Broad Axe - Wranglerstar

[@tsmja]

Wonderful job. My Dad (now 88) who was an "old-school" tool, die, and mold maker, and also was a shop boss as well as a foreman for part of his career, would definitely give this job his full seal of approval!

[@Barkeaters99live]

On the eve of Thanksgiving I am thankful for Wranglerstar and not because he has arrived at knowing everything, but because we can partake in his journey of understanding and be inspired in our journey of understanding. Thank you Mrs. Wranglerstar and Jack for sharing him with us.

[@cybergrunt65]

Well thankyou. I worked in a old school hardware store, my Dad was born in 1923, and that is the best and smartest wedging of an Axe head I have seen. I still have his old axe, but seeing the wedging made sense.

[@criticalthinking42]

The offset handle is actually common with proper timber hewing axes. They were made to be directional. Left handed and right handed for squaring timber into beams. With that angle you could stand on the log and move down the log. Also steaming is the best option. I have four blacksmith made hewing axes and when they are made from quality steel you will hear a nice ting sounds when you ring them. And lastly it is my understanding a broad axe is for felling trees or medieval battle. Not the same as that axe.

[@TheSilverBinder]

I remember watching my grandfather replacing the handle on his boat builder's broad axe sure brought back the good memories! Thank you and God bless!

[@mushthatzme]

really great video, i have been following you for a while, we live in scotland great britain, own a small house and our fuel is all wood/coal, learn alot from your videos, the greatest thing of all is watching the great relationship you have with your son, i have two small boys who love helping out in the workshop and cutting/splitting wood. keep the videos coming great stuff!!! i imagine by the time you read this i will be fast asleep! god bless you guys. steve.

[@schpoingle]

that crank neck is the original handle. I have an old book with illustrations of early american tools and that's how they used them. Working all day with one creates a need to be comfortable and away from the log. so the handle is bent so that you can have some distance. it's not a roughing tool. it's a finishing tool. so it doesn't need a felling axes handle.

[@jacques-mauricemiron199]

and sometimes they hewed inside walls by the interior after walls are erected. That is why the handle was curved

[@schpoingle]

i saw an old picture recently of some guys logging. It's easy to forget, with the size of today's trees, but when logging started there were huge trees over 6 feet in diameter. It's impossible to get the middle flat without a crank neck. you'd be standing next to a wall of wood.

[@xjr1300paul]

If you were making railway ties/ sleepers with that you would have to be left handed to use it

[@stab2killnecks]

I'm trying to pick up one that has about a 30 degree bend in the handle. It looks like it would be easier on the back.

[@jamesbristowsecond]

The reason why the axe handle was offset so much was so you can use it while standing on the log as well as off to the side and keep from removing muscle from your leg. In time you may come to regret not having the offset but to each his own. Great vid.

[@jinksto]

"Someone went to a lot of trouble to do this wrong." I love that. Too often this is true.

[@LongHauler73]

Both my Father and I have found that same idea in our houses. The term lipstick on a pig gets thrown around a lot.

[@Travos69]

I just subbed the other day. From what I seen so far, I don't see how a person could not learn something every time we tune in. Thank you for sharing.

[@nijosm]

I found one of those when I was a child squirrel hunting with my grandfather . It was badly pitted but I still have it till this day . I remember him every time I look at it hanging on the wall at the camp . Some mighty good memories .

[@cabotbluegill]

My great grand father made axe handles for people all around the Standbridge, Quebec area where he lived. He passed on in the early 1960s. He had a shaving pony and shaped them with a draw shave. All his lumber was cut and split by hand. Axes were bought with out handles and the custom fit to the choppers preference. The area that he lived in was mostly pine and spruce so the single bit axes were preferred. Also nice job on the handle

[@gnametap1272]

Love your video, your family are all great teachers of how to live and prosper off grid. Not only that but, you give back to the land. Thank-you. Also enjoyed the skunk video. One of my friends traps skunks with live traps, he said the cover usually makes the skunk relaxed but. every now and then one will spray in the covered cage. Gosh what a smell. Thanks for showing people how to so many things in the outdoor world.

