Importance of Grain Line on Tomahawk Handle

Triquetra

Triquetra

Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
759
Recently I saw a thread somewhere about the grain line on a tomahawk handle? How important is this really or how likely is it that it would cause problems or break? I just ordered 3 hickory handles from Crazy Crow and none of them have the grain running front to back so I wasn't really satisfied and the handle on the mouse hawk that I got my son from there for Christmas is like a popsicle stick so I'll be looking for a replacement for that soon too.
 
Imo it's pretty important. But I guess that depends on how hard you use them. I've broken two axe handles this year. And I don't think I'm really hard on them. A good straight grain handle is a lot tougher and will last a lot longer. I don't have much experience with small axes or hatches so maybe it's less important. But I can't see why it would be.
I hope everything works out for you and your son.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!
 
If it runs front to back it makes for a weaker spot in the handle than if it ran perfectly lengthwise. That being said, it could still last a long time.
 
Honestly after looking at some old hatchets and axes I have I have come to the belief that the shorter the handle, the less important the grain is. I have an old Plumb Boy Scouts Hatchet that was obviously used a lot and hard, that the handle is perfectly functional- even though the grain is perpendicular to what most espouse as necessary. That being said, if you can get the grain running front to back why wouldn't you?

I'm not sure how much it matters with a hawk- in that case I would say the lighter the head the less important it is.

Just my opinion based on loving axes my whole life.
 
Thanks everyone. I guess that I'll see because these are what I got so these are what I got to use. I am going to save the better one for the heavier hawk that will be more of a user. I think there's a place called House Handle kind of close by so I think that I'll drive up there and take a look and see if I can hand pick some.

Actually I had one more clarification. I making the assumption that the lines in the grain are supposed to run front to back instead of side to side.
 
Grain orientation - here we go again. LOL.

Old timers and regular users of axes say it is important. I have broken a few handles, and most of those had good grain alingment. One I specifically remember did not. So I think there are many variables.

But I would go with the better alingment if you can, but if you are in a bind and short on cash, then sometimes you got to do, what you got to do.

Merry Christmas!
 
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