Question about correct handle grain orientation.

M

mithril

Joined
Nov 7, 2001
Messages
133
I have read previous threads about this topic, but am still confused. People mention vertical or horizontal grain alignment? May be I missed it, but in relation to what? Let's take an axe and place it on a flat surface resting on its poll with the blade sticking straight up into the air, and with the top of the head facing us and bottom of the handle furthest away. Now draw a line from the poll straight up to the edge. Should the grain be parallel with that line or perpindicular?

Thanks;
Mith.:confused:
 
Parallel. You want the grain running in the direction of the impact force. If it were perpendicular to the direction of the force, it would be weaker and more likely to fail on impact.
 
Like this:
iltisgrain.jpg
 
I missed something, though! With premium handles on Gransfors etc, the handles are made from small trees so that the wood is more flexible and transmits less shock. In that case the grain will show a lot of curve at the end of the handle. In that case it should just approximate to vertical - since part will curve off to one side. It can be a real task to try discussing handles over the phone in that case when you are buying.
It may take me a few days to get a pic up of that and show what I mean.
 
Naturally I had to choose the AFA to take a pic of, and it's the least curved grain. You can get the idea, though, I think...
afaend.jpg
 
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