I recently bought an old Collins axe at a flea market for $5. I am currently refurbishing it and I want to invest in a very nice handle. I know Gransfors Bruks makes some of the best axes in the world and I found a place to by replacement handles for them. However, they say to make sure you buy the right handle for the right model. I was wondering if a Gransfors Bruks handle will fit on my Collins axe head. It would be helpful to know if that would work before I waste $35 on a handle that won't even fit. Thanks
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Gransfors Bruks handle on a Collins head
- Thread starter jwar58
- Start date
Any handle can be made to fit any head providing there is enough wood to fit the eye. Ask the supplier to give you the haft dimensions (depth and breadth) and compare that to the axe eye dimensions you have. As long as the eye is equal to or smaller than the handle a rasp will ensure you can make a nice fit.
I don't know what sort of wood G-B uses but Ash, Yellow Birch and Red Beech are common for European axes, and if they do use American Hickory then it has crossed over the ocean once already. Your Collins is built for a Hickory haft; neither Ash, Birch nor Beech is as durable/resilient and consequently the eyes of axes using these materials is often larger.
Haft quality is highly variable regardless of the type of wood and that's why a meticulous installer usually insists on inspecting a goodly pile of handles personally in order to choose the best one. Grain orientation and absence of 'run-out' are important things to judge and mail-order 'pickers' are not known for doing that nor even caring.
I don't know what sort of wood G-B uses but Ash, Yellow Birch and Red Beech are common for European axes, and if they do use American Hickory then it has crossed over the ocean once already. Your Collins is built for a Hickory haft; neither Ash, Birch nor Beech is as durable/resilient and consequently the eyes of axes using these materials is often larger.
Haft quality is highly variable regardless of the type of wood and that's why a meticulous installer usually insists on inspecting a goodly pile of handles personally in order to choose the best one. Grain orientation and absence of 'run-out' are important things to judge and mail-order 'pickers' are not known for doing that nor even caring.
I checked once before and found the eye of the BG hafts borderline too small for most American heads. I would ask the seller for dimensions or look to Council Velvicut replacement handles. Reports on the Velvicut line usually rave about the quality fo the handles.
Bill
Bill
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2011
- Messages
- 1,479
House Handle . com is an excellent place from replacement handles. I've been using them for years. Take a look. They give you the eye measurements that their handles will fit. When I order from them I always ask for grade A, with straight grain and kerf and pay for the premium pick. They will also make a octagon handle for you if you want one.
Tom
Tom
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2013
- Messages
- 76
I second that. I love their handles. I do hand selected, no lacquer, and octagon. Cost a little more (still way less than GB) and are really nice. I've ordered 20+ and only had one that I wasn't completely 100% happy with (grain wasn't PERFECT, but I'm being to picky).
Jon
Another plus 1 for House Handle. They know what makes a good handle as much as we do, and they make them that way. I usually go hand select and no lacquer as well. Their 32" single bit curved handle is a thing of beauty- it's what all my single bit choppers are on.