How to Make an Axe Handle: From Start to Finish

The Winner Is: @joseywales5937 GIVEAWAY INFO! The giveaway will end March 25th and the winner will be announced in THIS comment. If you re the winner and you don't reach out to me in seven days, I will pick another winner. Subscribe to my channel and leave a comment including the name "The Spoon Crank" to enter the giveaway. Please check back March 25 to see if you are the winner, you have no idea how many people have won before but have not bothered to check. Important! Be wary of scammers, I have caught a few of them impersonating me, trying to trick people inte to contacting them. Always check back to this comment to see if the winner has been announced. Another thing to look carefully at is the name tag of the person writing. mine is "@nilsogren" , they usually have weird tags promting people to reach out via telegram or so. DONT engage with them. Link to The Spoon Crank: thespooncrank.com/product/the-carvign-axe-by-the-spoon-crank-nils-ogren-the-axe-odyssey/ Thank you for watching! /Nils

[@H60Blackhawkmtp]

I would like to write a poem about the spoon crank, but I can’t find a word to rhyme with orange.

[@k3xtxhamradio930]

"The spoon crank" nice work!

[@scruff_uk]

I would love to win this fine "The Spoon Crank" axe. Really appreciate this video and your choice to demonstrate, simple, hand tool cutting and shaping. Thank you and good luck all.

[@Form_Follows_Fibre_TcH8993]

The Spoon Crank. Your 4th prototype axe - what a prize it will make. Very informative, enjoyable and easy to watch video. Looking to try making one myself. Like the idea of transfering some of the process to handle making for other tools. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your skills. Skilled and funny. Slowly moving away from ‘All the gear and nae idea’ and watching your videos helps. One question though, why posters of Arnie? All the best.

[@JohannesEngellKamber]

The Spoon Crank - this axe looks amazing :)

[@noelhayward4271]

I am an 83 year old Australian resident in Sweden who enjoys hand woodworking. It is nice to see someone who uses and knows how to use hand tools. No bandsaws or table saws. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@EliasH96]

Does this sound wierd, yes.. and I have no idea what part of Sweden you're from... You don't happen to have a drawknife over to sell // 29yo that's using handtools about 90% of everything woodwork

[@noelhayward4271]

@@EliasH96 Hi I live in Kungsbacka and accumulated most of my hand tools through Tradera. As it happens I have 3 draw knives and many wooden planes and many more Berg Chisels, the best you can get.

[@EliasH96]

@noelhayward4271 nice! I live a little above Halmstad, so not that far actually. I've been looking on tradera, got some stuff there, but can never get a draw knife 😭

[@noelhayward4271]

Two of the draw knives I have and use are by Mora with straight handles and 10cm blade. The other no brand but old has a 30cm blade with right angled handles, with a few minutes on an oil stone could be dangerous I could be interested in parting with it.

[@mohammedshaikh5054]

'The Spoon Crank' Im surprised your channel doesn't have more subscribers! Your videos are fun to watch and have so much information.

[@Moorlandbushcraft]

You and The Spoon Crank are making such an awesome axe, being able to win it, unfathomable! 😮😃

[@885Blackjack]

The perfect hand tool handle video. Thanks for sharing your craftsmanship.

[@codyo736]

You got a good laugh out of me with the “yes, I’m a heavy breather”. I’d say most of us have the same tendency when extremely focused on what we’re doing. Informative, as always, and I enjoy that as you teach all of us, you’re also learning more yourself as well. Your use of the heated linseed oil is something that I had never seen (not saying much considering my novice abilities) but makes perfect sense when you really think about it. Warmer liquid = thinner liquid = better absorption. Anyway, ramble over…great content. I was pumped to see a new video notification. Keep it coming! The Spoon Crank

[@jasondreams202]

Thank you for using realistic tools. The idea of purchasing a bunch of specialty wood working tools for someone just testing the waters of attempting these projects and trying to do some of these type of projects for themselves… I recently had to cut down an old ash tree and since it was there I decided to use a chainsaw mill freehand milled a bunch of timber from it. In the process my axe handle blew apart(I didn’t take care of it), but with the spare wood laying around I decided to attempt to carve a new handle. I’ve just watched numerous videos on the process and was disappointed that people were mostly using tools that I had no present intentions of buying, and the more stuff I buy just for this random impulsive job… the more it would of just made more sense to just buy lumber and an axe handle. Nice video. Thanks again

[@jeffreyandtondaruss571]

The Spoon Crank sounds like an awesome addition to a Carving Axe!! Love the handmade portions of all your videos.

