Wood axe handle question.

Shotgun

Shotgun

Joined
Feb 3, 2006
Messages
8,250
I hear that you should never get your axe handle wet because it will cause it to shrink and then the head will come loose. So here's my issue; I live in Oregon. The axe handle is going to get wet if I use it so how wet is too wet? If I use my axe to set up camp in a torrential down pour will I have to worry about it shrinking? I take care of my handles by using boiled linseed oil and wiping them down when I'm done I just haven't had much in field use with them so wanted to ask the experts before I potentially ruin my GB mini handle.
 
They will only really shrink if they dry out dramatically. If you keep your axe in Oregon, then even inside your house it will still be fairly humid. I would say keep it dry when you can, oil it when you get home (after letting it air dry for a day or two), and don't worry about it. Also take care of the head, because it will rust if you leave it wet.

If you are terribly concerned, get a Fiskars axe with a synthetic handle. These are pretty good axes and you won't have to worry about the handles.

If you want to do an experiment, go to the hardware store and buy the cheapest wood handled axe or hammer. Strip the coating (most have a varnish on them) with some medium grit sandpaper, and set the tool out in the backyard for a week, two weeks, or a month. Observe what happens to an unprotected, uncared for tool, and consider that this is the worst that could happen to your axe. You can then decide how protective of your axe you need to be.
 
Good advice from siguy, I would say as long as you keep the handle treated with the linseed oil you won't have to worry about it. Just wipe the water off before you put it up. The only handles I've seen really damaged by water were left outside and water was allowed to soak into them.

David
 
You might try soaking it in kerosene. Make a trough out of pvc pipe after you scrape the finish off. It was called tempering the axe handle where I come from.
 
I never really treated any of my wood handled axes. I never had any problems, but then again I don't live on the coast. It is humid over hear in the armpit of the Great Lakes. My BO is telling me that right now.

IMO a descent wood handled axe feels so much better than synthetic. I went the fiskars route and then snapped out of it and bought a quality wood handled axe. I'll never go back to synthetic.
 
as an old western Oregon axe wielding ridge runner, let me ease your worry a little.
Keep it dry when ya can. When it's wet from use, wipe it off and air dry it away from the fire. Lightly oil the head and handle when it's dry. Keep it sharp and enjoy using it!!
be safe... Ted
 
TedPalmer said:
as an old western Oregon axe wielding ridge runner, let me ease your worry a little.
Keep it dry when ya can. When it's wet from use, wipe it off and air dry it away from the fire. Lightly oil the head and handle when it's dry. Keep it sharp and enjoy using it!!
be safe... Ted
Click to expand...

Great advice. I like linseed oil. Eventually my axe handles get beat up anyway. No worries.
 
Like the others have said...keep it oiled, then use the hell out of it. :D No worries. Care for your tools, certainly, but don't baby them. The best thing is this: if you take good care of the head, you can always put a new handle on it. Gransfors sells them for a very reasonable price, IIRC. :thumbup:
 
Linseed oil sucks. Tung oil stands up to wet conditions much better. Drill a hole through the head and handle and pin it with a nail of the same diameter (file it flush) and you won't have to worry about the head working loose. I also use BreakFree to protect my cutting tools, and it works very well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top