Axe Handle Weight Cut! Husqvarna Forest Axe #5: Thinning w/ Scraping and Rasping

[@3rtk2]

One of the best descriptions on how and why to thin a handle, awesome work. Thanks for the effort

[@helgleypr770]

Your videos are very calming and soothing. I enjoy the sound of wood cutting and handle profiling. Shaping a handle with a knife is way more fun in my mind.

[@mattoakley2246]

I absolutely love this video. It reminds me of watching my grandpa working on handles. Thank you.

[@j.crizzle8942]

“Or whichever wise, ethnic stereotype of resiliency you prefer” 😂🤣😂 Thanks for that, Sir. Really gave me a reality chuckle!

[@Lolmasaurus]

How you're testing the handle flex is essentially how you floor tiller a bow, which I think is cool.

[@timhart2652]

Nice job brother badass you and I do the same things I rather be comfortable been getting carpal tunnel from brand new axe..lol.. thanks for the video and information on the Michigan boy have a good day

[@dylans7742]

That’s a great tip on customizing the back of your knife like that, I’m already sizing up which one of mine to do it on moments after watching. I really enjoy the wildlife videos you incorporate as well.

[@SkillCult]

If you use your thumb on the back of the knife a lot, it could be a problem, but it doesn't have to be super sharp to work, and it's easy to round back off.

[@loquatmuncher]

Thank youuuu, I really appreciate you considering us novices who don't own a lot of equipment!! This was so helpful. Amazing to see how effective and versatile a humble opinel can be :)

[@SkillCult]

It could be improved for sure, but plenty useful in the right hands. It could easily be abused and broken, but it's cheap, so a good knife for people to learn that on.

[@beaulindemann6192]

Thanks for the video professor, I was worried about taking to much material from the handel and making it weak. After watching you I now belive I got plenty to work with thanks bro

[@SkillCult]

At some point, you may make the handle more vulnerable to certain types of breakage, but this isn't even down to where I like them. The west woods handle in the video is about what I usually would like at about 3/4 inch thick. I haven't decided how far to to take this one yet, but it's very useable now.

[@BabakPA]

When I watch these videos, they take me away from all my worries and anxieties! Love the energy and vibe around your videos Steven! God bless you and thanks again.

[@SkillCult]

Cool!

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

Great video. I think if axe handles came in every individuals personal preference then it would rob us of the experience of making the axe our own through modifying the blade profile and handle thickness. Again great video for those who are willing to try it.

[@unklemike5012]

This has been very helpful to me. Very informative. I'm working on restoring an old BSA Scout Axe and have no experience doing this, so the information you're providing is awesome. Thank you.

[@SkillCult]

Hi Mike, glad I can help.

[@davidleasure9138]

great job. customize to fit the user. Handles come entirely too thick. Basically clubby for the occasional user. My grandpas was a handle maker and his handles were thin and flexible and fit your hand properly.

[@SkillCult]

That's neat. I'd like to see some of those handles.

[@alexandredeleon7175]

I’d love a knife use guide like you mentioned. Great work, it looks fantastic.

[@LeeHoMusic]

I enjoyed watching it a lot. This man has a great calm but confident voice, surroundings and his look is so cool. This video has some relaxing aspects too. Woodcraft and old school stuff are so important in present times when we get items by pressing a "pay now" button. Liked and subsd.

[@aleksimustakallio3491]

Started watching your videos and subscribed. Thank you for your videos. Informative and good study material. Started with lime video from years ago just today and decided that i need to follow to learn more important things.

[@SkillCult]

Welcome.

[@sonsofliberty1062]

Thanks Steven for sticking with the Husqvarna club transformation, to a useful tool. I'm going to use your ideal and techniques to tune up the copy of the same model axe I've had for about 2 years. A stock Husqvarna axe is about a club, and does need your kind of tuneup. Thanks again, and God Speed,,,

[@SkillCult]

Cheers mate ! Shave that sucker down!

