Making an Axe Handle from Scratch

[@cellerfeller1474]

The gold standard of traditional axe handle making was established by the Schofield family of Lockartville Nova Scotia since the 1940's. In his small shop near Hantsport Keith Schofield hand carved thousands of axe handles as well as peavy stocks, shovel handles - basically any and all types of commonly used handles. He started by going to the woods to get straight grained ash. The ash logs were split into pie shaped billets. Only the outside part of the log was used. Keith would pick up a piece of ash that still had the bark on, put it on his shave horse and start carving with the drawknife. He would tell stories while he worked. When he was finished carving the handle it was scraped smooth and beautifully shaped. All that was needed was a rub with some sandpaper. How long did it take to make one handle? If he was talking a lot it took about 8 minutes but with no stories - 6 minutes. I timed him many times and it never took longer than that. He taught me to make axe handles but the best I could do after a lot of practice was 12 minutes. He was the best man with a drawknife I have ever seen - he passed two years ago and he is sorely missed. I just wanted to pass this story on out of respect for him and has craft. Thanks for your videos - you made me think of him.

[@rootinteuton966]

That is a very interesting bit of history. Thank you so much for sharing it.

[@Captainblack710]

My grandfather was making them in the 1920s, EJ Smith, England.

[@Captainblack710]

Original woodcutters made there own during there breaks, whittled from ash limbs, to suit them selfs , like buying a pair of shoes, every one had different feel, height, levels of fitness! It was the individual who would be swinging it at the end of the day, - that shaft had to be comfy for them, it was there bread n butter .

[@breauxp]

Any links to further reading or videos on this, please?

[@cellerfeller1474]

@@breauxp If you are interested in old time green wood carving Drew Langsner's book is a good resource and he has shop drawings in his book to show how to make one style of shavehorse. Keith had opportunities to be featured in magazines and on tv but he always turned them down. I realize now how lucky I was that he showed me how to make handles and orchard ladders. He was one of a kind.

[@gregmccarter2176]

The best video yet..not 50 mles of talk...right to the point. Your a great crafter

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you

[@jamesconn1104]

Job well done Sir ! Axe handle making is a dying art ,at least here in East Texas anyway . I had the Honor of meeting a Man here in Sabine county several years ago ,that could make any kind of handle you could think of , he did it the Old fashion way , he was to me a true craftsman , His work was as fine if not better than store bought , Mr. Willie Sweetie Bell, gone but not forgotten he used hand tools & peice of glass when it got close to the way he wanted it , a Fine Fine Old Black Gentleman .

[@JAMaxeRestoration]

This is one of the worthwhile axe handle videos on youtube. Good demonstration and explanation. It's a 25 minute but moved along and seemed shorter which to me is the sign of a well done video. I especially like that there is no metal wedge used in the end. I do use metal wedges occasionally but only when I'm saving an old handle, never on a new handle.

[@somatder]

ok, I see that he is using wood clue to lock the wedge in. That's great, but if the head comes loose you're in for trouble as you really cannot remove it. Without glue it's not that much of a deal to remove the wedge. From experience I am in favor of metal wedge to lock the wooden wedge in place as the tend to jump out especially on longer handled axes exposed to more stress. Don't really understand why people have such a dislike for metal wedges - I mean after all there is no perfect solution here!

[@somatder]

@Olivier van Oeveren as a matter of fact I have started to glue the wedge in, lol! I have learned that the bond formed by the glue will go loose with heat. I like the clean look of only a wooden wedge

[@donttreadonme1367]

JAMaxe Restoration this is social media’s only civil discussion in all the internet. Well done. 👏

[@rogerjrusa]

@@donttreadonme1367 You spoke to soon. Jump from a roof and drink bleach anyone who uses wood glue for tool handles! Lol J/k

[@kennyferguson1202]

you are a very fine teacher as well as a fine craftsman. thankyou.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you Kenny

[@dalanbronnenberg]

THE single best handle video I have ever seen. Thank You.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you!

[@ßeastMode]

Watching These videos as a man it’s so informative but almost meditative. Love the content.

[@auassassin787]

I have that same exact old table saw. Got it from my grandfather after he passed. He was great at wood working and I'm a 3rd generation carpenter so I get a ton of use outta it even with it being pretty old now. Gotta love all older tools as most are extremely well built unlike far too many tools out there today sadly!

[@lawtonmurrey8601]

I'm really glad I found your channel ! I have a 100 year old axe head that I've been wanting to restore. You did a fantastic job on this video exsplaining the process to do it ! Thankyou for your video.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Absolutely. Good luck, and Axe on! 🪓

[@MegaCocco63]

Beutiful piece of art made with notable passion. Like it, congratulations from Italy

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for the kind words Luca!

