optimal handle cross section shape?

P

phantomknives

Joined
Mar 31, 2016
Messages
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so right now i'm making a practice handle for the virginia i mentions in it followed me home, so i'v experimented with elongated-egg so far, hurts my fingers. the only real requirement that i have is the poll-side of the handle be more circular than ovular, that being closer to an egg than oval. please post your suggestions if you have a favorite cross section
 
Here's a few suggestions.
It also gives you some suggestions for other woods to try.

Axe%20handle%20dimensions.jpg


Axe%20handle%20dimensions%204.jpg


Axe%20Book%20page%20handles%20dimensions.jpg
 
as i handmake all my hafts, i use some modified ovoid section, the regular oval for the outside, and a more rounded angle for my palm, (as i am right handed...)
 
If you're serious you're going to want to get a structural engineer's opinion on this. Number 1 select air-dried Hickory has known properties. Otherwise for ordinary stiffs buying and using handles it's entirely a trade-off question of what's comfortable and yet durable, and for handle makers it's always been a question of 'how many handles can we produce using the least amount of effort and material'.
That remark aside, current make handles are manufacturer's liability-insurance overly generous in everything but length. Do your initial hang and take a rasp with you when you're using and experiencing the axe. You'll intuitively develop a good feel for when to quit.
 
300, i can't very well predict how a handle is gonna feel after an hour or two of chopping, like gimping, its only good for a quick grab. i know about hickory and all that, im only using a 2x4 because i dont wanna drop $50 on a lump of hickory i may or may not royally **** up. point is, im cheap and i dont know "long-term" ergonomics that well unless i'v tested it a lot
 
it's not supposed to, just until i can get a nice handle. like i said, im cheap, it was probably 4 bucks, i'v had t layin around, i say 4 because its true mill stuff
 
ji,what i'm trying to say, im carving a handle out of a 2x4, just like you'd do with hickory, and a 2x4 because it's cheap and i need practice.
 
phantomknives said:
ji,what i'm trying to say, I'm carving a handle out of a 2x4, just like you'd do with hickory, and a 2x4 because it's cheap and i need practice.
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Stay away from anything lumber store - commercial grade with rounded edges that is stamped "No. 1 (or No. 2) S-P-F Stud K Dry S Green". If cheap is top priority I think you're best off scouring the woods for a freshly fallen tree, or maybe spiriting something out of your neighbour's woodpile.
 
I'm pretty sure what the OP is saying is that he's going to start off making a mock handle with pine just for practice's sake before making a real one in more expensive or difficult to source wood, not to actually use.
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
I'm pretty sure what the OP is saying is that he's going to start off making a mock handle with pine just for practice's sake before making a real one in more expensive or difficult to source wood, not to actually use.
Click to expand...

He also wants to put an hour of two of solid work through the axe to get a feel for what profile he might like and I don't see a 2x4 handle doing anything but getting turned into fancy fire wood after 10 min.
 
I've actually been tempted to try making a pine handle at some point just to see how few swings it takes to break it. :D
 
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