[@paullambert6862]

I really appreciate your videos. You are a good teacher-thanks again

[@av8orCH-47]

You are extremely articulate and talented. It's a rare talent to be both...especially when your "real skill" is in the axemanship. I'm about to head off grid with no power tools and build out my own place, start to finish. Your vides are instrumental in shoring up all the gaps in my knowledge and skills that must needs be remedied to be successfull in my endeavors. Thank you, sir.

[@SkillCult]

Good luck with your project! Careful with those axes if you are working alone in the woods. Carry a tourniquete and a cell phone. Better yet, work with someone if you can.

[@aktrapper6126]

Kind of reminds me of tillering a hickory bow.

[@calicodan1556]

Fantastic techniques to add to my internal toolbox! I think modding anything to make it work for you is so useful.

[@SkillCult]

Internal tool box, I like that!

[@caswallonandflur692]

I like the Lee Valley Japanese rasps . Like your style. Practical knowledge !

[@SkillCult]

Still looking for a good new 4 way shoemaker's rasp.

[@caswallonandflur692]

@@SkillCult dont know where to go for that . Maybe the Amazon . Heh

[@SkillCult]

@@caswallonandflur692 I looked at all of them and ordered a couple, but I wasn't impressed. Either not well made, or not well designed.

[@jasonbubley9427]

I'm starting to like this guy. Telling haters to f%#k off. Love it

[@briankieninger]

Nothing like real scrape marks on a handle. Well done!

[@margincall2598]

love the knife parts. being resourceful regularly is a skill. thanks

[@mawilkinson1957]

Let me say that I really enjoy your videos. I like the way you explain your thought process. Basically, I like your style. I just watched some of your deer hide processing videos, that I thought were very well done. Thanks. Keep 'em coming.

[@SkillCult]

Thanks Mark :)

[@rakyatmusallas6178]

Thank you my friend ... you are good teacher and motivator ... sorry for no comments from the first I learn from you.

[@SkillCult]

You're welcome Rakat

[@nickwodka8080]

Really learned a lot from your videos, thank you. Some of your suggestions helped me take a $20 collins from a throw away tool to piece I look forward to using. Thanks again!

[@SkillCult]

Awesome :)

[@cosmicbilly]

Im gonna buy this axe next pay check i get! Im so excited... ive been mastering putting razor edges on my hatchets and would love to buy a good axe and turn it into a lazer beam!

[@miltyler]

I love the axe videos! Definitely been waiting to see the husky axe tuned up. I’m working on a handle right now for an antique axe head I bought last fall, and your videos are super helpful! Also, I would love to see a video on knife techniques. I’ve learned a lot just watching how you use yours, but some more conversation and examples would be appreciated. Awesome video man!

[@SkillCult]

Good to hear. I want to do knife vids. Hopefully some this year.

[@sloanIrrigation]

I love the octogon handles. So much more comfortable. More control

[@larryduttry9400]

I know you have mentioned the shoe makers rasps, and the different ones available. I have tried some new ones, and Nicholson was my go to. However the one I got will not cut hickory, it is as dull as my 40 year old yard sale find. I see Baryonyx knife is carrying a higher end model from Stella Bianca and they are supposed to be superb quality, and very good hardness. However they are a reasonable price. Still loving your videos as they are some of the finest content available anywhere. I took a year or so off of KZbin and other internet sites to focus on honing some life skills, and I am sure glad you are still killing it with awesome content. Keep up the good work. I can’t wait to get caught up on your videos.

[@SkillCult]

I got the stella bianca to try it out and it's very small. Too small and I don't think a very versatile cut. I got two off ebay as well, but was not overly impressed with either. I think the best bet is probably to haunt ebay for new old stock. I might do that. Mine is pretty dull.

[@Woodswalker1965]

Excellent project, what a transformation! I have a few Husqvarna axes, the one in this project and their hatchet. The hatchet is a disaster, no mod could cure it, too short, too fat and too curved. I just replaced the handle with a GB small forest axe handle. Perfect now, for me anyway. I think I will mod the Husky Forest Axe in a similar way to yours, so as to make it usable. Right now I'm not using it at all. Great mod to the Opinel spine btw. Wade

[@SkillCult]

The opinel spine actually works pretty great out of the factory. it will work better with a little sharpen once in a while though.