[@8BitLife69]

I know I say this all the time Cody, but I never tire of these videos.

[@ReliantJustUsProject]

Great video as always Cody! I was amazed at how far the wedge went in on the head of the axe!

[@JakeAdams42]

Wow. To see what the workshop looked like back in the day compared to 2017. Impressive work, Wranglerstar!

[@rickl4159]

Thanks Cody for this video. I recently acquired an old broad axe from my uncle. I'm currently enjoying restoring it!

[@yellow599rider]

That steel has a wonderful ring to it. Thanks for all of the videos and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family tomorrow. God bless.

[@WayneMeador]

Very interesting information about the type of wood for the handle. I'm thankful for the time you spent making this video and talking through it, well done Cody. Happy Thanksgiving Brother!

[@timhyatt9185]

Love the broad axe....I agree, the handle that was on there previously was done by someone who knew it needed to be bent but didn't know why so it was done incorrectly... For the bend, i've heard of many methods. The one used by my grandfather was to wrap wet cloths around the 6-10 inches of handle just below the eye, keep them wet for a day or two so the wood softens (steaming would do the same).......unwrap, clamp the axe head, flatside down to a bench or strong board, and wedge under the handle until it's lifted as far as desired, Leave to dry for a day or so and it should be good to go...

[@PittsvilleDirtFarmer]

I use a mixture of half pine tar and half boiled linseed oil. I think the pine tar gives the handles a little extra grip. It gives the wood a darker color too.

[@MadeNewInChrist]

Great explanation on the stair stepped grain. I was wondering why you couldnt just cut the shape you want out, now it makes perfect sense. That one bit of knowledge was worth the 15 minutes alone.

[@asherad]

Beautifully done... what a satifying accomplishment. Congrats and thanks for sharing it with us.

[@bomaite1]

I think hewing axes were generally made of green wood. It is really easy to rough out and fit, and when it is ready to go, the head is bent to the desired shape by clamping the head and forcing a wedge or block under the handle. You can make it then to your liking and just let it dry in place. Wedge it after it dries because of shrinkage. A hewing axe does not get the violent use that a felling axe does, so you don't need to go to extremes with safety concerns, but I warn you off on the use of linseed oil on the wedge. What goes in easy comes out easy as well. Make the kerf on a diagonal so that it fills the socket in both directions and use just a few drops of glue. No oil! Don't use those metal wedges unless the head loosens later. Why would you?

[@johnthompsonii8335]

Nice to see I'm not the only one who gives back to his community.

[@CinemaSasquatch]

I did enjoy the video. I learn something new every time I watch your videos.

[@oilveinstack7557]

Thanks for the Mumford & Sons Album title on the work bench. I listened to it while watching

[@kylebrooks6292]

Work of art...........brilliant videos must of watch it least 4 times

[@johnhalloway3342]

Fine workmanship in the axe making technology !

[@JesseHires]

There is a US Forest Service video about hanging an axe that also gives a demonstration of using a broad axe to hew a log. It's a long video but has lots of good info about not only hanging an axe, but different types of axes and their different uses. I believe it is called "An Axe to Grind"

[@plinko46835]

Love that old axe really beautiful work

[@MountainFisher]

Cody start the step wedges by drilling a small groove to get a nice straight entry. I use a 1/32 drill bit and a dremel to start the slot for the wedge, only go about 1/4" deep or less. Almost never a split.

[@KK19825]

I might be wrong here but I always thought hewing axes traditionally have a fairly loose head, so that you can demount it and reverse it when needed for left or right handed work when doing the corners. I guess the other alternative is to have two axes for the job.

[@Fj4LiFe23]

when you switch sides you would just start from the opposite end, which would keep the offset on the "correct" side

[@christianzyweck7256]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this vid! Educational and well done.

