How to make an Axe handle

Ben gives you a step by step guide to making an axe handle with an axe kit from Wetterlings.
For more information visit the Wetterlings website: www.wetterlings.se

[@-Honeybee]

"Obviously if you're out in the woods and you need to restore your axe handle you won't have a bandsaw, so we'll show you how to do it with an axe." What. *What.* THEY HAVE NO AXE. THEY CANNOT USE A TOOL THEY DO NOT HAVE.

[@-Honeybee]

XD that's hilarious

[@emorymyparentsnevergavemea5882]

+Sitric Brave Well, you could use the head. It would take a bit of work without the handle, but it is possible. But I do get what you're saying.

[@ScottHaneyHello]

+Sitric Brave Since the handle blank is for a boy's axe size (or same would apply for a felling axe size), I'm guessing he means using your hatchet to shape the handle for the larger axe considering you would never really use a larger size axe for carving/roughing out anyway. In the woods, without a dried blank, you could make a temporary handle from green wood -- which could be shaped using a knife since it'll be softer.

[@jimmytate7587]

you can stick a rough temporary handle into the ax head...but I've never known an experienced woodsman to break a handle...

[@BenOrford]

Obviously this has caused a little confusion, this was to show you the skills in a workshop so you understand the process. Then if you are out in he woods and have to fix a broken tool you can. Effectively you can use the axe head without a handle to fashion a new handle it will just take longer. You could make a new axe handle with what you have to hand and be resourceful. 👍

[@Bushcraftapprentice]

Hi Ben, This is my first visit to your channel and I subscribed right away! Great content, well presented. Love the shop and your teaching style. You have a new Apprentice! hehe TBA

[@bedenshire]

Absolutely love your vids, Ben, but your recording audio levels are very very low, and I cant hear your excellent advice!

[@mrbluenun]

Hello Ben, Thanks for the upload. Nice to hear someone who really knows what he is talking about. Take care. mrbluenun

[@RaindanceBushcraft]

Hi Ben. Is this kit still available? I haven't found it anywhere here in Canada, and Wetterlings' website isn't so great when it comes to up-to-date info.

[@Organikmechanic]

Really well explained how to. Great use of an axe to rough out the shape. Thanks. Cheers from France, Andy.

[@melvinlewiswellsjr.2619]

great video thanks....what if all you have is freshly cut wet oak wood? doesnt it need to be cured or dried first?

[@BenOrford]

Well you can make the handle first when it’s green but make sure you leave the head end over size. It can then be dried before shaping to fit. Hope that helps👍

[@johngate4715]

wow it would be great if i could hear it

[@rogersprague563]

can't hear a thing your saying

[@japanesegermanviking6720]

Hello Ben, greetings from Argentina. first of all, thank you for this video, it has been very helpfull! I was wondering if one could put the finishing oil before placing the axe on the handle. Im working on a proyect of recicling an old axe handle, which means i might ask more questions later on. Thank you and Good Day!

[@wallstreetcrash1]

Yep.....! You bossed that one. Tidy work, well done. Regards KCB 🇬🇧 And thanks for posting vid.

[@flaviafreire14]

Amazing video and a kick ass working shop indeed

[@res1492]

you need to start looking at the camera more, it makes us feel like you are actually talking to us and not someone in the room......great vid, liked and subbed

[@SuperBalaur]

Find/cut a branch from a tree that is a little bit bigger in diameter than the handle you want to build and using your knife shape it into a straight handle.People have used straight handles on their tools for millions of years and some still do...With your newly fixed axe you can carve a better/fancier handle like you can see on this video:QVXvw6to2xA .Hope that helps!The most important thing is to actually start doing/carving something.

[@beowulf1712]

So you mention that this would be a good skill to know in case you break your handle in the field. Since I would most like only have one axe and the handle would be broken, I'd like to see how to make this with only filed carried tools and the axe being broken. Also, you show a pre-cut piece of hickory. I'd like to know what to do in the field. How to pick a piece of wood. Finding dried wood or waiting for it to dry is not always an option.

[@parman01]

Hello, is there particular reason for chopping the main shape with axe? It seems it would be much easier to just cut it with bandsaw. Or would the saw somehow weaken the wood by not respecting fibers direction? Anyway this is very informative video. I recently broke a handle on my old axe and will need to make a new one. I'm sure this tutorial will come in handy.

[@muddog1561]

Good video, and how to, but really bad audio. I could hardly hear you. Maybe the problem was on my end I don't know. But I really enjoyed watching you make the handle. I learned something.

[@knoxi82]

Good video Ben, one little thing though, maybe it's just my computer, but is the sound quality really low? could barely hear you. Stephen

[@jayfromtexas6718]

Great video! Very nice shop with a fantastic view. I keep expecting a flock of sheep to amble by.