[@laciihasz4734]

Most handle modification videos i saw on yt were the opposite of what ur doing here. Not thinning but rather thickening the handles by putting tape, paracord and other stuff on the handle to improve grip:) I just finished my hatchet's handle, thinned it down nicely. Turned out to be quiet good i may say:)

[@SkillCult]

Grip chmip. Seems like a good idea in theory, but that stuff inhibits use to me.

[@scottharrison5971]

Dude! Thank you for this. Just getting back into my axes. Hope you're well!

[@wyliegibson319]

A good source of information. I encourage you to persevere. I appreciate your opinions even when questioning/ disagreeing. I'm pretty axe/ hatchet focused so much content not focused in that direction is rather lost to me. Probably to my detriment.

[@nicholasclarke3147]

Love the vid. Thanks for showing how to use simple tools that I actually have!

[@theguywitheyebrows]

this is the kinda shit i needed. thank you. i haven't even watched the whole vid yet and i know i'll come away with a better understanding of how to fix hatchet/axe handles.

[@theguywitheyebrows]

dammit Stephen, now i'm takin hatchets apart, having wasted much blo in treating extra fat handles thinking they were most resiliant. i also noticed my Council Tool Velvicut hatchet is hung crooked...this is some wild QC from CT and i'll never see axes/hatchets the same way again. much thanks.

[@SkillCult]

You are going to get substandard heads and hangs from almost any company. they just seem to happen in production and I think its not cost effective for them to pull them all. I guess you'd think the velvicut line would be a little more consistent, but best to pick them out, or examine straight out of the box. I did a whole series on axe defect and wear. there is quite a bit to consider.

[@theguywitheyebrows]

@@SkillCult so i have decided that i'll buy thrift store, garage sale, and flea market heads and new from harbor freight only to be modded for commission. thanks for your knowledges.

[@insatiable_mind]

Beautiful work! I’ve got two handles that need work. I may file a little but mostly I’ll use a knife. One of my Mora’s probably.

[@guyg5702]

Great video. I have a few opinel knives and now I have another reason to like them. I use the back of an old dexter kitchen knife with a snapped tip for scraping in my shop but I’m going to try an opinel for field use.

[@williamgoodwin9667]

Love the back of the knife trick what a great thing to know to get you out of trouble or a blister. Beeep all those that are aggressive. Just do what is needed when needed and do it well.

[@TrollDragomir]

People who always go for the easy way learn nothing, and when caught without all of their (often overly expensive) tools don't know what to do. My philosophy is that whenever I craft (or modify) something from wood that I've never done before, I try to use as minimal tools as possible, just to know what kind of challenges it could pose. Most often it will be just my favourite carving all-round forest knife, with bigger projects paired with a hatchet. I'd sometimes go as far as carving something smooth with a piece of glass or flint as to avoid rasps and sandpaper - as you don't always have these on you. I really appreciate your homesteading philosophy, with every video I learn heaps more about self-sustainability than from all these people who just show sped up footage of them messing around with a belt grinder.

[@SkillCult]

I see rasps as a little bit of a crutch too ha ha. But they are awful nice for fitting eyes especially. The glass or flint trick is great. Spent lots of time doing that using stone tools to make stuff. With a knife and hatchet, so much can be accomplished, but with that limitation, scraping with the knife expands the possibilities a great deal.

[@rayflowers9097]

I really appreciate this video. I just put a new handle following all your tips but the handle feels incredibly thick and uncomfortable so this video leads me in the right direction as far as what areas to work to safely thin out my axe handle to be comfortable but strong. Appreciate bud.

