An axe question and a problem with knife-sellers..

[Draven]

Howdy folks! I encountered a couple issues today and figured I'd consult those more knowledgeable about them

First of all, I was looking on Focus for an axe; not the best range (all of them had the exact same profile and grind, and none of them were close to sharp - however, I was impressed with the quality of one of the hickory handles - straight grain, no twist and so on). On the side of the axe handle, it said to check the head before use - good advice. It also said that the axe handle drying out completely can be dangerous - again, good point, if the wood shrinks then you can only pray about where the axe head will land. Followed by.... if in doubt, soak in water before use... I'm certainly no expert on Axes, but I'm almost sure that can't be right - right!? For one thing, water dries out, fast compared to oils. It will also contribute to the wood rotting. It can make the wood warp, swell and split. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who wouldn't be confident about using an unfinished axe with a soaking wet handle. Wouldn't it be much better advice to suggest linseed oil or something similar? I mean, not only is it safer, but they could capitalise on it; so why don't they?

The other issue was a cobblers I was in today. I've been looking for a single bladed UK legal folder - nowhere in my town sells knives of any sort, aside from this cobbler. They had a fair selection in the window so I asked to see a few - all liner locks. I asked to view them ALL - all liner locks. Is it just me, or should retailers be trying to sell something that is legal to use? I have nothing against lockers - I'd much rather be allowed to carry one around on a daily basis, but it's against the law...

Rant over

Peace!

 

[C_Claycomb]

I am no expert, but if you need to swell the wood to make it fit tightly, you need a fluid that is going to be absorbed readily. Water will be, but room temperature linseed won't work so fast. They might have felt better about suggesting water, than suggesting people warm up their oil and risk the danger of fire. Just a thought.

Most towns don't have any shops that sell decent knives, so you are far from alone. Most places that do sell knives sell rubbish, made in China or worse. They don't know, or care about the legality, they are legal to sell, after that it is your problem. I can't say that I disagree with this, I would rather take the responsibility for what I carry than have shops decide that they are only going to sell the safest, legalest, products.

I know several local gun shops that have a useless selection of knives. Rubbish...looks tactical, locks, over 3 inches, cost £15. Another does sell some good knives, but at least one of the people there "doesn't like knives", they have a sellection of tactical Spydercos, again, nothing for every day carry, and not really anything like a good hunting knife.

You are a lot better off ordering a slipjoint off the internet, or waiting till a show, than you are trying to source one locally.

 

[British Red]

Draven,

I tend to agree on the water front - its just bad advice. Wet wood will rot, is at best a temporary solution causing longer term problems. A good thing to check is if the head is filled with epoxy - if it is and is, effectively glued not wedged, only drilling out will allow a new handle to be fitted - and sometimes not that.

If the head is loose, and reasonable care has been taken, it should be properly refitted. Sadly with these epoxy fitted heads, thats impossible

Red

 

[Mirius]

Just to argue the other side, I'd agree that leaving the axe wet would be disastrous, but wetting the handle would allow the handle to swell and tighten, because it won't shrink fully when it dries. Cabinet makers use this to tighten joints so I'm not convinced it's exactly bad advice (lol, now I'm disagreeing with an axe expert!). It isn't something I'd personally do since I now know how to rehandle, but...

 

[British Red]

I'm sure it will work temorarily but wood grain swelling and contracting inside the eye is far from a great idea - I've heard it talked about before but it doesn't sit right - wet inside the eye can't be good either. To me, don't mess about with a loose heas is probably the right idea - a good oiling of the handle now and again will both protect and keep the grain swollen too

 

[Draven]

Cheers BR, I was hoping you'd chime in

C_Claycomb - yeeeah, I've found the same with knives tbh, but I was perfectly willing to accept a bad quality knife, if I'm honest - it won't be used for much other than opening packing, letters etc, I wouldn't even consider a non-locker (aside from the SAK) out in the Bush. The lockers looked of an alright quality, really, more "sporty" looking than tactical. Solid locks, though I don't fully trust cheap liner locks. When I first moved to Scotland (12 years ago) shops were loaded with cheap non-locking folding knives! Just shows how times change..

Peace!

 

[British Red]

Draven,

If you want an EDC Google "Trevor Ablett". Shouldn't cost you more than £25 for a handmade sheffield pocket knife. Carbon steel blade and locks up tight as a drum.

The blade on mine is grey now with patina and pocket carry. Lovely knives, cheap as chips

Red

 

[demographic]

I seem to remember Jim Hrisoulas reccommending tempering oil for soaking hammer shafts in to keep them in good condition.

 

[British Red]

I use sesame oil. Soak a paper towel in it an wrap the handle. Then wrap the towel in cling film. Stand the lot in a bucket for about three days (top up the towel if needed). Doesn't use much oil but gives a sustained soak

Red

 

[spamel]

Soaking the helve in water to tighten up a loose head is survival situation advice only and that's it. When I was doing my Combat Engineering course many moons ago, we were instructed to stop and check the security every now and then of any tool that was joined in a similar fashion, so axes, picks and sledge hammers. Swinging a long handled tool with a hefty lump of steel on the end and it coming loose and flying off is a haphazard way to be using a tool, especially if it is a sharp edged one!

 

[Draven]

Cheers BR, I might just need to pick one of those up

spamel - Fair point So, a "desperate times..." method and nothing more then?

 

[robin wood]

We have quite a few Trevor Abblet knives in the house as Nicola has been working with him recording his skills for posterity. If you want one of his folders little mesters have discounted stock..they are closing their internet business and have several designs of his left here 25% off untill 5th March

http://www.littlemesters.com/