John Neeman axe handle

[SC T100]

With the axe length only 25 inches, I doubt you will ever have any issues unless you use it mainly for splitting. I think it's a gorgeous axe and should serve you really well for a long time. To me, handles are use/wear/sacrificial items anyway and if there is a problem with yours I'm sure they will help you out. I'd use and enjoy it. That's what its for

 

[graydad]

Well , it's a beautiful axe and your wife bought it for you . Treat it for what it is and if you feel the need to chop , split some wood , go to your local hardware , yard sale or E bay and buy a cheaper axe and have at it.......

 

[garry3]

I have always liked the herring bone pattern in Elm grain. Looks nice.

Don't lose any sleep over less than perfect grain in that haft. Most likely be rehafting at some point any way. Its just a haft.

That is a real nice gift, you are very fortunate.

 

[300Six]

Well this is kind of disheartening considering where this axe came from and how much it cost!

Reason I never said anything initially is Neeman (within this forum anyway) is renowned for making first class custom implements. May well be his real expertise is with steel forging and less so the 'pedestrian' qualities of wood. I suspect that he is a man of integrity who values his reputation and were you to keep some illustrative photos of your axe handle on file, and were you to submit them to him if/when the handle broke, he'd likely have you 'back on the road' at no or very little expense to yourself.

 

[quinton]

With the axe length only 25 inches, I doubt you will ever have any issues unless you use it mainly for splitting. I think it's a gorgeous axe and should serve you really well for a long time. To me, handles are use/wear/sacrificial items anyway and if there is a problem with yours I'm sure they will help you out. I'd use and enjoy it. That's what its for

Well , it's a beautiful axe and your wife bought it for you . Treat it for what it is and if you feel the need to chop , split some wood , go to your local hardware , yard sale or E bay and buy a cheaper axe and have at it.......

I have always liked the herring bone pattern in Elm grain. Looks nice.

Don't lose any sleep over less than perfect grain in that haft. Most likely be rehafting at some point any way. Its just a haft.

That is a real nice gift, you are very fortunate.

Reason I never said anything initially is Neeman (within this forum anyway) is renowned for making first class custom implements. May well be his real expertise is with steel forging and less so the 'pedestrian' qualities of wood. I suspect that he is a man of integrity who values his reputation and were you to keep some illustrative photos of your axe handle on file, and were you to submit them to him if/when the handle broke, he'd likely have you 'back on the road' at no or very little expense to yourself.

Exactly!

 

[littleknife]

My doubts about the elm handle are not based on any real life experience.
I think a really weak handle would not be put on such expensive axe, so the people at John Neeman Tools likely know much more about the strength of elm handles with runout grain than I do.
The runout grain does look prettier than the vertical grain, for sure. It could be that the handles are deliberately selected for looks, and they are still plenty strong enough.

 

[LowHangingFruit]

So while in talks about picking up their American felling axe, I ask about the grain of the handle on my current axe. This is what Jacob from Neeman tools said:

"The grain on elm has an interlocking grain that does not split as easily as other hardwood. A little figure in the handle should be fine, plus it also depends on where in the handle the run out is, how it is used and the skill of the user. Fear not, if the handle breaks before it should, we will replace it no questions asked. It is a natural material and we do offer a lifetime warranty with the understanding that wood doesn't always act the way we wish."

I'm pretty satisfied with this statement.

 

[SC T100]

Bingo. I'd say you're in great shape to get out and use it without worry. It's the head that's most important after all.

 

[Gh0zt36]

Well this is kind of disheartening considering where this axe came from and how much it cost!

I'm on the fence as well over that choice of wood . Red elm is great if its a vertical grain but substantial runout on a red elm axe with a 4+lb head is concerning . 4lb head is a serious axe and will bring alot of lb per sqin on the handle .

 

[Gh0zt36]

So while in talks about picking up their American felling axe, I ask about the grain of the handle on my current axe. This is what Jacob from Neeman tools said:

"The grain on elm has an interlocking grain that does not split as easily as other hardwood. A little figure in the handle should be fine, plus it also depends on where in the handle the run out is, how it is used and the skill of the user. Fear not, if the handle breaks before it should, we will replace it no questions asked. It is a natural material and we do offer a lifetime warranty with the understanding that wood doesn't always act the way we wish."

I'm pretty satisfied with this statement.

If one is to spend near 600 on an axe it is good to know if there is a problem they'll take care of you . I'm very near pulling the trigger on the American felling axe . I was going to go with the Gransfors Bruks . But damn if this thing isn't a working piece of art .