Double Bit Axes - Is a pommel flare a must?

[scruffuk]

Hi folks,

I've not posted here in a good while, been busy with work and the missus etc, have been lurking in and out though.
Hope you have all been keeping well? It certainly seems like you have...and busy too!

I have finally got my ar$e in gear with regards to my double bit projects (pics to follow) and have been shopping around for handles.

I'm in the UK where DB heads themselves are pretty rare (I have been VERY lucky to land a Plumb, Collins and an unnamed), the handles are rarer still though.

I thought about using a pick axe handle. Couldn't find one straight one anywhere locally.
Purchased a sledge handle but it wouldn't fill the eye...and I'm not convinced about head security with 'side' wedges.
Sourcing suitable wood to fabricate one isn't so tricky, but it needing to be plumb, I don't want to risk making my own just yet.

Out of interest, and for DB hanging practice, I have ordered a 30" Wetterlings throwing axe haft, but it has no flare.
Will have to see when it arrives tomorrow, but there may be enough meat to add one???

Was wondering what you guys think about the safety of using a flareless helve on a working DB....especially considering it will be my first real swing of one in anger??


As always, your advice and input would be most appreciated.

Thank you

 

[M3mphis]

I would not even go there, personally. Granted, I'm pretty picky about the palm swells on my handles. Aside from being picky, having a palm swell is certainly a little extra bit of safety.

You might consider getting the fattest pick handle you can find and thinning it down except for the end. Also, a palm swell should be smooth and gradual. The palm swells that you see that are like a knob are not the least bit user friendly.

Nice to see you around, Scruff.

 

[Square_peg]

Hey! Good to see you, Scruff!

I think a good swell makes an axe safer and more comfortable to use. No need for a death grip with a good swell. And a looser grip at impact means less vibrations travelling up your arm.

That said, many of the old-timey photographs you see of loggers using double bits will show handles with basically no swell at all. One of my Puget Sound pattern axes came with such a handle.

A little bit of friction tape at the swell can help keep that axe in your hand, too.

 

[G-pig]

Wetterlings handles are often times thick. If you thin it down, you can leave the end original length and texture the grip area with a rasp to improve the grip, I would think that would make it suitable.

 

[scruffuk]

Cheers chaps.

Will see what turns up tomorrow an update you.

Your safety concerns and advice are duly noted.