Lesson "Hafting An Axe"

[@Grasbakken71]

Nice job there! Oil was new for me. I have used glue. Works fine, but now I see what oil does. Keep the videos coming. Greetings from Norway.

[@obiwanjacobi]

I once hafted an axe in the field using nothing but a knife and a saw. Was a nice experience I learned a lot from. Thanx for explaining.

[@TheStig000]

I like your method. I totally agree on your preference to go beyond flush. That way it can expand over the head of the axe.

[@TheOperator1975]

Well done friend. I find more feel in a rubber mallet - though I think this is due to the fact I have not found the right wooden mallet yet. I like yours. Also, lets not give the impression hanging is a 11 minute video - and you stated this - sometimes I get into projects that take days. Overall well done. I hope all learn from this. THANK YOU

[@MrKelso159]

Years ago a friend of mine who is a pro axe competitor in lumberjack competitions came unglued when he saw I had used metal wedges in my axe. He took my axe home with him and put a new handle in it. Metal wedges cut the grain of the wood and weaken the handle over time . I throw them away, but now I make my own handles from scratch because the store bought handle's are of poor quality anymore. Be careful what you buy. Good video.

[@shillelaghslaw]

If im not mistaken thats a wheelwright mallet, right? Seems like the perfect mallet to drive a wedge since its got such a wide face to the hammer head. Should also be pretty easy to make.

[@Deriust]

Great video brother, very informative. I need to do this myself very soon. Thanks for posting.

[@WannaBEEfarmer]

Thank you for your service to the community by making this instructional video.

[@chrisblack2625]

I love the look of a heartwood and white wood hickory handle. I have one hafted on a vintage Collins.

[@SkogKniv]

The wood mallet drives far better than the rubber. Get one and you will see. You can buy the beech ones still made today, instead of hunting down an old lignum vitae. Obviously this is not an 11 minute process, however I can not do 30 minute video of sand fitting, sanding fitting, sanding fitting, it would go unwatched. Somethings like I said are common sense. I don't think the job of hafting is difficult, just the time to get it right.

[@stefanwolf88]

Another outstanding video - Thanks - we /Bulgarian bushcrafters/ enjoy your videos... Stay safe!

[@Hogtownprepper]

Fantastic video!!! Now I know why the head on my axe keeps trying to slip some. I going to redo it as soon as I can. I do have one question, what kind of oil do you use?

[@SkogKniv]

Wheelwright or shipwright, I have always called it a carvers or carpenters mallet. Mine is made from real lignum vitae and is very old.

[@Hammer357mag]

Man, Keep Rocking those Axes!

[@shingleful]

I just hefted my axe last june to take on vacation to Colorado, its the third time i did it to that axe i put a fiberglass handle on it this time, i got tired of splitting the handle in half, even after searching for hours for a good one

[@WisconsinEric]

I broke my wedge into three or more pieces using a steel hammer a couple months ago.....Good Video

[@SkogKniv]

Its a more secure fit that flush fitting. Old axes loosen over time. Bad haftings just loosen sooner.

[@shanehuddleston3761]

Where is a good place to get a custom axe handle . Nothin fancy just won't a different length. Thank you

[@dayday_13]

I'm just loving your videos. Subbed!

[@billpeart]

How difficult would it be to haft a council tool velvicut axe with all the ridges inside the hole? They put these on to secure the head better but how hard is it to get an old handle off and a new one on?

[@SkogKniv]

I have hafted several axes with those ridges inside the eye. Its not hard at all, just takes a little more work to get right.

[@billpeart]

great, thanks

[@SilSm]

very good job and cool ax

[@SkogKniv]

Most of them I get from Househandedotcom. Select the AA quality and in the order form comments ask for hand selected handles with best grain shape...etc. Tell them Leif sent you from youtube.

[@Hogtownprepper]

Thank you very much brother.

[@redchevy1957]

Where do you get your, handles. I need to replace 26..

[@VietNormbo]

great job man

[@enhakanhotonnorton8379]

Hey do u know where I could find this same axe head?

[@cgarby]

nice work. Thank you

[@Jrsurvival1399]

What oil

[@VicariousReality7]

I dont like nor trust those top mounted ones... maybe because i have used plenty old ones that were loose

[@SkogKniv]

It was horrible...until I found the reel oil I had. One drop and she quieted right down hahaha.

[@Harryolo]

NIce!

[@SkogKniv]

Just linseed oil.