[@Kevin32001]

What a fantastic looking axe, thanks for the video, Cody.

[@tomdamon7208]

I have a squaring broadaxe and the handle is offset . A long offset handle is so you can stand on the log and work yor way down . that way if you miss you won't cut your shin . You seem to be an expert at everything .

[@GuyInAChair3]

As a free service, here is how to find the good lumber yard in your area. Trust me this is some sage advice, it's not as easy as you think. First figure out where the lumber yards are in your area. Shouldn't be that hard. Secondly, wake up at 6 am (preferably on a Monday) and go visit them. Ya 6am sucks but you need to actually see for your self. The first thing you'll notice is that most of them won't be open. (Most of the stores that won't be open also advertise on national TV) Save the national stores for last, don't dismiss them completely you still might have some luck. What you are looking for at 6am on a Monday is an open (or at least their yard) store. You'll easily spot this buy the vast number of pickups with racking, flat decks, trailers all milling around. Those guys are contractors, they work with wood for a living. If you are feeling really nice, bring extra coffee and give it to them as a thank you because they have already done the leg work for you and found the good lumber store. They are at that particular store at some ungodly hour in the morning for the same reason you are. They need something that you can't buy at any old store at any old time. Composite decking in some particular shade, by the semi load... Special shingles in some off color, made from recycled tires... That store has a network, has employes who care, and gets stuff... Failing that, the big national stores probably have what you're looking for in their network. But you'll have to have an answer for "what's a hickory?" before you get your product, a 6am wake up call is easier.

[@ctcollinthib]

Very cool. The exact way to hang an axe. It's where we get the expression "Can't get the hang of it." It refers to axes that just don't take to the wood when tapping on the butt end of the handle.

[@wyattoneable]

It's nice to see old tools back at work. I thought you were going to have to leave us there with that tone going off.

[@budmoore8144]

great work as always i also enjoyed how you explained everything well done happy thanksgiving to the whole wranglerstar family

[@cboutdoors9120]

I cant wait to find one of these hewing axes! Very good job with the handle. It turned out really nice!

[@Dstrukt2k2]

Hewing axes have an offset to prevent barking the knuckles, it may feel bizarre, but it is not your typical axe.. it has a specific design for a specific purpose.

[@townsend351]

"A one boy" came mind. I used to work at an old lumber mill here in Idaho. The old Dutch blade sharpener, with his heavy accent , used to tell me that when I had done something right. A one boy from Idaho!

[@dnasplice]

Great fit! that thing looks like a beast to chop with all day

[@MrJohnv8386]

14 minutes and you said "it's not a pretty handle but it'll work" hahaha that thing is beautiful a true work of art

[@DVOP2011]

Great video....the Viking warrior Gods are pleased with you!!!.........keep up the great work

[@MrRedneckrc]

Great video, great job you have some serious skills. Look forward to seeing it in action with the new handle.

[@dom9076]

Now I know how to properly wedge my next axes! Thanks a lot, very informative videos!

[@harryrogers]

Great to see a decent handle on that axe.....and I have just posted a film on hewing with Dr Damian Goodburn here in UK. Regards Harry

[@ericbarasch123]

Phenomenal work like usual Cody. HAppy thanksgiving.

[@johnr.timmers2297]

It was kindve cool to hear the first responder tone go off, a little glimpse into your day to day that we don't normally see.

[@MarcusRedemann]

Great Job, I'd like to see the Forge Process on that axe, Awesome!

[@philcooke5145]

Yes, I'm looking out for one of these. Good video, thanks for making it.

[@christkandosii3337]

I’ve been really enjoying Tung oil recently. I just started using it and it comes out really nice.

[@willk4034]

Stunning!!! So beautiful!!! Very good job mate!

[@DoodleNag]

that is a great song that you have written on your workbench, i appreciate the work you do.

