What handle length makes sense?

TRfromMT

TRfromMT

Joined
Jan 4, 2016
Messages
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Hello,
Looking for a little informed guidance. I recently picked up my first axe head to hang. A Keen Kutter 2# 5oz, single bit. I understand this size makes it a boys axe. (and if that distinction is not based only on weight, I'm open to learning more). The eye dimensions are around 2" long, 9/16" to 5/8" wide.

What length handle makes sense? Seems like House and several other sites offer handles for single bit boys axes at 28".

I'm tall, at 6'4". Does that affect your preferred handle length?

I don't really expect to be doing a lot with this. My hobby is woodworking, and I honestly picked this up for the woodworking project of making my own handle. But I intend to have this as a small camp chore/campfire axe, pickup truck duty. I can't see this being ever put to use to cut down a standing tree (maybe Christmas being the exception). This "use" maybe makes sense for a shorter handle?

Is an axe handle length measured from the end of handle to the very top of the head, the middle, or to the shoulder?

Thanks in advance,
TR
 
Top. I think given the context you're on the right track. I bet it'd look great on something ~24" long, and it's a handy sized package. You could put 2¼ on 19" and have a great setup, too.
 
TRfromMT said:
But I intend to have this as a small camp chore/campfire axe, pickup truck duty
Click to expand...

Those are uses that call for different handle lengths. For the camp axe 24" would be good. For the truck axe it's nice to have a longer handle which is more useful for limbing work or clearinf a wiindfall from a roadway. For a tall man like yourself a 32" handle would be excellent for this use.

Then this brings you to a compromise. If you really want to do both with this axe then you might be best off with the standard 28" handle.

And handle are measured their full length through the eye.
 
use and personal preference are the biggest factors. I've heard of tall people preferring short handles and short people preferring long handles.

generally boys axes are hung on 24-28" handles, but I do have one 18" handle sized for a boys axe head.

the only way you could go longer would be to think down a full size axe handle considerably.

I'd start with a 28" handle and see how you like it. you can always go longer or shorter from there.

and yes, handle length is measured from the TOP of the head to the bottom of the handle - total length of the whole axe.
 
TRfromMT said:
Hello,
Looking for a little informed guidance. I recently picked up my first axe head to hang. A Keen Kutter 2# 5oz, single bit. I understand this size makes it a boys axe. (and if that distinction is not based only on weight, I'm open to learning more). The eye dimensions are around 2" long, 9/16" to 5/8" wide.

What length handle makes sense? Seems like House and several other sites offer handles for single bit boys axes at 28".

I'm tall, at 6'4". Does that affect your preferred handle length?

I don't really expect to be doing a lot with this. My hobby is woodworking, and I honestly picked this up for the woodworking project of making my own handle. But I intend to have this as a small camp chore/campfire axe, pickup truck duty. I can't see this being ever put to use to cut down a standing tree (maybe Christmas being the exception). This "use" maybe makes sense for a shorter handle?

Is an axe handle length measured from the end of handle to the very top of the head, the middle, or to the shoulder?

Thanks in advance,
TR
Click to expand...
I, too, am 6'4" although there is some extra ballast around my waistline. I have a Council boy's axe of the Hudson Bay style that looks great on a 25½" handle and frankly, having used it quite a bit before the snows began here on the Minnesota prairie this fall I can say it is indeed a boy's axe! If I were to re-hang it the shortest I would go is 30", as my father used to say, "If it is too long you can always choke up on the handle, if it is too short you are out of luck". Just one guys opinion, your mileage may vary. Good luck!

As for your question, my understanding has been the length of a handle is typically (but not always) measured from the top edge of the ax down to the knob at the bottom. I hope this helps and doesn't muddy the water.
 
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