[@SkillCult]

glad to hear it There are a couple of in depth videos on axe handle design that I put out for more depth Here is one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIOtmIWsfcd4g68

[@nataliewitkowski913]

"Just use x it's easier" I don't think I would enjoy this kind of stuff nearly as much if it was 'easier'. When I started fixing my axe handles I couldn't even remember what a spokeshave was called lmao, so I used my knives and it worked perfectly. I mean, sure, it took longer but at the same time I didn't have to buy another tool, and then learn how to use it.

[@nataliewitkowski913]

Not that I don't enjoy learning things, but I have a lot of things to learn and not a lot of time (I work 8.5 hours a day, and after that have maybe 2 hours a day to work on projects before I am too tired to move) so when I can use something I'm already comfortable and familiar with for a purpose, I'll choose that over learning a specified tool

[@seandwyer2020]

Perhaps you have answered this in another post, but what wood's besides hickory might be suitable for axe handles? I am disappointed with what I see for sale and I have made some handles (But have had some disappointment on that front as well). I have trouble finding hickory in my neck of the woods, will any other wood do?

[@gregwalker4236]

a great video--entertaining and informative. i love the use of simple, available tools and hope to work on my own 26" husqvarna. detailed presentation is the best i have seen and may provide the confidence i need to start the project--thanks so much!

[@adamgulliford6048]

you are looking for flex and strength. Any wood that meets those criteria would work decently.

[@SkillCult]

Natalie, Spokeshaves are awesome, but they have to be well maintained and I'll often just scrape instead of bothering to go get mine and make sure it's sharp, which it often isn't, then that's a whole deal to take care of and I could have been working the whole time. It really would have been good for this proect though. That was a lot of very hard wood and it took a while. At some point, the point seems to be lost if you have too many tools or high tech tools. At least to me. I think for some, the object and the aesthetic are the important things, not the process or ability to be less dependent. Not that a spoke shave would fit in that category, but I've always been interested in testing what is possible with simple means.

[@joepapp01]

Ahhh, thanks @SkillCult. This is the video I was looking for. I have so many handles to thin. Ugh. Even the OP Link handles that are still produced come to thick. If only one could order from their old pattern book like the Axe to Grind guy...oh well. Cheers!

[@T3hJones]

Great video as always! The best axe videos on youtube for sure. That folding knife scraper is awesome I gonna try that!

[@SkillCult]

yeah, try it, it's awesome.

[@samueldougoud3289]

@@SkillCult Great video ! Funny to have to wait for an American guy to show the capabilites of a French Opinel knife.

[@Coffeemakesmehappy1]

Thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this.

[@gii_vannile]

Thank you very much . Two fingers’s pushing . May 29th 2022 Sun. 19:22 from Yokohama City Japan

[@daphlavor]

Hi Steven, I picked up a bruiser of an axe from harbor freight and slimmed the handle down considerably with a block plane, and it looks and feels great, so I went to split a few rounds and the head came loose, so now I have to drill out the wedges and re- hang the head, but that’s what a $25 axe gives you! Thanks for all of your detailed videos. Sam

[@SkillCult]

I haven't used block planes on handles that i can remember. I love the things though. I'll have to try it.

[@puma51921]

daphlavor I have harbor freight axe. Find the steel to be terrible. I would by a used good axe

[@nodbod-b2t]

Sensible and skillful! Ya done good, real good!

[@edwardleroy7648]

Thanks. That is the next work I have been looking at doing to my favorite small axes.

[@grattonland]

Happy I saw this, found a good axe at the store, but the handle was heavy and as big as a baseball bat. Now that I know I can fix this, I might buy it.

[@nordicjeff1]

I like this series on the mods you are doing very well done

[@SkillCult]

I should do a short version of this after I finish the series, like do these steps to pimp out your husqvarna axe. The quicky version.

[@bjoerncis6949]

this is great! i use steel rulers for the same reason. theres no spoke shave to buy here.

[@emlillthings7914]

"first thing I think is ----" ,, I can totally relate, especially with such clear formulation with elegantly applied mannerism. You made a beep speak more than a thousand words :P

[@SkillCult]

:)

[@mihacurk]

Just love your stuff Steven! Excelent execution and commentary! Very educational! Keep it up!