[@nobodynever4326]

The Spoon Crank I have been lurking in the shadows of your channel for a while now but I never wanted to join a giveaway so far, UNTIL NOW. This thing is an absolutely beautiful piece of work/art! Your videos are perfect for both learning techniques and slowly falling asleep to. I really enjoy the focus on the "old" handywork without any music or fancy welding machines and I am working on gathering enough knowledge tips and experience to one day be as good as you myself! Jag lär mig till och med svenska! Kanske kommer det att hjälpa mig med mitt smide också :) Thank you for another beautiful upload!

[@kwanchan6277]

'The Spoon Crank' Nils, I love how clear that you showed and explained to us!! Support from Hong Kong💪💪

[@jesseayers7933]

The Spoon Crank . Once again another great tutorial that seems to be right for the time I’m needing help .

[@dracmtt]

'The Spoon Crank" was my nickname in high school. Joking aside, finally glad to see the carving video you've been wanting to make for a while. I appreciate you showing an alternative for people who may not have some of the bigger machines/tools.

[@yvantremblay9109]

"The Spoon Crank" that's an easy contest to enter... i love the work that you do Nils, keep the knowledge moving

[@avago2day]

'The Spoon Crank' Nils, I am always amazed with the items you make and this is no exception. Jane ❤

[@Rayvenson]

"The Spoon Crank" "Thank you very much, Nils, for your great and informative videos. I started forging myself through your videos and I love it. Although I'm still in the experimental phase, I find your videos so interesting because I can learn so much about axe forging. I'll try making an axe next time; so far, I've only made knives. Thank you very much for your videos."

[@ralphsawyer9535]

Nice handle and great job hanging it. I really like the carved finish, looks great.

[@DavidPawson-d7h]

I subscribed quicker than I dive into the metal bin at the dump when I see old rusty tools. Rotten handles is why I ended up here. Thanks

[@angusmccoatup245]

The Spoon Crank recommended I watch this video and found it most helpful. Being able to do the job using everyday tools is ideal. A great tip to fit the head first so one can adjust the centre.... along with making and fitting the wedge as fearful of splitting the handle I have made mine too small in the past. All in all a great help and I can't wait to get cracking on making a replacement handle my self! Thank you Nils... PS I have ended up looking at Surfshark too, not what I expected but very helpful!

[@EDCgearguru]

"The Spoon Crank" woodworking with hand tools is always satisfying to watch, I really enjoyed watching your videos, thanks :)

[@marr123n]

The spoon crank Lovely channel, making axe handles and restoring axes is one of my favourite things to do!

[@willvititoe2781]

The spoon crank go hard and i cant wait to watch this video!!

[@HighDesertForgeIronworks]

"The Spoon Crank!" Thanks for the video, very informational. I learn a lot from your videos. Since Pre-made handles are hard to find in my area I most likely will have to carve them out myself. So winning this carving axe would greatly help. Thank You Niles

[@Nightwarden33]

"The Spoon Crank" best part of the video is the carving sound. I used to whittle amd that is therapy for the soul right there. Awesome video

[@asmellowitz]

Brought here by The Spoon Crank! I had the privilege of demoing your carving axe last year for a weeks. It was a work of art in itself. Love your work, Nils!

[@Asgard2208]

Enjoyed this, Nils. My old man was a really talented woodcarver, and he always recommended wetting the carved surface as the water made any damage (say from the vise or whatever) visible. Once it's dry again you can then sand or remove any of the imperfections. "The Spoon Crank"

[@darkheart8384]

"The spoon crank" I like how you break it down and not only tell what you're doing but why you are doing it. This type of instruction is great for supplying information to those who want to grow their skills.

[@azargX]

The spoon crank I always enjoy how you leave your videos long form instead of cutting away too much and really showing just how much work goes into your craft.

[@stantilton2191]

The spoon crank. A lot of work and it is a beauty of a handle. Thank you Nils.