[@MrDevlin350]

Great job on the handle ! Gorgeous old ax head !

[@BarnGeek]

I spoke to an old timer at a barn preservation show a few years back. In his younger days he had a job hewing railroad ties, which he did all day. He looked at my hewing display and informed me that the broad ax is more for finish work, and that rough hewing was all done with a regular ax. He said that the broad axe was just to heavy to use all day hewing ties.

[@sfleinen]

I know this is an older video, but Cody's description of what hand should be forward on an axe handle (grip-wise) is WRONG for a right-handed person. If you swing a baseball bat from right-to-left with your right hand forward of the left hand in the grip, you are a right-hander. I notice in some of Cody's videos (i.e. the "Back to Basics" series), that he prefers swinging his axe from left-to-right, with his left hand forward of his right hand in the grip. That's a classic left-hander. The "preferred hand" is the one always FORWARD in the grip -- this hand is the controlling hand and also adds power as well. The other hand (the rear hand) is the pivot point. All axes except the broad axe can be used by either hand. The broad axe is a "handed axe" (meaning, that the eye angle in the head determines whether it's for a right or left-handed user). Cody, not realizing this at the time (probably because it's his first time with a broad axe, at the time of the video), implies that his broad axe is "backwards" griphand-wise. This is wrong; it's just that his broad axe is for a right-handed user, but Cody is left-handed. Me personally? I've trained myself to swing an axe both left-handed and right-handed (almost ambidextrously), because it comes in handy when you're on a bad angle to use a particular-handedness (thus, all I have to do is switch-up my grip and swing from the other direction).

[@endlessmountainwoodworks4278]

The handle looks great and I have learned a lot form you channel. The only thing I have to comment on is No. 1 or 1 common is not the highest hardwood grade. FAS and FAS 1 face are both better. I would recommend checking out NHLA hardwood lumber grading scale. Keep up the good work!

[@DeanO]

Very enjoyable and great craftsmanship

[@TheSalsy1]

Beautiful work and handle. I'm going to buy a coping saw after watching this. Thanks.

[@JasonMichaelKotarski]

Great job! I would soak that handle (at least at the bit) in BLO. It helps the step wedge during inset and when it dries it'll shrink so tight it'll only come out when it breaks.

[@Hrafnhistorical]

That's a really cool piece of kit!

[@funkophone]

Right some handsome! I love your axe related videos, man.

[@brithesaw]

Very tidy job Cody , over here in Scotland. We use ash, as no hickory grows here, for home made tool handles . Although we can store buy good hickory handles ;)

[@ericday604]

The forestry service video I researched has you placing the step wedges in sideways from how you placed them. What say you? Just wondering. Great video and God bless brother!

[@bajabugblast]

I noticed you didn't put an offset angle to the new handle when you installed it in the head. The offset is to keep your hands away from the log as you hew the flat as well as allow you to stand out to one side of the log and the swing of the axe head so you are less likely to spit open your shin. Some old hewers had a tin shin guard on the leg next to the log. Good job and safe hewing.

[@ramfrancisuk]

Very nice - putting old tools back into use ;)

[@chevyman35089]

love this vid. you should make a vid to show how to properly make a handle for tools such as how you come up with the designs and what tools you will need. just very specific stuff on how to as if you knew nothing about doing so.

[@alphagrendel]

Cody, I've seen a number of hewing axe heads that the eye is actually offset also.

[@TfidelisT]

Thank you sir....great job as always.

[@strangefire1]

The Zenith broad axe are one of the best

[@TheSalsy1]

The fast forward video of you pounding the wedge in was cool. I didn't think you were going to be able to get much of the wedge in considering how tight it looked.

[@AZSurvival]

Thanks for freely sharing your expertise. Well done videos. Why do you have "Ghosts That We Knew Mumford and Sons" written on the bench. That's a great song.

[@CedricAda]

Those step wedges are often near the hammers in hardware stores, sold as hammer rehandling wedges

[@slimsammyone]

Great job and a beautiful axe.

