Hewing axe handle

P

PNW0425

Joined
Jan 13, 2026
Messages
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I've been looking everywhere and have not had any luck finding any plans or sketches of an offset s curve handle with some dementions. I would like to avoid to much trail and error and atleast get a rough starting point. If anyone could point me in the right direction id really appreciate it.
 
A lot really depends on the specific axe and your application/method. Just think about the ergonomics for your use case and where it's comfortable to have your hands spatially and play "connect the dots"
 
Yeah i just figured there has to be like a standard design I could find because id like to build a template and steam bend it so trying to not just have to be guessing on every detail..
 
I'd say find a way to clamp the head in a in-use position and then try holding a stick in the air imagining how the end of it would connect to the head when standing in your desired work position. Then base your template on that. You can use cardboard and a school-style glue stick to make very good prototype mockups and for getting the bends right use tape or string to keep it from over extending, or a few pieces of thick wire laminated in the core of it.
 
Alright well maybe I will just carve one instead. Just never even seen a offset handle in person to have a good reference point.
 
There's basically as many styles of handle offsets and lengths as there are trades that used hewing axes. Some don't even have an offset.
 
Yeah i understand that. I just wanted to limit the trail and error on my end if im going to stream bend it. Ill just try carving one first then try steam bending one next time I find another head.
 
Do you intend this to be a user broad axe for hewing logs ? Have you ever even used a broad axe before ? If not, start there. Watch videos on log hewing. But be aware that most of the people making log hewing videos these days do not know their ass from a hole in the ground. Find some historic footage to watch, there is historic footage on this site. The best would be to work hands on with someone who actually uses a broad axe.
The answer to your question will come to you then.
 
Old Axeman said:
Do you intend this to be a user broad axe for hewing logs ? Have you ever even used a broad axe before ? If not, start there. Watch videos on log hewing. But be aware that most of the people making log hewing videos these days do not know their ass from a hole in the ground. Find some historic footage to watch, there is historic footage on this site. The best would be to work hands on with someone who actually uses a broad axe.
The answer to your question will come to you then.
Click to expand...
I do intend to use it for some small timber framing projects i have coming up so I won't be dealing with huge logs but but will be using logs I have been collecting from storm debris. Anyways I get it, ill just wing it and hope for the best. Thanks
 
Be careful of what you find on youtube about broad axe hewing. VERY few of them know what they are talking about. If you find anything, other than the historic footage, and it is done by Doug Reed in Pennsylvania or Peter Gott in North Carolina you can take that to the bank.

So back to the question. First, what is the broad axe head pattern, the weight, the geometry of the bit (left bevel, right bevel, double bevel (knife bevel), do you chop right or left handed, and of course the intended use.

Without this information it is hard to recommend a haft pattern. But, some very general info for log hewing would be: 22" + or - haft length for the haft length alone. No offset haft if the head has a knife edge bevel (can be used by either a left or right handed axeman). If the head has a right bevel for a right hand axeman or a left bevel for a left hand axeman you need either a S bent or dog leg bent haft.

Again, watch historic footage if you really want to know about the art of hewing.
 
yes that's right, if some has got no knowledge it's hard to select what video is quality and wich is garbage, with axes i find 9 on 10 are rubbish (if you count using, refurbishing,so on...)
 
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