[@JOHN-that-is-me]

The spoon crank. That was a great video. My 11 year old son and I have enjoyed wood working a lot this year. This was a fun video to watch together. I was able to explain some of your techniques to him. That is a great handle and a great hatchet. He now wants to try carving with an axe. Fun for the family. Thank you for sharing your time and skill with us.

[@EsraMeylemans]

I didn't know 'The spoon crank' yet, but now I do so thanks Nils! As a green woodworker and spooncarver I would move to buy such a beautiful axe. Great work!

[@323bigjohn]

The spoon crank. I really enjoy it when you use nothing but hand tools. Another great job.

[@dannehogfeldt5742]

You've done it again with the spoon crank! Another beautiful piece produced in a very pretty part of Värmland ❤

[@chrisbarry1556]

This video comes at a good time, my brother and I are planning to make a handle for a axe. The ash wood is seasoned and ready to go. It's a small and old axe head, probably great for cutting the spoon crank.

[@Ubi_Qui]

The Spoon Crank. Can't get enough of that ad read. Very smooth and persuasive.

[@joeupatree123]

The spoon crank sounds great! It's interesting to see how many of your processes in making a handle are similar to my own, I'm largely self taught so it's nice to see I'm doing something right.

[@OUTOFPERSPECTIVE]

The Spooncrank 💚 tested out this axe! And it was promising. Thank you for your craftmanship and for sharing this valuable information. Amazing work!

[@robbullis5025]

"The Spoon Crank" Great job on the handle Nils, very good demo on just how few tools you actually need to make a handle.

[@zachlee8150]

Always something calming about seeing the steady progression to a functional and aesthetically pleasing item of substance on here. The Spoon Crank, GL all!

[@morgan-ym2wn]

The Spoon Crank, The patience you demonstrate through carving is admirable. I like how informative your videos are. Looking forward to forging some axes of my own!

[@kendallc8807]

“The Spoon Crank” looks like a great axe handle! Nice to see it done from start to finish.

[@Camax7li]

"The Spoon Crank" shows how its done. I really enjoy seeing your work on IG and now here on YT. I admit I am really intrested in this beautiful axe/hatchet and really hope I manage to win. Have a grewt day and keep up the good work

[@PapaHayd02]

"The Spoon Crank" and The Spoon Crank, just in case! Beautiful project and it's certainly knocked down a few of the barriers and fears I had around making my own tool handles.

[@MoneyMan-fj1rr]

The Spoon Crank Very informative video! I appreciate how it's straight to the point, and with many good tips along the way. Making an axe handle seems much more approachable now.

[@4est_Trekker]

Beautiful work as always, Nils! Your axes have an unmatched beauty in their function-driven artistic lines and finish. I suspect your tools will end up in some museum in the distant future. 😮‍💨👌 The Spoon Crank

[@ThatOpalGuy]

Love this video. It shows how much work we USED to put into making basic tools. Now days they just inject some fiberglass in a mold and make thousands of these a day. Oh, and...Spoon Crank!

[@nightrealm04]

The Spoon Crank The spoon crank I love these axes so much, theyre so good looking and great quality overall. Love it all again

[@conallclancy9803]

The Spoon Crank I love your amazing videos, and I love that you are having fun making axes

[@BofaDsNutz]

The Spoon Crank. Another awesome how to for anyone who doesn’t have certain pieces of equipment, and proof that taking your time yields some amazing results.

[@emiljessen325]

The Spoon Crank video is just what I need, to make a handle for an old axe head, I received as a gift. Thank you so much.

[@oliverklotzek1795]

„The Spoon Crank“ what a wonderful opportunity! Thank you for all your work Nils & Dio and how you support this community!🙏🙌

[@bjdemeo5448]

Nils the axe handle is awesome. I love the rustic finish of the handle. I always prefer the practical over the pretty. Nice work! "The Spoon Crank" is the angle between the handle and the bowl.

[@richardcook555]

I like that you cut off the handle proud of the head, been doing that myself in recent years. A spoke shave and pattern maker's vise are my best friends when making a handle.

[@hyven714]

"The Spoon Crank" You make me miss my job doing customer woodworking and building. I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@michaelschiller9933]

The Spoon Crank looks awesome Nils! I haven't seen anything that you do that doesn't! You are a true craftsman!