[@kaibilbalam7151]

Thank u for great video amigo!!! Do u think white maple would be good wood to make a handle for mi hatchet? , thank u again🙏🏾

[@johnmutton799]

Why would you split across the grain with a steel wedge. You cut with the grain for the wedge, if done right the glue will hold it in. You can buy a swelling agent for the wedge. Don't put steel wedges in. That manufacturers idea if the axe drys out in the stores the wedge wont get loose. If a axe is stored in a normal atmosphere the timber can absorb moisture to swell the wood and keep that wedge nice and firm.

[@arminkamenjasevic7210]

hello.I want to ask which of this woods are batter for hanldes,maple,ash,beech or oak.Thank you.

[@rottiejakeluke]

In your green woodwork in #2 you use one style shave horse while you used an other style in this video. Why and when do you use one over the other? What was the “hand draw knife (type) tool called? Thanks

[@jwrappuhn71]

Say you had to make the handle in the woods, how do you go about drying it out, so it desn't shrink and the head come flying off?

[@antheaxe]

if you axe hadel i broken how can you fix you axe hadel with an axe ??? maby better to show have to do i with a knif o something

[@damiendeline4632]

Very nice and thourough tutorial. Definitely a subscriber.

[@marcmarcmarcmarcmarc]

lol, oh yeah everyone should take a workbench and workshop tools out into the outback with them, this kit he goes on about surely cant be worth all the hassle, why not just buy a good hickory replacement handle, saves all the monkeying around etc etc ......., i know i would have better things to do in the wilderness with my time especially if i busted my trusty axe, so pointless.

[@zasmirko100]

??? That was a teaching how to make some common things you may need with your own hands - craft that every countryman must have - from different perspective we can call all that endless shopping "monkeying around", and depending what you call "the wilderness" there may be not shopping malls.

[@Hypknos]

Yeah true, but what does that brît know about wilderness? there no such thing in engand

[@guitardaddy6]

Don't make it in the woods. Make it here, and take it with you for a spare...in your vehicle or in your pack.

[@TheLastRealPatriot]

Great video and nice woodshop too.

[@gbshreds]

if i was in the woods and broke my axe i may not have an extra one around to make a new axe handle with :(

[@JonaSeel97]

if you break your axe handle in the woods, how are you going to make another handle with a broken axe??

[@josephanglim7024]

I can not hear you without using external speakers. Crank up the volume. Better to have more than needed than not enough.

[@katewinters4649]

Hi Ben, Can you recommend some spokeshaves? What do you use? Cheers

[@MsSimon101]

jo, coole Sache.

[@onelessrat4022]

awesome video... never done one before but i think i might just have a crack at it now!

[@hoold01]

All I needed to know, liked and subbed, thanks.

[@theomen49]

You use the axe head for stock removal since it is still better at it than a knife is.

[@90MATTIAS90]

How does these axes stand on the wall? Can you show those axe wall-holders nearer

[@stephencresswell4760]

Ben, I'm after a 36" fawn's foot handle for an old Elwell 5lb felling axe with a 3 1/2" eye. Not happy with the few that are available. Any ideas?

[@adamskead8859]

I got a rock that's sharp that cut my finger

[@pecopecof8074]

18:11 in this moment it’s better to hit it 180 degrees rotated ( at the end of the handle and the wedge to be on the block).

[@MuzzleDoc086]

Very Good,,informative and will be putting your advice to use ,, making a handle for an old hewing axe ,,next week....Thank You

[@redchevy1957]

For a 2.5lbs head. How,long should the handle be. I have two to do.

[@RemyBlom]

Thanx for this video! I recently restored an old axe head I bought on a flea-market and your video was a big help during the process... I watched it every time I was ready for the 'next phase'.... I still need to finish it with lineseedoil (I have some trouble to find the right kind) and giving it a superb grind (I only gave it a rough grind at the moment, but it chops really well already). Thanx!

[@baggins919]

Liked the video but you should have used the band saw cos i haven't been in any woods where they have vices, Japaneze saws, lump hammers ,steel rulers for a long time. Nice work though.

[@0G_G8_BUSTERofHEADS]

What is that bench/vise/holder thing called

[@muleyscousin6258]

Yes, it was useful. But for a camper out in the woods, or a hiker on a long distance hike, not really. The video makes me appreciate being able to by an axe at a hardware store for less than $50.00 . After you think about it, the whole process is very time consuming. Now go out into the woods on a hike and make one from a dead standing tree with your broken axe head, a camping knife and a pocket handsaw.

[@llIIIIlllIIIllI]

inches?!?! what kinda foreigner ARE you?! unbelievable... :P

[@macnudd]

With the axe head. It will just take longer amount of time.

[@charronfamilyconnect]

Thanks for the video! That is pretty cool, and I will be trying to replicate your success. Tell me something; how wide is the wedge slot/groove, and did you cut your wedge from the same type of wood or just any old regular softwood? Thanks!

