Ideal Handle Length For 2lb Axe Head

[adbirdy]

Hi All,

As the thread title states really. I have picked up an old axe head marked (after rubbing the rust off) CT Skelton Sheffield with a large 2 stamped into the head as well which I'm guessing is the weight, from the car boot for 50p this morning. I would like to put a new handle in but am unsure as to what length would be the optimum for an axe of this weight?

Any help much appreciated as always

Ade

 

[crosslandkelly]

Not sure, but I think it's the length from your sternum to the end of your outstretched hand. I'm sure I've read that somewhere, someone will be along soon and put me right.

 

[S.C.M.]

I have no idea what length it should be, but it could well depend on how you are going to use it... I do hope you are planning on putting photos of the axehead and the finished axe up. Are you planning on doing the whole handle from scratch or using a bought on for the base and modifying it (no, you can't just put a shop-bought shaft on it and call it a day)

 

[crosslandkelly]

Not sure, but I think it's the length from your sternum to the end of your outstretched hand. I'm sure I've read that somewhere, someone will be along soon and put me right.

P.S. I think that is the size for a felling axe.

 

[adbirdy]

Thought it mightbe a decent size for maybe a camp axe ?? Not too sure really.

Would like to make a handle from scratch but have neither the timber to make it, or the handle to pattern from unfortunately, so I think it will have to be a shop bought job for the moment.

Have had a look and can get 16 inch or maybe go for a 24 inch one for extra swing as i think it is too heavy for one handed use.

Ade

 

[crosslandkelly]

This has a handle size for a 2lb head.
http://www.tooled-up.com/product/fa...9ey97gQlF2OTmBLfVx_rsmGo6Dz0X_6UesaAmpL8P8HAQ

 

[sunndog]

Thought it mightbe a decent size for maybe a camp axe ?? Not too sure really.

Would like to make a handle from scratch but have neither the timber to make it, or the handle to pattern from unfortunately, so I think it will have to be a shop bought job for the moment.

Have had a look and can get 16 inch or maybe go for a 24 inch one for extra swing as i think it is too heavy for one handed use.

Ade

a 24" or so haft will make the most out of a 2lb head. and with practice its perfectly possible to use one handed...that would make very very good sized axe for camp duty



a 16" haft is certainly do'able. although for me its verging on the heavy side for that size haft......more from personal preference as much as anything else.


HTH.....adam

 

[Everything Mac]

The size of handle you choose depends entirely on the tasks you want to use it for. And to a certain extent the size of the eye of the axe.

You could easily put a 2lb head onto a 12" handle and use it as a carver. Some people I know often prefer a heavier head for carving - myself included, but again this depends on the specific task. For lighter carving I might go for an axe with a lighter head.

If you want a more general axe for chopping and splitting then a longer handle is better - 24" or so is a good length - perhaps even up to 26/27"

2lb is probably a bit light for a full blow felling axe so don't go for a full length handle i.e. 30-36"


Optimal? there really is no such length - its all a trade off one way or another. 18" gives you a reasonable trade off but I'd sway towards a slightly longer handle personally. If you find you don't need the extra length then find a lighter head and fit a hatchet handle.

All the best
Andy

 

[Tjurved]

Experiment and have fun! I've made a crazy "carving" axe from a big old Hults Bruk axe head. The axe weighs probably over 2 kg, it feels close in weight compared to a 2.5 kg iron plate I've got. It got a terrible bite but requires some strength to swing it one handed for some time . It's to the right in this picture. For a axe head that size I could easily made the handle twice as long but then it would be harder to pack down etc!