[@McGowanForge]

4:00 that's my favorite part of cleaning my band saws, just seeing all the dust fly away, thanks for Including that part

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

My pleasure😁

[@harryanderson6691]

Enjoyed watching you make this handle! Thx !

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

You’re welcome

[@johnmutton799]

Well done sir, anyone wanting to learn how to make, and hang a axe watch this. Enjoyable to watch, Again Ha! Gives a old too, a new life that will last for years.

[@ReedFamilyArchive]

Fantastic video. I usually have a million questions after watching a video about something I want to do. Instead, I feel like questions arose just before they were answered.

[@danbreyfogle8486]

Very nice work on shaping the ax handle. Not to be picky but in the first minute and a half you called the wood you were using as "quarter sawn," which it was not. Quarter sawn means the grain runs perpendicular through the flat sides. What you have is plain or flat sawn. The grain orientation you selected is perfect for you application, it is just a matter of being accurate in describing the wood you used. Again, I don't mean to be picky as I think you presented a great video on making an ax handles from scratch.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

You are 100% correct. Must have slipped my mind. Thanks.

[@randystrand908]

Appreciate the clarification as I wouldn't want to head into a lumber yard asking for the wrong grain orientation! (Although I hope I stay motivated to capture tree trunk raw wood, I may likely give this a try from seasoned wood!)

[@Vid_Master]

Thanks for that info!!

[@larryfath2673]

I love the care you take into doing thing right. Beautiful bit and handle.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you.

[@scottobrien7965]

This is the most carpenter way of going about it ever 😂

[@scotthensler7159]

You did a great job!! I could watch you all day every day!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Scott

[@technicaltools741]

Great job shaping this axe handle! I do like the handles just a bit longer than 30", but you did a great job with the shape and flare. Nice to watch your work.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for the kind words. There’s something about shorter handles that I like, although I’m a taller guy.

[@fredflintstone6163]

The old skills live with us thanks

[@A.Mere.Creator]

very good video and handle

[@plantmuscle5693]

watching this! is like meditation!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Namaste... haha

[@centralwashingtonmodernbus9456]

Very nice job on the handle! From one craftsman to another, a couple points of constructive criticism. Use a bit of raw or boiled linseed oil on the handle at final seating. Lubes for a hard seat and also helps to protect and it swells the wood to help keep it tight over time. This also helps to water proof so moisture cant get in and cause decomp of the handle. Next, oil, NOT glue on the wedge. This helps lube and seat wedge, but, when the handle if cut proud, allows the wedge to be seated deeper over time if the handle gets loose. With glue this would be impossible! Overall, very nice handle!

[@randystrand908]

I've seen this suggested before. Thanks. I'll go this route. I've quite a few hangings to do!

[@Dragon-zx8tr]

Очень красивая ручка! Не торопясь и старательно сделано👍 Ясень одно из самых подходящих на ручки для топора

[@mattvaandering]

I have never had a wedge stay intact! It's always a little disappointing after all that hard work. Also, I love how calm you are about aligning the head to the handle. That is challenging. Great job!

[@johnleonard4261]

Beautiful work on the head and the handle

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you John! Cheers!

[@jonspruillsr.602]

Watching you build with he craftmanship you put into it is a personal challenge for me to step up my game!! Not that I could compete! Your finish product was superb!! And being 6'2" I'm finding I to perfur a shorter handle! Thank you for sharing your craft with us!! Excellent

[@jeffpopple3049]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your craftsmanship.

[@Duke4ever188]

Thank you sir for sharing your talent with us. Simple, straightforward and easy going how more training videos should be made 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@angelaburt3266]

Fantastic video. Such patience and precision. Love the end product. I have a small hatchet head and will use this video as my template. Thankyou

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for watching Angela! Good luck!

[@michiganmikeupnorth]

It sure is purdy.....awesome job and great video.

[@sronnau99]

Chamfering that top edge and leaving the mushroomed top was super smart!

[@norbertzapf7546]

...thumbs up from germany....i think this was tons of work you`ve invested in this beautiful axe-handle...thanx for sharing.

[@Leave_Nothing_Stock]

As someone who hangs 3 to 10 axes a week, this is a great video. Probably the best I can recall seeing. One piece of advice to help not break the wedges, I use the poll of an axe very similar to the one you just hafted to pound my wedges. It's big enough to hit the whole wedge at once and you dont need to flip it upside down. Pretty much haven't broken a hardwood wedge since I started doing that. Keep it up man, just subscribed, great work!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

jeffericseccombe thanks for the advice! I’ve seen that done and have wanted to give it a try. I should have opened the kerf up a bit more to make room for more of the wedge, and I probably wouldn’t have split it, but it will do the job just the same I think😉. Maybe just not as pretty. I’ll give your suggestion a try. Thanks again.