[@SkillCult]

Thanks MC

[@scottlandmcc]

Great video and cool thought at tool choice. I use a piece of flat tool steel to scrape with and never had a spoke shave. Slick idea on the knife's spine!

[@SkillCult]

Scraping rocks.

[@lenblacksmith8559]

Thanks for a very informative video, love the Idea with the pocket knife as a scraper.

[@kingboru7744]

This was a great video to watch! So much useful info, cant wait to get out and work on that old axe now.

[@mvblitzyo]

really appreciate the explanation, I've always just used the axe with out much thought. now I have a better idea, how to really appreciate it ! thanks for a great video on how to reshape the handle, to fits my needs as an axe owner ..

[@matthewking8307]

I know this video is 3 years old, and I'm sure you've got this recommendation before, BUT if you're looking for a new rasp still lol, I highly recommend a Shinto rasp! Always solid content and I love your humor🤙

[@SkillCult]

I have one and have owned them before. they are great.

[@TheVogensen]

Wauw i love this video! Never though about modifying my handle but I most definitely will!

[@SkillCult]

Nearly every axe will be better with at least some degree of handle modification.

[@TheVogensen]

@@SkillCult did it and wauw !

[@jimmylarge1148]

Some people have never heard of a smoke shave 😂 nor do we want to go buy one whatever tf it is. Thank you for using basic tools most people have or are cheap.

[@SkillCult]

It's spoke shave. they used them a lot for shaving and shaping wagon spokes. and yeah, a lot of people aren't going to have one and don't need to buy one.

[@jopsball-turret6969]

So much information in this video that I need. Thanks!

[@davidbarclay3651]

I have the same axe. The bit on mine fits well. The edge was a joke, but easily fixed. I still hate the rounded corners that Husky uses to protect from breaking one. It makes the axe stick more. Thanks for the detailed reshaping, I need to do the same. I still love my Counsel Tool Boys axe more.

[@SkillCult]

Council is a little less compromise, but I'll grab this to go run around in the woods, just because it's so damn light and handle-able.

[@davidbarclay3651]

Let me know what you think. I’m sure others are waiting. It’s a decent backpacking axe if it works well.

[@crosscountryoutdoors2472]

I understand the flexibility of the handle keeping it from fracturing even more when compared to a building in an earthquake. An aha moment!

[@SkillCult]

I suppose there might be some parallel there. Every blow is like an earthquake, but can it survive the occasional 7.0 or 8.0 ?

[@samadams9557]

People just want to sound smart with their comments. I like seeing opinions. Your comment about using the knife and it being easy to mess up took me back to a handle I ruined on a double bit. Take your time. Pick it up and use it some, then go back and shave some more. It doesn’t have to take place quickly.

[@keithkrone77]

your videos are comprehensive and very well explained. So many ways to skin a cat, no rules, personal preference …

[@joestone7207]

looks more proportional as well hope your feeling better these days man like your point of view and insight good vid

[@SkillCult]

Yes, it's way sexier now. Makes me actually want to use it.

[@crissignori7482]

The nice thing about this is that you can do a little bit, try it out and then come back a do a little bit more. This way you don't take off too much wood from any given area and you get a perfect fit for your hands. How round or oval do you suggest for the finished handle ?

[@SkillCult]

I tried putting flat spots and slight angles on this, but they are somewhat annoying me. It's hard to explain what I like, but it is possible to make the front end too sharp and I've done it a lot. but it should still be much narrower at the front on a single bit to my preference.

[@poipoi300]

I like your view on "dummy rules". Not cutting towards yourself is just way too restricting for a benefit which can be obtained in other ways. Sometimes that other way isn't obvious, but it's a fun process figuring it out. I went through that process for snapping branches and my method even impresses people with the thicknesses I can snap lol.

[@galenbird7496]

Man!!! Im fixen to go grab a rasp and scraper and go to town on my H Forest axe. Always down with optimizing my equipment and I felt that the handle on mine was a little too big for long term use. Love your videos!

[@SkillCult]

Go get 'er!

