I grew up in Ottawa Ontario where axe and handle making was big business back in the day and world renowned with the likes of the Walter axe manufactured across the river in Hull Quebec. The handles can still be found in antique shops throughout the region, although usually installed in an overly used axe head. Some of your examples resemble these handles albeit there is almost always a straight cut of an inch or so at the end for tapping to seat the axe head. I agree with all you've said about the thinnest, the big curve at the grip near the flare, and it's a shame that we can't go into a store and buy such a product today. In this region the thin handle with the shapes you discuss seemed to have gone out of production about 20 years ago, and like you mentioned all we have now are these thick handles that lack the curves and the flare at the end that is crucial for the reasons you mentioned. I know an old guy with a huge axe collection in Quebec and a wealth of knowledge about axes, and he has axe handles that are longer than 36 inches, and I've seen old photos of bush operations with axes with very long handles. They were very common in the days of giant trees. it seems as the trees got smaller, so did the the length of the handles, but personally, I would use a super long handle on just about axing. The pioneering lumberers knew what they were doing back in the day, and there's something to be learned about their designs. They were all about performance, and this is lost today. I've seen professional tree fellers today using axe handles that are so inferior it makes me cringe. The big curve you talk about near the flare is to reduce the strain on the wrist, but today's manufacturers are clueless on such things. It's nice to know that someone is examining all these things and taking note of past technology that was very carefully calculated for performance while limiting physical strain. BTW, the Hudson Bay Co. copied a lot of the designs of the earlier manufacturers in this area, and produced quality axes for many years as well. As for axe heads, the best design ever made in my opinion was the boys axe, by Walter's, and my father owned a very similar heavy axe head with the same pattern for a number of years. I believe it was a 4 pounder, and I have yet to come across one at the antique shops since then. Another note is that the scoring axes had very long handles to allow the men to remain relatively upright while scoring during the hewing process and thus save their backs form strain.
100% agree Killer! People that haven't hung an axe shouldn't be buying premium handles and those who haven't swung an axe shouldn't be buying premium or custom axes. Buy the cheap stuff, break it and learn before you go premium.
I have some of your handles from a previous purchase, and all I can say is that if anyone is looking to go premium, you’ll be hard pressed to find better quality than these that Chris offers. Nice job showing and explaining the quality differences, Chris. Merry Christmas to you and yours, my friend. Stay safe and healthy.
I asked beaver tooth handle to make slim handles like the good old days there response was that they make the slimmest handles around. Boy am I glad you came along. Keep em coming 👍
Killinger, that was a great explanations. For someone like my self, hardware handles will last a life time. I could wrap the top of the handle. For people who are not making a living with their axe or piece work hardware stores are the best value. Do you need Snap-on or Mack tools to put something together for your family. Is it a want or a need??? People need to provide shelter, food and invest in tax qualified plans for their families first. Marketing makes a need out of wants. Great products for a certain sector of the market. Great video.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s also the love and thought that goes into them. Not only are your handles elegant, they are a tool grade handle. If hung properly they can take a lot of punishment. You wood selection and design are something that goes unnoticed by a lot of folks. No me. Props Chris!
I'm almost 70 years old and I can honestly say that I've never seen anyone purchase an axe handle or an axe for that matter in any hardware store Ive ever even in.
I’ve literally hung axes in minutes on a Killinger handle. And never been disappointed! Keep it up brother! Best to you and yours!❤️ P.S. Try building your own handle and then you’ll appreciate those Killinger handles!!
Thanks for the explanation. This gave me some good ideas for my next re handle. I’m just starting to get the hang of of re hanging axes so I’ve mostly used hardware store handles. Personally I like that they come big and chunky. This let’s you shape the handle to what you prefer, with a few restrictions. I also like that I can look at a handful of handles and pick the best quality one. I just with they would leave more meat on the head to achieve a better, more custom fit. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive and sharing knowledge for folks like me to learn from.
I was going to say it, but then you said it. The most common reason for handles breaking is over striking. Period. I think a lot of people have become obsessed with grain orientation, but don’t actually take the time to use their axes properly. I appreciate a nice looking axe but ultimately I’m a utilitarian. I split probably 5-6 cords a year, by hand. Some of my ugliest axes are my best splitters. I have an old Diamond Edge with the original handle, and it’s used hard over the years. I agree with you, those old time handles were thin. This 4 lb axe on a thin handle is a whip! But it splits!! Nice work as always. 👍
Its the truth. I think the grain orientation should be looked at as goal or a standard to strive for but not a rule. A lot of good handles have been discarded because of misinformation.
