DB too short?

[schmittie]

Hello gentleman.


I have a Kelly Flint Edge that was my wife's grandfathers that I saved from certain death last year. This is the first axe that I put a handle on. I learned quite a bit about what not to do.

A few weeks ago, I had the time to continue clearing my fence line. I chopped one ash tree with my fiskars that I've had for over a decade. For this last tree, I thought I'd give it a shot with this double bit.

I cut a big wedge in the front and sliced to it with my bow saw from the back.

Worked just fine. Bailey even had to come over and see what the noise was.

Here is where I could use some of your experience. Although the double bit chopped in less than a third of the time than the Fiskars, it did feel a little awkward, almost like it was in too short of a handle. I had looked at all the local farm stores and couldn't find a handle longer than the 28" one I ended up with. I've seen lots of times where some of you guys seem to favor a 36" handle. How do you decide if a handle is right to the axe?

Thanks!

 

[Square_peg]

How do you decide if a handle is right to the axe?

It's really a personal thing. If 28" felt short for you then you should try something longer. For felling I prefer a 36" haft. For bucking or hewing I like 32" to 34".

 

[Operator1975]

Usual rule of thumb is longer the handle the greater chance to not be as accurate for most people. Hence why most people like shorter handles. I was always a 36" guy for sb or db but 30 and 32 inch handles are growing on me especially as I get older. So as stated already, really preference and comfortability of the user. Have to try em out and see what u like.