[@gileschapman1961]

Thanks that was very helpful. Cool Turkey Vultures. Big Chickens!

[@samadams9557]

I definitely prefer flat sides. I think it helps tremendously with unorthodox positions and the position of the head and avoiding glancing.

[@abrahamgoldsmith1684]

Can we get you and wranglerstar in the octagon already? Maybe survival jeapordy would be more appropriate. That dude sux. Your channel is awesome. Thanks for all the content and all your hard work.

[@SkillCult]

Well, I owe the guy some gratitude for creating a large audience, then driving the best of them away lol.

[@bastionheadwoodworks]

I like to leave very light rasp marks. Adds a lot of purchase and I don't have to grip as tight to maintain control.

[@SkillCult]

I've tended more and more toward smooth handles, at least for the body. Light marks almost polish out with real use anyway.

[@TysonHook-22-]

I prefer a smooth sanded handle, and if I want a little added grip/tackiness I'll give the handle a beeswax rub... no heat or melting the wax just wipe a chunk all over the handle and as you do work using the axe, the heat from your hands will help work the wax into the woods grain.

[@guns4funcajanajustin]

Nice job with the rasp. Those fire hose work pants are heavy but built very well.

[@SkillCult]

The flex firehose are lighter, very light actually. I can't hardly wear the canvas ones in the summer.

[@mtbmattb890]

i have been using a 14" farrier rasp i found at a waste transfer station that is still in good condition, it has been good for fitting a handle to a eye and thinning most of a handle. then ill use a knife and a chainsaw file with lots of draw filing to shape a handle were the big flat rasp cant reach.

[@SkillCult]

Those things are awesome. If you do any smithing, try rasping red hot steel with one of those. You have to have a dedicated one just for that obviously, but it's pretty cool :D

[@FT4Freedom]

I get it. Improving the axe as a matter of integrity. Personal and tool integrity. It's better for all of us.

[@broadusthompson1666]

Have you tried or looked into farriers rasps? They certainly aren’t a replacement for a shoe rasp, they work best used two handed, but they are amazing for removing a lot of material fast, and if you can find a farrier you can probably get some decent big rasps cheap of free (they stop being useful for hooves sooner than for wood and metal apparently).

[@SkillCult]

I love those things and have several. The are usually a bit aggressive and they don't have the round side. Less versatile anyway. They are awesome for wasting wood though, and as I pointed out to someone else below, it's fun to use the rasp side on hot iron.

[@demagmusic]

You know.... I went out to buy a stone cutting (lapidary) saw this weekend. Found one....and I also came home with a nice looking old axe head. So a new saga begins.... and it's YOUR fault ;)

[@SkillCult]

lol. Enabler.

[@misfitthemad276]

Heh! I found Stevens videos when I was learning to graft but since then I bought a cheap axe, bought a 4-way rasp, whittled the handle down a bunch, oiled it and bought a Bahco file and filed the bit... Now the axe feels great in the hand and is very sharp but I have nothing to cut! (I'm an invalid with collapsed discs so probably couldn't swing it 'in anger' anyway).

[@SkillCult]

What you need is an axe launcher buddy! Hey, check out the Gokhale posture method. I've met a couple people with disk problems that have been helped a lot. Two of them are teachers actually, including Esther Gokhale. It has really helped me a lot.

[@misfitthemad276]

LOL @ axe launcher! Thanks for the heads up about Esther Gokhale, I've checked out a few vids on youtube with her in. It's timely, I've just recently taught myself to stand and walk with my knees slightly bent as I was causing myself lots of extra pain in the Achilles tendon. Nobody taught me I just worked it out for myself. (Pinched motor nerves mean that I've been walking 'wrong' for a couple months. All that time spent learning to walk and now my body refuses to obey!) Cheers.