I found 3 rusty axes at our lake house and decided to clean them up and hang them. I didn’t put a lot of thought into it and ordered some handles from Amazon. The kerfs were off center and generally looked like seconds, but I paid a lot for them for the free shipping. I used them anyway, then learned I could get the same handles at Lowes for less than half the price and look them over and pick the handle I liked myself. I’ll never buy another handle from Amazon. The brands were Truper for a big Kelley felling axe and True Temper for the True Temper double bit axes
@@KillingerUSA yep, but don’t do it. You can buy the same handles at Lowe’s for 1/2 the price. At least Truper in 36” for single bit and True Temper in 36” for double bit
I'd definitely rather have a premium handle definitely an knowledge of the seller of the handle matters an it's so obvious that you have the knowledge on them so I'd highly recommend anyone wanting a premium handle to buy from you. I know I will. Merry Christmas and have a good week buddy.
Lol good timing for this video...I've done 2 or 3 axes this year now on garant brand alot like the hardware store one you showed..but they're $30+ here anyways lol and just yesterday morning I failed hard at my first attempt at a cross wedge lol..it's a beat up old HB axe head I custom painted a transparent blue over a little patina...now I gotta cut and drill the handle out and try again
Hi Chris!!😀😀 Great explanation for why your handles cost more and are worth it. I really love your handles!! As far as I'm concerned they are worth every penny just because of how much less time it takes to get them perfect in my opinion. Good to see you buddy!!😀😀 Hope you and your family have a great Christmas!!😀😀❤❤ Take care my friend!!😀😀👍👍❤❤
I was chatting with a friend recently and the subject of axes came up. After an initial failed enumeration, reconsidering I determined that I own ten axes. Absent from this website previously, I'm two and a half minutes into this video and--- subscribed. Personal best, but we may have a record here.
Save dummie! Lol. These handles save hours of work trimming down store bought handles to feel and look nice...then you still have to hang the axe. They really are beautiful handles and it’s like Christmas morning when they arrive in the mail. Thanks Killinger
i personally find many of the hardware store handles too small for my hands so I have to carve my own handles. and with a knife and a tree stump as my tools, you can guess the result isn't the prettiest thing ever
You must have very big hands. If you think hardware store handles are to small, my handles would literally be toothpicks to you. I would suggest you keep making your own.
Take a drink everytime he says Fawn’s Foot. ;) Awesome video, I have a handful of vintage axe heads that I want to hang in the new year and this vid is helping me with what route I would like to go.
I hear about a guy who hated axes, he chopped up all the handles, and used then to melt down all the axes into one big clump. (I found out he was an Ax Murderer)
Greetings from Long Island, NY. Here's a heads up: it has become difficult to find tool handles here. I have hung axe, shovel, hammer, chisel handles, and an assortment of garden tools. I am looking to build my own shave horse to facilitate making and fitting my own tool handles. Thank You for sharing. Allow me to share also; when I am working with a thick handle I fit a shoulder to the tool for an extremely well preforming handle in use. Be well, Tom.
Ok, since nobody else is going to say it, I was confused at what subject the video was about for a minute. Sexy, Thin, Curves...Killinger is passionate about his work👍🏻 Jokes aside, thanks for sharing. The apology and extra effort creating a video, only shows the quality and character you put into your work.
Most of our hardware store handles are made by Elgin and they use a decent quality of straight grain hickory.. None of those nasty dark grains that are where the wood will split most likely.
I like to order from Killinger then not check on it. When it arrives, its like Christmas! You got to be committed and order fast to get the good stuff.
A good recommendation: buy the link, spend two or three hours of your time ($25 an hour x 3 hours=$75 value of your time) if you enjoy this type of work, then it makes economical sense otherwise, it's best to pay for a custom one
It's hard to find a hardware store handle that can even be made adequate, especially for hatchet handles in my experience. Vaughan still does a decent hammer handle because they're the king of hickory handle hammers, but that's about it.
I wish i could buy one of his handles! No one should buy axe handle from a factory! im a woodworker and i cant seem to bet a axe handle to fit right. I just paid 75$ for a french curve handle ( 25 for shipping.)
The hardware handles require a lot of reshaping by spokeshaving, rasping, and sanding to make them more usable! Then despite BLO and proper storage they may warp over a few years and become dysfunctional 😖
Love your content. What brand of hat is that? I too, will be looking for a bit to hang on one of your handles!!! Keep up the good work! Merry Christmas!