[@billsutherland2128]

A friend's son broke the handle on their splitting maul by over striking the wood piece. We took our time to properly install another handle, but this time with hickory. The son took one swing with the new handle, over striked again, and broke the handle flush with the head. I've never laughed so hard in my life! Within a week, my friend bought a hydraulic splitter and that was that. God bless, Cody.

[@jpian0923]

Thanks for discussing handle material. Those of us not in the know really appreciate it. I would have had no clue if it not for you (and the rest of the youtube world) but your opinion holds greater weight with me, and the rest of your subscribers. Can you plant (grow) you're own hickory up there? Or is that impossible in the great north west?

[@jeremyhunter2319]

What is the nature of hickory that makes it ideal? I live in Britain so would like to use a regional wood, is there something which is a suitable replacement? Also, what is with the ridge in the middle of the axe?

[@Fidgety_fugu]

Jeremy Hunter Ash is pretty good.

[@anthonyclark9159]

Jeremy Hunter ash

[@BringDowntheMountain]

I really miss seeing you put your makers mark on things...

[@mjrwey]

If you've never heard of them or checked them out......Bark River Knives in Michigan makes knives with a similar grip to you spyder. I have a few of their knives and really really like them. Lifetime warranty too....any & all damage is 100% covered, even stupidity.

[@MarcusRedemann]

I've seen Offset Heads for Ship building, Left hand and right, Cool!

[@strokerace4765]

That’s nicer than the stuff you review on Facebook

[@TITANIUMBOND]

Hey there, Can you explain what that means to be a "first responder"? Is that for fire fighting or just something I have not heard of. Love the video and love this Channel! pretty much quit watching TV and got to living and learning! Thanks.

[@stevoo7819]

Handle/axe vids are awesome

[@river11ca]

Love the vid! Keep up the great work Cody!

[@tonybologna123]

man oh man i could go for another back to basics hewing video :)

[@yeahmansoul]

I would love to see you build a steam rack ! Also an electrolysis video if by any chance you intend to do such a thing. Thanks for all the effort you're puting in your -much appreciated- videos ! Keep up the goog work.

[@tanglediver]

This is an older video, I know but, I have heard that cross-wedgeing the handle with a step wedge like that will split the handle. I may have done so myself over the years with wooden handled tools, but I am always trying to learn, God Bless!

[@bridgesbushcraft]

I just started watching your videos, and love them! I really enjoy learning the skills from the past. I have recently started making knives, and now want to restore old axes. I was wondering what sharpening tools you use and prefer to sharpen axes, knives, etc... Also, where can I purchase these stones. Thank you!

[@MBTGRIPS]

Melhor canal!!! Gosto muito dos seus vídeos!!

[@MattUSMC1000]

Great video! I have been waiting for someone to do a broad axe. Well done! :) God bless.

[@IanCoreyFe]

I was curious so I did some research. It sounds like your axe head resonates in D#. I could be wrong, but it sounds really close. Appreciate the videos.

[@Woodentoolcompany2]

Now that's an axe!

[@brentsrx7]

Well done! looks awesome Cody. I would be cautious how tight your wedge is, you seemed to warp the eye some. Just and observation. Thanks for the great work!

[@ChuckRichardsHandmadeKnives]

Awesome axe,,another great vid.

[@TallbutDadly]

I thought you left the handle un wedged so that you can take it out and turn it around. As it is now you can use it so that the log is on the right side of the axe, but if you turn around so that the log is on the left side, you cant use it, hence why the handle was left un wedged, so that you can turn the head around. I might be wrong though.

[@meelas010]

very very nice. that would have to be the most amazing axe i've ever seen. I'd love to see a steaming video.

[@randykobashikawa5888]

Hi Cody, I really enjoy watching your videos, lots of explanations. Can you tell me the difference between a hewing axe, and a broad axe?