Just bought my first axe. Help!

[I'mSoSharp]

if you have a good round file i would try to get that top of the eye cleaned up so you have good contact through the whole eye to the handle. im not sure but i would imagine if you have a bits eye that has play with the handle your asking for possible breakage through any heavy usage.

+1.
Make sure the eye tapers in the correct direction & file if necessary.
Mark the handle orientation & fit it tight then remove it, take a little (sandpaper or a fine shaving with a rasp or knife) off the handle where there are "witness marks", meaning marks the head left on the haft where it touched the inside of the eye, use soot, a permanent marker or pencil graphite on the inside of the eye if you have trouble seeing where it contacts.
Repeat until it fits snuggly, this might take many fittings but is worth the effort for a durable tool.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Thanks, great answer.

Regarding billhooks, do people tend to prefer the longer (~13 in blade) or shorter (~10 in blade) ones?

It seems many of the models I see in YouTube videos (from other countries) aren't available here, like the mid size (~11.5 in blades) and extra thin Rinaldis.

The only thing I can find that's close (11-11.8 in blades) are ones made by Due Cigni and sold by Leoneshop, neither of whom I'm familiar with. They look just like the Rinaldis though.

I haven't received much feedback from folks regarding length--they've all been pretty satisfied by whatever their particular pattern choice happened to be.

 

[David Mary]

Eyes are not always perfectly formed

Definitely don't be too close when axe work is being done by this one:

Spoiler

 

[rang3]

I haven't received much feedback from folks regarding length--they've all been pretty satisfied by whatever their particular pattern choice happened to be.

I ended up ordering the 700g Trento head. I was really happy with it upon first examination - great size, shape, weight, rings like a bell - but after a minute I noticed it appears to be off balance.

Looking down at it from the top, it's clearly asymmetrical left to right where the eye extends out to the bit, but otherwise looks pretty normal. Looking at the bottom though, the bit extends significantly off to one side (see pics below).

It would seem that once a handle is made and fitted, the bit will be a little off line.

Have you seen this before? How big of a problem is it functionally? Are there any fixes?

 

[David Mary]

Carve the handle askew to compensate

 

[I'mSoSharp]

Carve the handle askew to compensate

^ This.

Or send it back, the correct answer is whatever makes you happy.

These are working tools, they are not made as "wall hangers".

.

 

[311climber]

I ended up ordering the 700g Trento head. I was really happy with it upon first examination - great size, shape, weight, rings like a bell - but after a minute I noticed it appears to be off balance.

Looking down at it from the top, it's clearly asymmetrical left to right where the eye extends out to the bit, but otherwise looks pretty normal. Looking at the bottom though, the bit extends significantly off to one side (see pics below).

It would seem that once a handle is made and fitted, the bit will be a little off line.

Have you seen this before? How big of a problem is it functionally? Are there any fixes?

both of mine are the same. not sure if its the stamping process or if its intentionally curved? It doesnt seem to slow down my cutting but im not versed enough with an axe in hand to feel those type of variations in the head.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

It's because the heads are forged with the eye and bit independently, and the handedness of the operator sometimes causes a skew. Minor skews are common and normal in user-grade "hand forged" axes (more properly "forged by hand-operated process") and are unnoticeable in actual use. More major skews, when they occur, are something I screen for and consider as "Grade B" items, even though they're still fundamentally cosmetic, because of the potential for distress they can cause when people notice them like that, and if I were selling it I would have probably considered that one a "Grade B" example. However, it is unlikely to be noticeable in use whatsoever.

 

[rang3]

Thank you gentlemen. I appreciate you

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I will add that while I'd personally be leery of trying it, and so do not personally endorse the method, I know of one person who has successfully used a shop press to correct a twisted bit.

 

[garry3]

I ended up ordering the 700g Trento head. I was really happy with it upon first examination - great size, shape, weight, rings like a bell - but after a minute I noticed it appears to be off balance.

Looking down at it from the top, it's clearly asymmetrical left to right where the eye extends out to the bit, but otherwise looks pretty normal. Looking at the bottom though, the bit extends significantly off to one side (see pics below).

It would seem that once a handle is made and fitted, the bit will be a little off line.

Have you seen this before? How big of a problem is it functionally? Are there any fixes?

I would send that back.

 

[rbbblack]

you got your moneys worth. you should be fine with the ax. i bet you will be happy in the future I own about 10 and all set up a little like yours, none are exactly snug or fit, it have shaped several handles myself out of some softer wood then later some dogwood. Just enjoy your tool and remember to keep it sharp, and use it often. I would not worry about returning it. rb