Gransfors Bruks Scandinavian Forest Axe

[Tack]

Hi,
I've finally taken the punge and bought one of these from Nordic Outdoors at the MGF last weekend.
Does anyone know how the helve is finished. If it is varnish then I want to remove it and apply linseed oil.
As ever many thanks for the help
Tack

 

[chas brookes]

Hi Tack
the axe handles are dipped in hot Linseed Oil allowed to drip dry and then polished with beeswax. I treated mine with some more linseed oil applied with some fine wirewool rubbed along the grain, wiped the excess off with a cloth and then buffed with a soft cloth. This gives the handle a lovely smooth sheen.
I hope this helps

 

[Tack]

Chas,
Thanks for that. I think I'll soak the head in linseed for about a week and do as you suggest with the rest of the helve.
Thanks again,
Tack

 

[Dave Budd]

Hi Tack
the axe handles are dipped in hot Linseed Oil allowed to drip dry and then polished with beeswax. I treated mine with some more linseed oil applied with some fine wirewool rubbed along the grain, wiped the excess off with a cloth and then buffed with a soft cloth. This gives the handle a lovely smooth sheen.
I hope this helps

funny, I did almost the oposite with my granny axe. I used 120grit paper to rough the surface over and then Danish oiled it to maintain the protection. I hate slick, smooth handles on things that I need to hold onto. Every once in a while I go over the handles on my most useed axes and hammers just to remove the surface grease and polished surface. I rarely worry about blisters having rather callused hands

 

[JonnyP]

Tis funny, my most used tool is my brick trowel...I replaced the skinny handle with a chunky ash one I knocked up on a pole lathe a few years ago....I have never treated it....It has been soaked, abused, dryed out, but it is absolutely fine.....Do we really need to treat wooden handles ...?

 

[SOAR]

I just rub some linseed oil over the handle every once in a while, I left the handle as it is as if its to smooth I dont feel like I have a good grip on it, as you have to swing it around i feel its for the best. It depends on personal preference I suppose.