[@SkillCult]

It takes time and there can be hard limits due to other functional problems. If I really get my neck lengthened out all the way, my airway starts closing because I have the classic modern narrow palate that restricts the nasal passages. If I don't fix that, which is much more of an undertaking, I can only progress so far with correcting posture and it's partly why posture is bad in a lot of people in the first place. If you want to go down that rabbit hole, look up michael mew's channel orthotropics. Fascinating stuff. I hope Gokhale helps. It should theoretically help with pinched nerves in the spine. It might at least help you understand what good posture should be. That was one of the most valuable things I got from it.

[@JacobvsRex]

I really like the back of the knife scraper idea....

[@SkillCult]

The blade is fine too, but on that knife, the spine scrapes really well.

[@JacobvsRex]

I usually use the blade but using the back helps save the edge a little it would seem

[@SkillCult]

totally, it's hard on the edge.

[@Aimsmallmiss]

What kind of axe is that in the background looks like a beauty

[@redactedcanceledcensored6890]

13:51 I think the rationale is that you can make a too thick handle thin enough but you can't make a too thin one thicker. I have long hands, so the reason I don't buy Gränsfors axes is that their handles are waay too thin for me, and I refuse to re-handle them for that price tag.

[@SkillCult]

gransfors is ridiclulously thick to me, but there are worse.

[@urbanlumberjack]

Is the thought that a thicker handle is more rigid and more likely to snap? A slimmer handle does seem to have more bend in it. I have larger hands and most of the handles off the hardware shelves are too big for me.

[@SkillCult]

I have a couple of detailed vids on axe handles where I discuss that more. The gist is to think of the handle as a system that you want to be resilient to stresses. By making one part of the system extremely rigid, it can put more stress on other parts of the system. My approach is to think of it more as a problem of stress distribution.

[@samadams9557]

I’d be interested in a sketch of a section of the handle you prefer (e.g. thickness side to side compared to front to back).

[@SkillCult]

I have measured before just to see, but I prefer not to give one as it just disengages people from making the experiment and learnign to do it by feel. The two finger push test is very helpful.

[@elemental4rce]

in regards to flattening the sides of the handle: on a few of mine i have flattened the sides but with a taper from back to front, definitely feels better in terms of accuracy, whilst still feeling good in the hand with the thicker rounded back side. There isn't much you can do with the swedish handles besides thinning. At least with the thick ochsenkopf handles i use there is plenty of wood to play with for experimenting

[@SkillCult]

I like this handle fine as far as form, just too thick and poorly fit to the head. It's quite nice now. Just a little more tuning down.

[@yerbagaucho1801]

A very worthwhile view. Thank you ~

[@petertiffney4413]

Hi as a man who loves tools you do a damn good job I've worked with handtools all my life and many many times I've had to adjust my standards I've made lots of axe hafts in my time but the opinel knife scraper you score 10 out of 10 . I live near Sheffield in the UK ware some of the best tools in the world came from but all gone now. So we get shit from other countries that are not fit for purpose. It's not good enough for me and I don't want buy it I have lots of old tools which made my living we bought tools and we took great care of them.

[@SkillCult]

I have a handful of tools with the sheffield stamp. Opinel back is pretty cool for scraping.

[@realmetis8002]

love the handle think I will do the same thanks. btw hello been a while happy to see the subs go up great job

[@SkillCult]

Hey, good to see you back. 50k by the new year?...

[@allenhuling598]

Been waitin for this vid for some time now....Thanks! BTW, handle looks great!

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Nice Work-Amazing how much xtra Bulk those factory Husqvarna handles have. End result looks like a GB handle but even fine tuned a bit more👍

[@SkillCult]

It's a lot thinner than the GB I had. Hopefully they've come down a bit. I got is like 20 years ago or so and was tripping out of the thick handle.

[@ACOUSTIC_4LOVE]

Every piece of wood has varying attributes-grain,density etc. I’m sure these play into how a tiller decides to craft each individual handle. I’ve Crafted Custom Acoustic Guitars From scratch for years and been a wood worker most my Days. I’ve hafted a few antique Hawks. Crafted file knives/and big Bowie’s. I have a GB wildlife and Mini. Need a decent size axe-think I’ll work the hickory/Ash instead of buying a $200 forest Axe. Thanks for the Great Vid👍

[@KevinsDisobedience]

Watching you shave yours down, makes me think I should have taken more off of mine. I mostly removed material near the top. I'm still learning what I like and what I don't. Thanks, man.