Why not tell us the price points on those examples in the video . I came here straight from Bucking Billy Ray’s channel with high hopes. I’m not sure what to think
Buddy you definitely have awesome handles. I like watching your videos because they are real and down to earth. I look forward to picking some up soon. I’ve got a buhl head does anyone know anything about them as I can’t find much on them
@@KillingerUSA pretty sure I did. I ordered a handle from House Handles , got the confirmation email, but then it got deleted from my inbox, they never charged my card, no email of "sorry. Out of stock" WTF.
First Merry Christmas and Happy New year every one. Chris, I may have asked before but I need wedges for the axes I'm building. Do you have any? If not can you point me in the right direction?
I have taken your advice here and been playing with the link handles. Now I have a little experience and some special heads that are ready for one of those French curves or your one of a kind curved handles. How does that un hung vintage handle have such patina to it? Had it been oiled do you think?
Hardware store handles are sub par at best. They are not riven stock. They are kiln rapidly dried and cut by a rip and band saw, dimensionally weak stock that will never out last riven, radially dimensioned stock.
I haven't hung an axe since I was in high school...my Grandpa taught me how he did it... 35 some years ago. Recently I found some axe heads previously disappeared, that I want to re-hang. Went to Rural King (who has a fairly decent selection of replacement handles, Link is what they carry) and grabbed a couple of handles. I was surprised to see that the handle would slide into the eye of both axes right down to the shoulder with no trimming/shaping whatsoever! LOOSE. I'm not sure the wedge will be able to take up all the space in the eye. Back then those hardware store handles had to be trimmed down with a spokeshave/sandpaper, and fit to the axe eye. You even had to cut the notch for the wedge yourself as I remember. I'm don't think I'm going to use those handles, would rather get the old school handles that have to be truly fit to the eye. Are the eyes on your handles oversized so that they can be custom fit? To my thinking, a 45° grain would overall be stronger than vertical grain... because you also have to twist with the axe head at times as well such as when splitting stringy rounds. If you twist with vertical grain, the twist would be in the "weakest" direction of the grain. What are your thoughts on this?
Yes my eyes are oversized and had to be taken down to fit the axe. RK does have a decent selection of handles. I have used axe handles in every grain orientation possible and have never had an issue. I think sometimes it's just bad wood and sometimes it's just bad users.
I think (OVER THINKING THIS) that a handle is stronger if the tree was Felled in the DARK of the Moon. I am probably way ahead of the people that publish the Farmers Almanac. (Please do NOT take this reply serious)and Happy new Year.
I grew up in Ottawa Ontario where axe and handle making was big business back in the day and world renowned with the likes of the Walter axe manufactured across the river in Hull Quebec. The handles can still be found in antique shops throughout the region, although usually installed in an overly used axe head. Some of your examples resemble these handles albeit there is almost always a straight cut of an inch or so at the end for tapping to seat the axe head. I agree with all you've said about the thinnest, the big curve at the grip near the flare, and it's a shame that we can't go into a store and buy such a product today. In this region the thin handle with the shapes you discuss seemed to have gone out of production about 20 years ago, and like you mentioned all we have now are these thick handles that lack the curves and the flare at the end that is crucial for the reasons you mentioned. I know an old guy with a huge axe collection in Quebec and a wealth of knowledge about axes, and he has axe handles that are longer than 36 inches, and I've seen old photos of bush operations with axes with very long handles. They were very common in the days of giant trees. it seems as the trees got smaller, so did the the length of the handles, but personally, I would use a super long handle on just about axing. The pioneering lumberers knew what they were doing back in the day, and there's something to be learned about their designs. They were all about performance, and this is lost today. I've seen professional tree fellers today using axe handles that are so inferior it makes me cringe. The big curve you talk about near the flare is to reduce the strain on the wrist, but today's manufacturers are clueless on such things. It's nice to know that someone is examining all these things and taking note of past technology that was very carefully calculated for performance while limiting physical strain. BTW, the Hudson Bay Co. copied a lot of the designs of the earlier manufacturers in this area, and produced quality axes for many years as well. As for axe heads, the best design ever made in my opinion was the boys axe, by Walter's, and my father owned a very similar heavy axe head with the same pattern for a number of years. I believe it was a 4 pounder, and I have yet to come across one at the antique shops since then. Another note is that the scoring axes had very long handles to allow the men to remain relatively upright while scoring during the hewing process and thus save their backs form strain.