[@randystrand908]

Great tip! Tnx

[@fosterfindlay6615]

i enjoy all of your shows and have watch many of them. I am goingg to make one or two axe handles. i have some very old dry Hickory and maple.

[@heinwark3686]

Zero Downvotes?!That shows how good you are!

[@Michael-vp4zt]

The shorter handle looks like a good idea. I've stuffed some handled with missed strikes.

[@BestBuckingFirewood]

True ART of craftsmanship!

[@MrRahasti]

Nice job, a pleasure to watch you make it from scratch. Thanks for sharing.

[@chadmiller7145]

Well done. Excellent craftsmanship

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Chad!

[@wekoweko71]

Immediatly subscribed. What an accuracy and experience. You work like a CNC machine, my friend. I especially like your freehand draws, that turn out accurate like hell. I remember my grandad making handles from accacia and finishing them with broken glass and linseed oil. But what you present here is the top of the art, and I will combine both to hang any tool I use. Keep posting, please. Excellent channel

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@shags1130]

Broken glass?

[@wekoweko71]

@@shags1130 Yes. When you break a glass bottle, you'll find a few pieces that have a straight, not jagged edge almost in right angle, but sharp like crazy. If you scrape an almost finished handle with that glass shard, the cut surface of the wood is going to be as smooth as marble and still a little bit textured. It is going to look like a piece of wood carved by knife, but much more delicate. This surface, treated with linseed oil, is great to aid the needed friction while you're not going to develop blisters and hot spots on your palm. If you ask why glass rather than a knife, the answer is, that the knife has a very thin edge that is harder to control, but this kind of glass edge is unable to cut into the wood so deep.

[@4PixelCorner]

i always learn something new watching your videos

[@auassassin787]

Very nice work bro! I'm happy to see that us craftsman and carpenters aren't a dying breed and there's is so many people following you and your channel. I appreciate your skill at putting a nice fine edge on your axe heads and blades as well. 🤘💲🤘 🍻 from So. California!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for watching! Hello west coast!

[@bmo125]

Very nice work! Liam Hoffman would be proud of you!

[@heywoodjublomi9315]

I see nothing wrong with this handle hand and the handle itself. Great job

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you

[@ronaldblair3236]

Another great job. I really wish had the sense and knowledge you have on these projects. You make it simple for us that have never known how to do this right along with a lot of practical knowledge that we can all learn so much from. Great job and a great video. Time well spent watching you get it done.

[@randystrand908]

Agree. Well said!

[@chadwhite4305]

Nice job. I obviously see you truly appreciate axes and hatchets as I do. Mount Pleasant, IA

[@rayasunchine]

Beautiful wood handle. Must be great to use and have a sense of pride that you made it yourself. Liked the construction and safety details. Thank you.

[@thornrun]

I haven't seen saws like that since high school you do good work thank you

[@johngranaghan3751]

I really enjoyed this. My friend sent me an old axe head as a challenge to restore it and make a handle from scratch. My woodshop is lacking, so I figured I’d need to buy a lathe, etc. Now I know that all I need is a spoke shave, draw knife and rasp. I have all that other stuff, even though I’ve never actually used my band saw…

[@josephbillian288]

Thank you ; I'm in the process of making a handle for a hewing axe from scratch! I bought a 2x8x8ft.8in. rough cut straight grain hickory from a saw mill ! My first attempt! So thanks I feel a little more at ease!

[@robertelias3431]

Your explanations throughout the video were very informative. Work was impressive. U dun good!

[@blaineday8675]

One of the best vids...good tips on the layout. might have to give it a try one day

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Blaine!

[@gregoryhare6550]

Nice work you have put on your axe handle nice job. And i hope it serves you good.

[@MrStuffdude]

Ive always used linseed oil when setting the wedge, found that soaking the handle head and wedge tip in the stuff for a minute or so before driving prevents a lot of splitting and then applying linseed oil once a day for a week to the head after hanging and setting it all, haven't had a head fall off yet - havent tried wood glue though, end product was awesome, thanks for sharing

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I’ve tried BLO on the wedge in the last and wasn’t happy with the results. I’ve been very successful with wood glue, so that’s my go to now. We all have our ways.

[@MrStuffdude]

@@TheArtofCraftsmanship Ill give it a try! The finished result was great and it would be nice to reduce the chance of my shop burning down from excess linseed oil rags

[@Randy-s8g]

Very nice work !!

[@shamibeef]

Amazing craftsmanship Justin! Was a pleasure watching you make this work of art!