[@chrisseats]

"The Spoon Crank" looks great! I dont think I would modify it at all. Looks Awesome !

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

"The Soon Crank" Thank you, Nils. Great video. I have not tried the carved finish and love the idea. I look forward to using that technique.

[@MrMitchNiel]

The Spoon Crank. Great work. Also look forward to seeing what you can make with minimal tools. Makes me excited to try new things with limited resources.

[@eternalforestforge]

The spoon crank! Been looking forward to this video, I have struggled with the handle making process many times. Great work!

[@DeanDibling-rl2wm]

The Spoon Crank is lucky to be working with you, Nils! Your videos are always inspiring. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@Bill-mw7sh]

shefield shelacq is my favorite. i use it on handle and steel its water proofs and creates a nice smooth grin. the finish makes it look like glass.

[@CoastalGardening]

"The Spoon Crank" Very good information , clear instructions and good camera angles to display the techniques . Thanks for sharing .

[@PostaMartin]

"The Spoon Crank" looks amazing. Hand carved look is the best!

[@MechaPickle]

The Spoon Crank team-up is looking great! I've dabbled with a rough hatchet, but that carving axe looks lovely!

[@storminnorton]

I'm a pretty active spoon carver, so The Spoon Crank is just what I've been looking for!

[@1911wood]

Nils always I always enjoy your videos. I’ve only seen one other KZbinr do the method I use but I feel like it is the way to go. When I’m. Putting the stitch for the wedge I drill a 3mm hole through the handle. I then cut the slot down until it terminates in the hole. This creates a flexure that allows the faces of the handle to rotate and lay flat against the sides of the axe/hammer head. This movement is not trying to split apart the axe handle. The next time if you have a spare handle maybe you could try this without the axe/hammer head to see how the wood moves. I think you might agree. And maybe, use it in a future video. Or not. I be watching anything you do. Beautiful axe head btw.

[@Ragamonster77]

The Spoon Crank Thank you for this opportunity. I just sold my Kalthoff axe because I’m going through some financial issues. I appreciate the shot at this. 😊

[@donaldmatthies6026]

Nils, Spoon crank I liked the way you tackled the handle making, not shaping the handle until after you had the head set, i might have to try that. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.

[@saschaehemoser2517]

The Spoon Crank is honestly one of the most beautiful carving axe i have ever seen! Can't Tell you enough how much i would love this excellent looking tool for beginning to start carving bigger things. Beautiful work, as always Sir. God bless you ❤🙏🏼

[@ErnieB]

The Spoon Crank Thank you for posting this video. It's provided me the guidance and the push to get me to finally make a new handle for my grandfather's axe. Wish me luck!

[@mikehayes2233]

I sure liked the looks & sharpness of your trimming knives!! Loved this video. See ya again soon Nils Ögren!! “The Spoon Crank”

[@foodberg2581]

The spoon crank! I just started axing and I'm loving it. It's opening so much creativity in the spoon carving process for me.

[@davepratt8753]

In the heart of the workshop, where wood whispers tales,Stands the Spoon Crank, in its glory, never fails.Crafted from hickory, ash, or sometimes oak,A testament to craftsmanship, no mere stroke.

[@cal45lover]

That's awesome work! I've recently started carving my own axe handles from scratch, whereas I've always bought mediocre handles from hardware stores before. This would be so very helpful with that. A beautiful piece of work! The Spoon Crank would be a perfect roughing method for it, and seeing as how sharp you got it, for fine work as well! You're a true inspiration to a lot of us. Wish I'd have found your channel sooner! Cheers from The Netherlands.

[@steve-es5mb]

The Spoon Crank....Great video, excellent, clear, concise instructions by a guy with great presence

[@sj1471]

“The Spoon Crank” sounds like a good name for a Bushcraft tool. Love seeing the custom work done. Thanks!

[@Ais-pd6yl]

The Spoon Crank, Your videos actually made me take a plunge and apply to a trade school to get started on my journey of becoming a blacksmith.

