Lee Reeves Axe. My answer to the "chopper"

ras said:
I like Reeves Belt Axe a lot, but I'm not sold on a short double bit. A double bit to me needs more control and for me that means a handle length allowing a good two hand swing. Despite the size issue, Reeves' double bit looks great, his attention to detail is outstanding.
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That's interesting.

I have a Double Bit that is 15" OAL and then the Reeves which is 12" OAL. By far the Reeves with the shorter handle is easier for me to control. Maybe it's just my vision but for me the narrower the bit and the longer the handle the more I have to really work to make sure the head hits where I aim.

Also the Reeves has 3" bits which gives you more surface area with an edge.
 
He he he ..just got my second one in..a double bit with black walnut handle..and i saw mr reeves at spirit of steel..awesome stuff..later Luke
 
hollowdweller said:
That's interesting.

I have a Double Bit that is 15" OAL and then the Reeves which is 12" OAL. By far the Reeves with the shorter handle is easier for me to control. Maybe it's just my vision but for me the narrower the bit and the longer the handle the more I have to really work to make sure the head hits where I aim.

Also the Reeves has 3" bits which gives you more surface area with an edge.
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My double bit is a 25" True Temper (cruiser). Between the 15" and 12" I'd go with a 12" also -- less inertia, much easier to control with one hand. The 15" size is really bad for me, 19" is a little better in that you can get a minimal two hand swing, but 25" gives both control and power.
 
I think maple would be the strongest handle of the ones mentioned but hickory is still the best if not the prettiest.

Not a double bit man but I love those Reeves.
 
Yeah those pics are killin' me.... I ordered one in Jan. with his 10 month back log.... I'm getting a little antsy. ;)

G.
 
Unsub said:
I think maple would be the strongest handle of the ones mentioned but hickory is still the best if not the prettiest.

Not a double bit man but I love those Reeves.
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Maple would probably be the weakest.

You'd have to search it out but I did a thread about curley maple handles in the Axe and Tomahawk forum and several makers said they wore out and were just for show.

Ash and hickory are traditional. I'd think Osage would be good because it's tough. I haven't broken my osage one yet.

I'd be interested to know how the black walnut one holds up if it gets much use. Walnut is a hardwood but I'm not sure of the shock resistance?
 
hollowdweller said:
Maple would probably be the weakest.

You'd have to search it out but I did a thread about curley maple handles in the Axe and Tomahawk forum and several makers said they wore out and were just for show.

Ash and hickory are traditional. I'd think Osage would be good because it's tough. I haven't broken my osage one yet.

I'd be interested to know how the black walnut one holds up if it gets much use. Walnut is a hardwood but I'm not sure of the shock resistance?
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Thank you for the input. Does anyone else have input on the different types of wood?
 
Hickory would be my preference. Ash would be a close second as would white oak. I would pass on the maple and walnut unless it will be mainly a looker. I don't know anything about osage.
 
Both of mine are in osage. that is some very tough wood.
Hickory would be a great one too.
Bryan
 
I met Lee at the Spirit Of Steel show last weekend in Grapevine.
He is a very fine man alwayshas a smile on his face. I have not
seen any axes as fine as his I almost bought one but I was running
out of money. His prices are around $200.00
 
I ordered the cocobolo. I'll be sure to report in if there are any problems with its durability, and shock absorbing.

G.
 
Taking note on maple being the weekest of the options; How would the fiddleback maple hold up under extended use for a number of years, would it be anything to worry about? (The Fiddleback Maple is my fav. thinkin about taking the plunge) :)
 
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