renovating old axes - advice on handles please

[smojo]

I've picked up a few old axes on car boot sales. All need new handles/hafts. I don't want to spend a fortune on the hafts and I've seen Faithful hickory ones for sale at reasonable prices. Firstly are Faithful any good? Secondly I have two big felling axe heads, one being a 6.5lb Elwell and the other a True Temper USA about 5lb. As the Elwell seems to fetch good prices does it deserve a better quality haft then a Faithful? I'll probably sell it on when it's finished. Lastly the Elwell has a 30" haft at the moment (full of woodworm) - would a 36" haft be better? Thanks

 

[richardhomer]

Can not help with the size of the shaft that you need but I can say that Faithfull products are good. I believe that they are still a UK company. But most of there product are now made outside the UK. they have been going for many years.

 

[British Red]

As for handles, grain alignment, finish and eye fit are much more important than brand. By far the best choice is to find a local hardware store, take the head with you and pick over their stock of handles to get one with good grain alignment and fractionally oversized.

36" is a good length for a full sized axe.

 

[British Red]

BTW if that True Temper is one of the old Kelly ones, they were a fine axe.

 

[smojo]

Ta tried both my hardware stores and they are to order only and expensive. Not sure yet if its a Kelly. Got to derust it still.

As for handles, grain alignment, finish and eye fit are much more important than brand. By far the best choice is to find a local hardware store, take the head with you and pick over their stock of handles to get one with good grain alignment and fractionally oversized.

36" is a good length for a full sized axe.

 

[smojo]

Got a small Kent pattern one called The Midget. Just finished derusting by sanding then soaking in white vinegar. Wow it really works well. It's looking great. I can see it was hand forged as the cheeks are quite uneven. Loving it already.