Can’t get a response from Thrane axe and tool

[Mblack]

I’m new here. If this is off topic for this section, then please delete or move as appropriate. I’m new to hanging axes ( 3 so far). I wanted to try something different and after reading positive comments about thrane on this and other forums, I decided to pull the trigger and buy two premium and one class “b” axe handles.

One of the premium handles and the class B handle both have grain that runs with a 90 degree orientation to the handle. I realize I’m new to this and concede I may be missing something, but every online tutorial I’ve found in axe hanging indicates grain like these should not be used and expected to hold up. I accept this risk with the B handle but am upset about the premium handle. I see no difference between the grain orientation on these handles, though one was designated as premium.

Wanting to discuss this I have reached out seven times to thrane hoping for a reply ( 3 voicemails, two emails directly to nick thrane, three messages through the contact form I. The contact form on their web site) over the past six days. No response at all.

I decided to join this forum and post here hoping for feedback or ideas. ( I am also interested in a lot of the topics covered and had been a lurker for a while). I also realize things happen and thrane is probably a small business without coverage if nick is away or has had an emergency, but am growing concerned the premium axe will be unusable and thrane will never answer me.



Regards- Michael

 

[catspa]

The cross grained handle won’t be unusable, just weaker than a properly oriented one. In my experience, it’ll still be strong enough unless you really thrash your axes.

I hung a 3-1/2 lb Dayton head on a 36” cross grained hickory handle about 15 years ago (before I got real picky about grain orientation). For awhile it was my most used splitter, and I used it a lot.

About 3 years ago, I traded it to a friend who had no axe, and it’s been used hard ever since. Still holding up well.

The best advice I can give you is, don’t overstrike. If you’re the kind of person who overstrikes at full swing, put a leather or rubber collar on it (or about 10 layers of duct tape if you’re a redneck like me. Yee haw).

Best of luck to you.

Parker

 

[Mblack]

Thank you for the advice. I had planned to put a 4.25 pound bit on this. Given that it is ash rather than hickory I’m not comfortable. Was planning to make this something special, which was why I paid over 50 plus some for shipping. My House handles all have better grain alignment, IMHO.

I’m also irritated to not even be getting a response from Thrane.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Does it have runout? I'd only really be concerned if it has runout. That being said, ash *is* more prone to delamination along the porous rings when subjected to shock so it'll be a little more sensitive to overstrikes with that orientation.

 

[tommytman]

Don't overthink it. Use it. It's an axe. If you always hit wood to bit to wood you will be good to go. If you overstrike the wood it won;t matter what gain you have. That's my experience. It's unusual that he did not get back to you. I have lots of wedges and blanks from him and no issues.

 

[Mblack]

That is really good to hear. I’m going to check on runout when I get back from work tonight.

I’m starting to worry maybe he’s had some kind of an emergency. That sort of thing is way more important than whether I’m satisfied w an axe handle. Hope everyone is okay.

Michael

 

[Mblack]

I was finally able to do some more self educating about grain runout. The handle I was worried about does have grain orientation that is 90 degrees to the striking surface, but seems to me it has minimal runout ( just where the shape of the handle curves. ) I wish the grain were at least 45 to the striking surface, but am going to use it anyway.

I’m happy with the other two handles I received from Thrane with that order. Wedges I bought at that time are also very nice.

On the more negative side, I never did hear anything back despite seven contacts ( phone, email, going through the site contact page) on my part. I’ve been hesitant to place more orders for that reason.

I really appreciate the answers from members when I first started this thread.

Regards,

Michael

That is really good to hear. I’m going to check on runout when I get back from work tonight.

I’m starting to worry maybe he’s had some kind of an emergency. That sort of thing is way more important than whether I’m satisfied w an axe handle. Hope everyone is okay.

Michael

That is really good to hear. I’m going to check on runout when I get back from work tonight.

I’m starting to worry maybe he’s had some kind of an emergency. That sort of thing is way more important than whether I’m satisfied w an axe handle. Hope everyone is okay.

Michael

 

[tommytman]

Maybe he’s winding down the axe stuff. lol I still have two blanks from him that I never shaped or finished.

 

[Hotshot10]

The best advice I can give you is, don’t overstrike. If you’re the kind of person who overstrikes at full swing, put a leather or rubber collar on it (or about 10 layers of duct tape if you’re a redneck like me. Yee haw).

Best of luck to you.

Parker

I use some thick rubber hose wrapped with duct tape, and that lasts usually for two or three overstrikes. I had a leather collar, but that lasted only marginally longer and costs much, much more.