Council Tool Woodcraft Pack Axe, 24" handle replacement.

In this video I replace the stock 19" handle with a 24" Smedbergs handle to suit the weight of the head, followed by a brief trial in the woods.

[@axemanmike4390]

Nice vid & axe, Trev! Very satisfying watching the rehandle! Thanks for sharing! Happy Spring! 🪓🌷🌸🐝🌲

[@bundufundi]

Thanks Mike, great to hear from you! Hope you are having good weather over there, its turned cold here with some snow about!

[@axemonkey]

I have the 24 inch Woodcraft pack axe and I absolutely love it! It holds it's edge very well and is light enough to use it for hours without "rubber arms" setting in too badly. It is quite a small axe but very capable of doing a lot of work. I agree with you on the 24" length of handle. Great job on the rehandle. Looks quite good.

[@bundufundi]

Thanks, it’s definitely one of my favourite axes now. Very versatile.

[@mmiller73]

I love my Woodcraft Pack Axe even more than my GB’s. I got the 24” handle but it’s actually 23”. Council Tool always overstates their handles by about 1” in my experience.

[@bundufundi]

It's a great axe for sure. The longer handle makes it very versatile I think.

[@mikes4352]

Great video. Im debating right now between 19 and 24. You sold me on the 24. Beautiful sheath, did you make it yourself? Thanks for sharing

[@bundufundi]

Thanks. This line comes with a good leather sheath. One of the reasons they retail for more than the red version.

[@urbanlumberjack]

I like the 24 inch handle a lot for the pack axe. I wouldn’t mind if it were even just a bit heavier, but I’m still able to get a lot of work done with it.

[@bundufundi]

It’s a great axe and I think the 24” handle is the sweet spot for the weight.

[@kurts64]

Thanks for the update on the CT, seems a lot better proportioned now, more useful size. Heard somewhere that smedbergs makes the handles for HB and GB, not sure though. Nice!👍

[@bundufundi]

That makes sense, this one was a little thinner than some and feels really nice. Very well finished off. Getting out into the bush much?

[@kurts64]

@@bundufundi actually have had a bit of a break in the weather last few days! Re built the keech axe and took it out for a bit of a beating and comparison, hope to get a vid up soon!

[@brettbrown9814]

Nice job! I agree that the 24" will be much more versatile. I wasn't previously familiar with that handle brand but like the shape and it looks like there is enough material for more customization if desired. I've had mixed results removing old handles for reuse. Depends a lot on the methods used on the original hang I think.

[@bundufundi]

Thanks Brett, Kurt says Smedbergs might be a Gransfors supplier? I think CT glued the wedge in so I ended up removing more than I hoped so you are right, it may not be usable in the future.

[@harwoodblades3633]

Nice rehang Trevor 😉looks like it'll do a bit of damage now 😁 all the best Lincoln 👍

[@bundufundi]

Thanks Lincoln, definitely feels more versatile now.

[@Jesusiskingamen7]

Man I never cut my kerf before it’s fitted I want it tight all the way down to the point of seated then cut kerf and it give it that little room it needs but to each his own good work

[@bundufundi]

Unfortunately the handle came already cut and it was slightly off centre! But you take what you can get I guess.

[@Joey-L]

Too bad the dealer wasn't able to correct their mistake but I'm glad you got it sorted out on your own. The 24 does seem the better option, and if portability wasn't a concern I'd dare say try a 28.

[@bundufundi]

It a very good utility axe now but for the price the CT boys axe 28" handle (Red version) is almost unbeatable at around a 1/4 of the price. Unfortunately they don't seem to be available over here anymore only the more expensive line.

[@julesgardet659]

Nice job, the 24” works better, but it was painful to watch the destruction of a perfect hang.

[@GiantPinhead]

Well done

[@stigkrakpants3052]

haha i love the chewed up end! I use a lump of hickory 1'' block and bash that through the eye

[@KuukkeliBushcraft]

Still trying to find an axe handle for my double bit Plumb monster. The eye is massive 😂. Smedberg did you say? Sounds Swedish or Norwegian.

[@bundufundi]

Apparently they might be one of the suppliers for Gransfors, not sure though. It’s a pretty nice handle to be fair.

[@khanejaz846]

Interesting my friend

[@bundufundi]

Thank you Ejaz!

[@Jesusiskingamen7]

This handles look like baseball bats huge! I would throw a killenger 22” on that thing it would be perfect

[@bundufundi]

Yup, I would love to get hold of a Killenger, maybe one day.

[@stigkrakpants3052]

Hi just found your videos, i recognised the landscape around your willow copse! Where do you buy your handles? As a child i had great maul, maybe 6 kgs, straight long handle, but i broke it twice and it has now lost too much length. Looking at new mauls they tend to only be 6 lbs at most.

[@bundufundi]

Hi, I think I got some from these guys: www.woodsmith.co.uk/axe-handles and here is another option: www.oldtoolstore.co.uk/handles--axe-shafts-11-c.asp Failing that, if you can get your hands on some decent ash you could have a go at making one. I have struggled to find seasoned ash for sale long enough to make a handle that isn't as expensive as a premed handle. If you go that route let me know what you find.