Wood or fiberglass for handle?

[johnniet]

I've had carpal tunnel syndrome too many times to get an axe with a steel handle.
Which gives less vibration -- wood, or fiberglass? How big is the difference?
How is the Fiskars Handy Axe on this score? I'm not sure it has enough curve at the end. A lot of people seem to like it, but for me ergos are critical.

 

[knzn]

As a "professional nail bender," with aching elbows, I can speak from the world of hammers. Wood is better than fiberglass. No question.

 

[DancesWithKnives]

Most of the times that I've developed carpal tunnel related pain, the cause has been the hyperextension of my wrists more than shock/vibration (although I know that shock can definitely cause and/or compound the problem). Have you considered some sort of brace that would limit excessive movement of your wrist? Another suggestion is gloves. I haven't tried chopping with them, but I have some sorbothane shooting gloves with the elastopolymer/gel palms. They greatly reduce the shock of pistols like the 454 Casull and 500 Linebaugh. Might work for impact tools as well.