Protect/preserve wooden axe handles?

Raining

Raining

Joined
Oct 13, 2006
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I have some GB axes and have never oiled the handles or put anything on them. It's pretty wet around here (rains a lot) so what are some options for keeping the handles in good condition?

I've read about boiled linseed oil, but is that the best option? :confused:

Thanks.
 
BLO is not the most waterproof of finishes but it is likely the most kind to your hands.
I strip any varnish from the shaft and handle of any canoe paddle I own and finish it with BLO before use. It is not a maintenance free solution but it works well if the oil is refreshed every few outings.
HTH
 
GB use some sort of oil/wax finish on their handles to protect from moisture, so i don't know how it would respong to the linseed oil.

when i get a new axe i usually strip the coating and soak the head and handle in linseed oil for about 24 hours, then let it to drip dry for about 48-72 hours. after that i buff the handle with a soft cloth to get rid of the slightly tacky feeling.
 
Beeswax works pretty well, and dramatically improves the grip.

Overall, just don't leave them sit in water or in the rain and they will not have a problem with water damage.
 
I use alternating coats of Birchwood Casey's Tru-oil and their Wax. The wax can be used on the haft and head.
 
Jerry Fisk told me that he soaks his handles in kerosine for acouple of months and the handles come out preserved and bendable with out breaking. Mountain men used to do it.:D
 
I made a tomahak about a year ago, and when I use it the wooden handle seems to slide away from the head slightly. Does anyone have any ideas that could help me??? THANK YOU!!!!
 
killteamTRS said:
I made a tomahak about a year ago, and when I use it the wooden handle seems to slide away from the head slightly. Does anyone have any ideas that could help me??? THANK YOU!!!!
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depending on how loose we are talking a little moisture will tighten up a loose handle. i recommend linseed oil because it isn't hard on a handle like water is but water will work too.
 
carpenter by trade and always use LO on all my handles, it is quick to rub on and not only good for the wood but your hands too. wax may make the handle just a bit too slipery for me & over 35 years i have tried most things, varnished and they look good but just has not got the right feel for every day use that linseed has.
there are hard wx finishes and some very hard varnishes and finishes out there but keep it simple and your handles will last your life time and more.
good luck
 
ckerwin said:
Jerry Fisk told me that he soaks his handles in kerosine for acouple of months and the handles come out preserved and bendable with out breaking. Mountain men used to do it.:D
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I would swing an axe every day as a kid for the cookstove we did the same thing, called tempering the handle. I have done it to some hawks by making a wrap out of cloth , soaking it in kerosene then a wrap of plastic then forget it for awhile. I used to drop my ramrods in a pvc tube filled with kerosene to temper them for my rifle.
 
Well, I used BLO on a Wetterlings this past week. I soaked the head and handle for 72 hours (nothin better to do), wiped off the excess, hung it and let it dry. Feels REALLY good. One thing you can do, and I would have tried this had I read about it earlier, is to make a BLO/Turpentine mixture (2/3 BLO, 1/3 turp). The turp thins the BLO and makes it penetrate deeper into the wood.

If you go this route - and I recommend it like others - sand off any outer finish/varnish first. Make sure the sanding is what you want the final product's texture to be. Then just let her soak. Reapply a coat every once in awhile
 
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