[@SkillCult]

I think at some point you are taking a higher risk of breaking, especially with certain types of accidents or stresses, but You'll figure it out either way. It's not as though it has to be optimal or anything. I'm mostly concerned for the extreme. For me I've always just messed with them until they fell right, which turns out to be pretty thin.

[@KevinsDisobedience]

So do you think hand-size should be a factor when re-profiling a handle? Or is it more about the flexibility? Anyway, I’m really glad to have found your channel. You’ve taught me so much about axes, not the least of which is how fun they can be!

[@SkillCult]

No, probably not. I doubt any huge handed lumberjack was using much larger handles. for some carving and hewing maybe, but not for chopping. Again, it's more guiding and throwing, so there is not a lot of grip needed. I remember one of the old authors saying something like the axe should lie lightly in the hand. That is a good way to think of it. There are a lot of misconceptions about grip and power delivery in handles that lead to fatigue, repetitive stress injury and broken handles.

[@nkcwilliams]

What kind of pocket knife is that? Do you have any plans on doing a video on pocket knifes? Thanks Nick

[@SkillCult]

It's the opinel #8, but slightly modified in ways I consider important. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3myaZauapqVpbM

[@cthepoint]

I prefer scraping harder woods like hickory. My spokeshave has a razor edge but it always skips or digs too deep into the hickory. A rasp and a right angle edge work pretty well. There might be a right tool for the job and it's up to the person working with the tools to determine what works better. Good video, I'm thinking about reworking mine now. I've already worked on a few other handles because they were just too wonky or unwieldy from the factory.

[@SkillCult]

Interesting. I wonder if a spokeshave with a narrower throat would do better. I use them more when making handles, and not always then, but if well tuned, they are very fast and effective.

[@ShumaiAxeman]

Sure a spokeshave will get it done faster, but if you're not in a rush then why not enjoy yourself? There's something immensely satisfying about working wood down with just what you have at hand.

[@johnclarke6647]

A Four in One May be a good choice. I use a big bastard file - the same ones I used to trim my horses hoofs with.

[@SkillCult]

I like the options on the shoe maker's rasp (aka four in one etc). I use all sides for combinations of cut and shape.

[@fp3359]

Many many thanks for this 'input'... Sorry I"m not a native english speaker. But your information is spot-on. I don't have the skills to modify this shaft like you've excellently displayed. Therefore I'm wlilling to spend rhe extra money for the Granfords. Also, the sheat imho, of the Husky will dull the edge. Grandfors does a better job in this part. To spend the extra cash for a custom made sheat for the Husky, levels somewhat the price difference. ( inho ) Thanks for the excellent video"s & sincetely greetings from Holland.

[@Bccool86]

I really dig your methodical approach. How has this axe weathered since this video? Also would you use this same method for a splitting maul?

[@cfishel15]

Hi Steven, the timing of this video is perfect! I just bought a cheap axe at Northern Tool for the sole purpose of learning to profile/sharpen the blade properly, thin the handle, and try soaking it for an extended period of time (weeks?) in raw linseed oil. Question: what make/model/style of knife would you recommend for thinning the handle? Thanks much!

[@SkillCult]

Whatever you have. if the back isn't square, use the blade. Some knives might be better or worse, but most will work. That is a modified opinel #8. not the most robust knife, but very handy and useful with slight modification, and it's cheap. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3myaZauapqVpbM

[@cfishel15]

Thanks for the response -- the Opinel modification looks like a fun project to try!

[@FT4Freedom]

I got woods knife self made from 1" Allen wrench steel. Got saw. 3 lb hammer. I got files, Gonna get the little hacksaw. A flat punch, chisel, a little hand drill and few bits. I got that Mexican collins boys axe. With nice Hickory.. but the head need work and the shoulder neck transition is not at all gradual. I got started.