Looking for a handle for an Elwell 7

[J_Wood]

Hi all, I've recently picked up an old Elwell 7 in decent condition. I've always loved these massive rounding axes so I picked one up, though it'll mostly be a collection piece that I swing every now and again for fun.

Problem is, I need to find a handle for it. I'd make one myself, but I don't have the connections to get hold of a decent bit of ash for it. I'm just wondering where on earth I can go to buy a curved fawns foot handle between 32" and 36" for an eye that's about 100mm by 2.5mm. I found these ones on woodsmithexperience but they only go up to 90mm eye length: https://woodsmithexperience.co.uk/product/axe-handles-fawn-foot-pattern/

Reckon I can get away with the 90mm one? I'm not sure I want to risk it as it's such a heavy axe, but if anyone's got experience with these giant axes then that'd be great. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance

 

[crosslandkelly]

Try here.

Axe Handles FAWN FOOT PATTERN - Woodsmith Experience

Axe Handles FAWN FOOT PATTERN are designed to fit older English axes from makers such as Elwell, Brades and Gilpin. Made in the UK.

woodsmithexperience.co.uk

 

[J_Wood]

Try here.

Axe Handles FAWN FOOT PATTERN - Woodsmith Experience

Axe Handles FAWN FOOT PATTERN are designed to fit older English axes from makers such as Elwell, Brades and Gilpin. Made in the UK.

woodsmithexperience.co.uk

Hi, thanks for the response! I mention in the post that I've already come across these but I'm not sure if I can get away with using the 90mm eye length handle on the 100mm eye on the Elwell 7.

 

[crosslandkelly]

Sorry missed that link. Is this of any help?

Ash Planed All Round

Precision machined Ash planed all round timber in various thicknesses, widths and lengths. Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £45

www.toolsandtimber.co.uk

 

[J_Wood]

Sorry missed that link. Is this of any help?

Ash Planed All Round

Precision machined Ash planed all round timber in various thicknesses, widths and lengths. Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £45

www.toolsandtimber.co.uk

No worries, it's all good. And yes, that may be usefull actually! I'm a little concerned about not knowing what the grain is like, as with boards like this it can be hard to tell until you've bought the thing, but it's definitely an option. I've just double checked my measurements and the eye is 9.5mm long at the bottom of the head, so it's possible that the pre-made handle would do the trick. I might try getting in touch with the people making the handles at woodsmithexperience and ask what they think.

 

[crosslandkelly]

If you do buy a piece of Ash/Hickory, speak to the supplier and explain what you want. Most will be happy to accomodate.

 

[Mesquite]

Get a pickaxe handle and splice a piece on the bottom to create the fawns foot?

I see a lot of laminated axe handles on the Axe Junkies FB group and they look good and should stand up to occasional use no trouble.

 

[crosslandkelly]

Get a pickaxe handle and splice a piece on the bottom to create the fawns foot?

I see a lot of laminated axe handles on the Axe Junkies FB group and they look good and should stand up to occasional use no trouble.

The problem with a pickaxe handle is that it is straight, you'll not get the curve of a Fawnfoot out of it.

 

[Mesquite]

The problem with a pickaxe handle is that it is straight, you'll not get the curve of a Fawnfoot out of it.

That's why I said extra would need to be spliced on to help create the fawns foot

 

[Nice65]

Ash is in massive supply at the moment due to the Ash Dieback. Almost all our trees here in the south of England have been felled. You must have similar up Brum way, I’d look up your local forestry lot and ask them. If it came to it, I could get you something ripped out of a local log or a bit of American Ash from the local mill. Why they’re not using our English wood I’ve no idea, it‘S being cut and split for burning as logs.