[@MrKelso159]

I came across a carpenters hatchet, axe and a small 4lb. sledgehammer that were my great grandfathers made sometime in the 1800's. Had to replace the handles and they turned out great. Wish I had a crook knife like you had to shape the handles. It sure would have made it a little easier, but I got it done. Great video and thanks for making it.

[@knoxi82]

thanks Ben, hope i didn't sound ignorant!

[@beerhunter272]

Great video. The audio is very quiet, however. I love your shop and your shave vice. I've never seen one before. Could you do a short video of how it is made? Thanks.

[@bruno17860]

great video but I could not hear a word you said.

[@tropifiori]

Thanks for a nice video. I have mucked up a few handles in the past and now you have shown me the proper way to do it. Frank Virginia

[@masgrimes]

Hey Ben! Any recommendations on the folding saw?

[@B61Mod12]

Do you ever stop and realise how fortunate you are to live among such a green, picturesque landscape?

[@VergeCentenaire]

Because you're wearing a multicam pant, i'll give you a thumb up :)

[@johnchivington6587]

Good video. I think stressing taking your time is great. I have taught shop to adults and people were always wanting to make things to fast.

[@geraldwest3428]

Excellent job, and thanks for taking your time too make this great video.

[@gbshreds]

Just wondering... how long is your draw blade?

[@chrisdane.7170]

Wait. If you're out in the woods and your axe is broken, it's going to have to be something other than the axe you use to form a new handle.

[@BenOrford]

Well fortunately you will always have the head of the broken axe so you can use the head or even make a simple repair to help make the fresh handle and fit it properly later. In these situations you have to think laterally 👍

[@ralfbear]

Hi, Ben. I was wondering where you purchased the Wetterlings kit. Another very informative video, thanks!

[@IZ009600ZI]

like your work like your stove!

[@robpaterson5274]

If you're in the bush and you've broken your axe you haven't got an axe to use to make a new handle. Just a thought...

[@BenOrford]

Well if you have broken your axe you will still have the head to use as a cutting tool. Often it breaks leaving a shorter handle. Sometimes you have to improvise 👍

[@LiamMitts]

Thanks for the video,I like watching you do these short projects using hand tools.If you have time could you do more videos with the tools you make and sell.Ta

[@trajtemberg]

Using the head of the axe and your knife. Also, most woodsman use a straight handle, just for the sake of easier repairs.

[@deanznz]

Very well presented, thanks Ben. I too would like to see how you made the joints of that Stump Table that looks to have taken a lot of heavy use.

[@radioactivewraith]

Your videos are excellent.

[@jjohnston94]

Beautiful place you've got there, inside and out.

[@markjones7135]

Having done my share of wooden boatbuilding, YOU are a fine woodworker! I'd also say that your abilities as an instructor are admirable. Thanks for this good video.

[@JeanBenoitFOURNIER]

very useful. thanks mate

[@TrueNorrax]

Goog Job! Hope that this handle will bee good in use. Thank you!

[@Breakbarrelhunter]

What kind of wood is best for the job?

[@MrViktorlundin]

That is quite the shop you've got there, Ben! Thanks for sharing!

[@Kyle-cl3wp]

❤

[@someoneelse318]

Find it usefull indeed, thank you for the effort, subscribed.

[@2011gast]

It's a decent and useful video, thanks a lot, sir! Those old wooden appliances for fixing the material are really nice, too.

[@dean4545]

I'll try to make it! :) Very usefull!

[@lancerooke]

Very nice video. Thanks for posting!

[@nathanwoodworth5345]

Awesome video! A canoe paddle next?

[@DeepSouthSlings]

Very good tutorial Ben, thanks for your knowledge and time to post it

[@Asgard422]

Thank you! Very interesting video!

[@SimonAagaard]

Tanks for a great video. very informative

[@Kiltedwoodsmith]

The kit is not on their website

[@lennyf1957]

You have a fantastic shop with an incredible view. What more could a woodworker ask for.

[@NWBushman]

Ben, your talent never ceases to amaze me. You, my friend are truly talented. Very well done! Thank you for sharing!

[@gig777]

Excellent video. You have a kick ass shop with a great view to boot!

[@citic101]

is it me or is the voice hard to hear ?

[@jadebug2010]

Great video really liked it.

[@TheMichael0219]

What is the bench you are using to hold the handle in place while shaving it down?

[@sethwarner2540]

Cant hear you...you are a good teacher, so its a shame. please redo this video, I need to hear

[@montgomerysavage6500]

Excellent instructions Ben, thanks.

[@tycoleman6041]

you made that look far to easy.... I need to watch this about 3 or 4 more times

[@davidleasure1022]

great video of how to make a handle and install the head, good craftsmanship

[@Lacidesbrochadosalas2208]

very cool...

[@PaulKirtley]

Great video Ben :)

[@byrnemonty]

haha just thinkin that

[@charles910]

Beautiful studio. The scenery outside looks amazing.

[@mauricekuyper22]

Great video mate keep up the good work! Greetz from the Netherlands