[@glennbrown1961]

The spoon crank....and the fork crank as well as the knife crank, just an all round cutlery crank! Love the videos. Wish I could swing a hammer like you! Unfortunately these days I have trouble banging in a nail. After years of riveting copper nails arthritis now plays havoc with my wrist and right thumb. Its a bugger getting old! Love your axes!

One of my biggest dreams is to grow old. Watch my kids live their life, rooting from the sidelines. One of my biggest fears is dying young, so I cant be with them.

[@Miko19691]

Beautiful work. Cheer from Finland.

[@stevewebster5729]

Nice to see the handle end of the axe produced without power-tools. (warning re this 'The Spoon Crank ref - I live in the UK, which is a long way to send an axe... : )

[@yoramclade4824]

"The Spoon Crank" Really great Video! The Feeling of a fully Hand carved handle is truly something Special :D

[@cimachu]

Hi Nils and The Spoon Crank! I've been waiting for this video, and I'm glad to have finally watched it. I've been doing some amateur blacksmithing for a while now, but you inspired me to start on a folded axe. I'm working on it slow and steady, and I can't wait to finish the head so I can hang it on a hand made handle!

[@theforgeco.4047]

The Spoon Crank!! Another great video Nils. I actually use your technique to teach my axe Forging classes at my workshop in Canada.

[@MrRobinvdd]

The spoon Crank This video is such a nice way to learn a new skill. Love it!

[@Ace-zb5xr]

Beautiful axe. My dad used to make fire chopping axe handles in a similar fashion without power tools. He would finish with 320p grit sand paper, it was super smooth. He didn't really know what he was doing but after a few handles the end result was very high quality. The Spoon Crank. I'd love to own a bearded axe type c, especially one made by a descendant of a Viking. Though if I do win and you can't ship to Aus, pick someone else. Thanks.

[@CausticPuffin]

The Spoon Crank. Good point about recentering the line after you seat the head, it definitely helps keep everything in line.

[@haakthor]

" The Spoon Crank" Thank you for yet another great video. I've been looking for something like this! it's safe to say that my first attempt at making a similar handle could've gone a lot better.

[@ratzfatz8723]

The Spoon Crank looks cool. What I would like different is a single bevel and a better wood for the handle. Over the years I replaced all the handles on my axes and hammers with handmade handles I carved from dogwood (cornus sanguinea) when the ash handles gave up. I did not have to replace even one again. I don't think this grows in Sweden, though, but it's pretty abundant here in southern Germany. A tool I really like for making handles is a spokeshave

[@davidwellman7080]

The spoon crank axe is beautiful!! You, sir are a true craftsman!!

[@MashunWungkhai]

"The spoon crank" This is one of my favorite tools and i really love the design keep it up❤

[@Amalya.Blayke]

'The Spoon Crank' . It just looks almost too good. Simply beautiful to look at.

[@hidenseekprospecting4784]

I love how you carved the top and the wedge. It is a great piece. And I ama fan of the S shape of the handle. Most of mine I make also is , inspired by the S shape handle. Great information also.

[@andrewjohnson3336]

Great instructions. I have an old axe i want to make a handle for and have lots of ash wood to use. I was looking for ideas on how it's done. Thank you. The spoon crank!!

[@Vikingblackbeard]

"The Spoon Crank" thanks so much! I enjoy all your work.

[@andrewneilson227]

The reference to Swedish shows like Pippi Longstocking reminded me of one of my favorite books as a kid: The Tomten, which like Pippi Longstocking was written by Astrid Lindgren. I made sure to buy The Tomten for my son and he loves it. Maybe he’d like Swedish tv too!

[@guywihn1658]

Beautiful job!.. extremely pleasing to the eye. I think you would say "form following function" .

[@bernardflood8289]

The spoon crank. It's a lovely axe, thanks for the chance to win it.

[@Mistraker]

That's a lovely little carving axe. I'd love to try one out. The Spoon Crank.

[@draechvald]

The spoon crank. Lovely handle, about time i made one for the vintage axe head i have!

[@TheJimbower]

The Spoon Crank Awesome work on bringing a new carving axe to the community! We can't get enough! Especially when they look as good as this one 😁

[@marklamontagne3919]

Thank you Nils, now I have a simple and very well described way to make a new handle for an old axe head I have. "The Spoon Crank" 👍