Recomend a source for good 31-32" straight handles?

L

lmalterna

Joined
Dec 12, 2002
Messages
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I have gotten a few nice handles from House Handle but they do not list a straight handle between 28-36" and an email to them was no joy.
"WILLIAM
We don’t have a 32”axe handle. We have 28”30” & 36”

Zanetta Campbell
House Handle"

Which is a bit odd as I have bought 32" curved handles from them.

My inquiry:
"Subject: 31/32" Straight axe handle full size eye

I do not see the above as an option to order on your web page?

Can I order this configuration? What is additional cost over 32” curved handle and wait time?"
Thanks,
Bill
 
Yep, that's the guy I was talking about. Though I do have to say, the hickory I've been getting recently has not been worth the money. We're talking horrible grain and half hearth wood. Not to mention they're thick as baseball bats, but whose isn't these days?
 
When purchasing from atthrough/ hickory handle store make sure you order the higher grade handles. I have ordered both and I am always pleased with the higher grade handles, all sapwood and good grain orientation. Jpeeler; is it possible that you ordered the "economy"/ low grade handles?

And yes, they give you plenty of handle to work with.
 
Slaroy- Nope, I'm A grade all the way. Ordered a Double bit 32" that came with hardwood and horrible grain, and a sledge handle that had perfectly wrong grain. All marked Grade A. I think their grades refer mostly to shape or lack of any bends. Needless to say, the sledge handle was set aside as scrap- thing would have popped in no time.
 
I am experimenting with a no name head and fat 36" straight handle from a hardware store. I cut it down to where it should finish at 32" and am hoping to thin the handle and still have a bit of swell on the end.

Another member also contacted me having some spare handles so I may get a couple there as well. My bench is now hidden under heads and handles! Young police officer lives across the street and mentioned needing an axe as he is learning to take care of home and yard :) Already gave hime a non marked Kelly Jersey on a hardware store handle explaining that cheeks are thin and for clean chopping only. This next one is a no name with fat cheeks that looks like a 4lb plumb. This will be for roots and splitting.

Bill
 
lmalterna said:
I cut it down to where it should finish at 32" and am hoping to thin the handle and still have a bit of swell on the end.
Click to expand...

That's the problem, isn't it? Most handle these days come with swells that are already too small. They can be made from smaller stock this way.

When I rework a handle one of my rules is "never reduce the size of the swell". Reducing the handle thickness just above the swell can help. You make the swell more abrupt so it sticks in your hand better. Sometimes there just isn't enough swell to make a safe handle. In that case a small band of friction tape right at the end can help.

A relaxed grip that only tightens just before impact produces more snap and more head speed on impact. You can't have a relaxed grip on a tiny swell. It's sort of like 'iron and silk' in martial arts. The hand and wrist should be relaxed and loose like a silk scarf during the swing, but clench to iron hardness just before impact. It's not exactly the same with an axe but it's a good analogy.
 
This is what I do to the swells at the end of modern handles. The one in the middle I left as it came from the factory pretty much.
001.JPG
 
Those are nice Garry, especially to two on the outsides. I like the little finger to hook on the inside of the swell while still having enough fawn's foot to extend through the palm. Clipped fawn's feet cause blisters in the heel of my palm.
 
Square_peg said:
Those are nice Garry, especially to two on the outsides. I like the little finger to hook on the inside of the swell while still having enough fawn's foot to extend through the palm. Clipped fawn's feet cause blisters in the heel of my palm.
Click to expand...
This one is the most comfortable to swing and grip but the fawns foot is to short, so it may cause a user with big hands to have the problem you described.
Still do a lot of experimenting. A little more wood to work with would be nice but I still like them better than how they come off the shelf.
003.JPG
 
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