap is maybe a 1/16th of an inch into the eye. As far as that tiny bit of wood being shaved, trim it, it's nothing, particularly at the front like that. These aren't CNC machined - there is no precision. I don't see anything concerning but pictures don't always tell the whole truth like holding the thing in your hand.

 

[mb>]

Looks Swedish so you probably don't have to keep the brand a secret. I have a couple GBs and have seen this with many other axes as well - the edges of the eye flare out here and there (or have a slight bevel/rounding) giving you the impression of a gap when that gap is maybe a 1/16th of an inch into the eye. As far as that tiny bit of wood being shaved, trim it, it's nothing, particularly at the front like that. These aren't CNC machined - there is no precision. I don't see anything concerning but pictures don't always tell the whole truth like holding the thing in your hand.

This man knows his axes! Good eye.

I do appreciate the feedback. I didn't think it was necessarily an issue, but I knew someone here could set me straight.

FWIW, my disappointment was related to my expectations at the price point. It's not a $30 item. Looks like it got dropped on its head too.

I kind of expect these things anymore, but they're still disappointing.

 

[SC T100]

I'll echo what COTS said...trim it and forget it, and small gaps are not an issue. Those heads are hydraulically seated to ensure a tight fit. It's not going anywhere. That top wood is probably going to get dinged up through use anyway. It's not a big deal, even for a high end axe. And the ding could have come from the supplier, from shipping, or packaging. It's not necessarily the fault of the axe maker. My GB SFA has a similar ding.

 

[mb>]

I'll echo what COTS said...trim it and forget it, and small gaps are not an issue. Those heads are hydraulically seated to ensure a tight fit. It's not going anywhere. That top wood is probably going to get dinged up through use anyway. It's not a big deal, even for a high end axe. And the ding could have come from the supplier, from shipping, or packaging. It's not necessarily the fault of the axe maker. My GB SFA has a similar ding.

Yep - thanks.

 

[halfaxe]

Looking at the picture of the top and looking at the video how those handles are put on, I would agree that handle is ok. I was writing before as what I would do to get a perfect fit when I put a handle on. There is a difference between how an axe factory puts a handle on and a home replacement.

 

[mb>]

Looking at the picture of the top and looking at the video how those handles are put on, I would agree that handle is ok. I was writing before as what I would do to get a perfect fit when I put a handle on. There is a difference between how an axe factory puts a handle on and a home replacement.

Makes sense. This is a whole 'nother world of learning curve to climb for me.

 

[cityofthesouth]

That's ok. When you spend money for what is supposed to be among the best of a particular item/product available then you're justified in having certain expectations, I think. I think you're going to ultimately be satisfied with your new axe, but like I broken record I tend to always suggest people gather the best information they can concerning their purchase and weigh that against their expectations.

 

[1215]

Only one way to find out if the handle is good... That said, you didn't pick that up at Walmart so if you aren't happy, say something. My initial reply was assuming you did the hang as it was not stated that it was a new tool.

There are a bunch of others here who own those. They would speak up if it looked like an issue. Keep in mind the guy at the factory that hung that axe has probably hung more axes than most of this forum, combined. GB has an excellent reputation and I doubt they would ever let a poorly hung tool leave the shop. Aesthetics and your expectation of what a new GB should look like is another story (which I can't speak to). I can say that handmade things are never going to be identical or perfect. That's part of the charm, uniqueness, character, exclusivity, etc. of high quality, handmade things. Everything, ranging from cars to handbags, clothes or shoes, are all going to have little imperfections and nuances here and there.

Especially with an axe (striking tool), someone had to use a striking tool to make another striking tool. The haft was hammered into the eye and then the the kerf wedge was hammered into the kerf slot. Unless its going to be a wall hanger and you will never use it... a few over strikes or misses and you'll never know it came looking like that

Enjoy it... and report back on how you like it!