[@brettlinsell4519]

Good video mate ive slowly become addicted to making axe handles and this is a great video 1 thing to remember is you will never be 100% happy with your own work which is part of making anything by hand

[@scottjohnson5181]

Awesome work mate , I’m about to have my first attempt at a hatchet handle, thanks for the video and G’Day from Australia

[@NewLife-qj9mx]

Very nice, straight forward presentation Thank you 👍🏻

[@markopalikko6986]

A true craftsman.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Mark.

[@johndimech8945]

Now that is something that I have always want to do for my pet axe heads. Nice job. Excellent video.

[@nolanpeter2748]

Good job start to finish enjoyed both downloads.

[@zumazoomzoom7632]

I love your spatula saw

[@mybobbleheads]

The Ol' rubberglove BLO My favorite way to apply

[@magicdaveable]

Great looking handle. There nothing like a really nice axe handle made from quarter sawn Northern White Ash. My preference for tool handles.

[@hunt_trap_fish]

You are 100% correct that older styles of axes had shorter handles. This was for 2 reasons: 1, it was not always easy to find a piece of straight grained wood (like ash, hickory, etc.) that lent itself to a longer handle and 2, longer handles took up more space when traveling. So 26"-30" handles became EXTREMELY popular for companies like the Hudson Bay Co. This video is freaking awesome, great job!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Wow! Thanks so much for the kind words, and the info.

[@marcoaureliomirandadarocha8795]

O melhor vídeo que assisti sobre como se produzir com perfeição e estilo um cabo de machado. Parabéns! És um mestre.

[@Casterman2]

Super nice pattern! I love the big sweeping curve on the handle at the axe head.

[@clarisaomary5039]

your technique is spot on. someone NEEDS to sponsor you and get some slick new tools in your shop, but you have alot of skill

[@geofffeiler8360]

Ah, Farm Aid 2016 in Bristow, VA. If you recall a group of young college kids getting kicked out for sneaking beers into the venue while Jamey Johnson was singing "In Color" then that was me! I'm about to have a go at an Ash handle for an old full tang Estwing hatchet. Thanks for the guidance!

[@michaeljohnston565]

Great work!!

[@terryhatton3622]

Nice job great workmanship. 👍

[@eruinihawke3628]

Great work🎉

[@paulgoodall_]

Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Such a good workshop.

[@cesarcelestino6232]

Beautiful!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you!

[@Cat_Trainer]

Cool! I love axes 😁🇵🇭

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Me too!😁

[@albundy4341]

Good job man ,that came out really good 👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Al!

[@kendalkenny1843]

Really awesome I watch both..great job...

[@hildolfrdraugadrottin7279]

You did a great job, that's a sweet axe!

[@scottflanagan7927]

Great work

[@tome.joyner887]

Excellent work and just a beautiful axe! Mesmerizing to watch!

[@skippyjones2077]

Hey Brother very very nice job 👍 love it ☮️💪

[@rfd62106]

Where ya been??? I binge watched all your videos a while ago and have been looking for you to put out a new one. Great job. Love your content. Well produced. Like the common man aspect of your work. Keep them coming!!

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Awesome axe handle Sir !!!!!!!!

[@simpleman4224]

Great job,thanks for sharing 👍👍👍👍👍🇺🇸

[@JimG31547]

A very nice job. Thanks for sharing

[@MyGraKat2]

That's beautiful! Nice work. You've inspired me to go ahead and make my first axe handle. Please keep the videos coming.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

So happy I was able to inspire you. That’s what this channel is about. Good luck.

[@cgkahani6056]

Just amazing thousands 👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you

[@bigturclakelife8980]

Great video bud love the handle thanks

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you LL cool lake.

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Nice work, the first youtuber I've seen who knows how to set a wedge, lol 👍

[@lancemillward2462]

your fawns feet are gorgeous. the wedge turned out ok.

[@StachuDotNet]

I loved watching the fan dance for a bit at 10:42

[@fuelmanjoe8639]

fantastic job

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Joe!

[@captainjax5809]

Great work Dustin, you're the master at this thing you do! Keep up the great work buddy!

[@philipw7557]

Nice Dutson. I've only just started watching your channel and enjoying what you. The knives are fantastic. I like glow in the dark. Awesome. I live in New Zealand 👍👍😎🔪

[@anaya51]

Nice work!

[@Schechsi_handcraft]

Didn‘t know ash growing in the US!? It´s my favourite wood for many kinds of handcrafting. Here in Germany you find lots of ash, mostly dead.

[@fricknjeep]

hi there just came across your video and found it very nice . about a month ago sawed out a hickory just for ax handles . they are drying now . like your pattern . what is the purpose of the curve in the handle ? is it for different striking angle . john

[@donaldlewis9734]

Great Video. Thanks