100% agree Killer! People that haven't hung an axe shouldn't be buying premium handles and those who haven't swung an axe shouldn't be buying premium or custom axes. Buy the cheap stuff, break it and learn before you go premium.
I have some of your handles from a previous purchase, and all I can say is that if anyone is looking to go premium, you’ll be hard pressed to find better quality than these that Chris offers.
Nice job showing and explaining the quality differences, Chris.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, my friend. Stay safe and healthy.
Merry Christmas and thank you!
I asked beaver tooth handle to make slim handles like the good old days there response was that they make the slimmest handles around. Boy am I glad you came along. Keep em coming 👍
Haha! Glad to be here!
This is a very interesting video and the first I've found with extensive information about a variety of axe handles.
Appreciate that! I wanted to share the difference
Killinger, that was a great explanations.
For someone like my self, hardware handles will last a life time. I could wrap the top of the handle. For people who are not making a living with their axe or piece work hardware stores are the best value.
Do you need Snap-on or Mack tools to put something together for your family.
Is it a want or a need???
People need to provide shelter, food and invest in tax qualified plans for their families first.
Marketing makes a need out of wants.
Great products for a certain sector of the market. Great video.
Appreciate it
Couldn’t agree more. It’s also the love and thought that goes into them. Not only are your handles elegant, they are a tool grade handle. If hung properly they can take a lot of punishment. You wood selection and design are something that goes unnoticed by a lot of folks. No me. Props Chris!
Appreciate you casterman!
Your work continues to inspire me. Just thought I’d let u know!😊. You’re a benchmark out here for us start up makers.
I still consider myself a rookie! Haha! Seriously!
I'm almost 70 years old and I can honestly say that I've never seen anyone purchase an axe handle or an axe for that matter in any hardware store Ive ever even in.
I uses to. Sometimes you get lucky!
Excellent information! Chris, your handles are the best I have ever seen or used. Keep rocking!!!
Wow, thanks!
I’ve literally hung axes in minutes on a Killinger handle. And never been disappointed! Keep it up brother! Best to you and yours!❤️
P.S. Try building your own handle and then you’ll appreciate those Killinger handles!!
Thanks John!
Thanks for the explanation. This gave me some good ideas for my next re handle. I’m just starting to get the hang of of re hanging axes so I’ve mostly used hardware store handles. Personally I like that they come big and chunky. This let’s you shape the handle to what you prefer, with a few restrictions. I also like that I can look at a handful of handles and pick the best quality one. I just with they would leave more meat on the head to achieve a better, more custom fit. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive and sharing knowledge for folks like me to learn from.
My pleasure
Thank you for making this video. I can see this being a retirement hobby if I get there. Those handles are beautiful!
It's a fantastic hobby!
Killinger,I'm now on the hunt for more axe heads. so I can BUY MORE of your handles!!!!great stuff brutha....take care...💚🌳💚🌳💚👊👍
Liggett! 👍👊🌲🐒💛 Merry Christmas brutha!
@@HallnoutMhall thank you sir,right back at cha.💚🌳💚🌳💚👍👊
Don’t be buying up all my axe heads dude!!❤️❤️🔥🔥🌲🌲🪵🪵🪓🪓
@@johnhudson6469 hey hey hey....share brutha 💚🌳👊👍
I was going to say it, but then you said it. The most common reason for handles breaking is over striking. Period.
I think a lot of people have become obsessed with grain orientation, but don’t actually take the time to use their axes properly.
I appreciate a nice looking axe but ultimately I’m a utilitarian. I split probably 5-6 cords a year, by hand. Some of my ugliest axes are my best splitters.
I have an old Diamond Edge with the original handle, and it’s used hard over the years. I agree with you, those old time handles were thin. This 4 lb axe on a thin handle is a whip! But it splits!!
Nice work as always. 👍
Its the truth. I think the grain orientation should be looked at as goal or a standard to strive for but not a rule. A lot of good handles have been discarded because of misinformation.
I found 3 rusty axes at our lake house and decided to clean them up and hang them. I didn’t put a lot of thought into it and ordered some handles from Amazon. The kerfs were off center and generally looked like seconds, but I paid a lot for them for the free shipping. I used them anyway, then learned I could get the same handles at Lowes for less than half the price and look them over and pick the handle I liked myself. I’ll never buy another handle from Amazon.
The brands were Truper for a big Kelley felling axe and True Temper for the True Temper double bit axes
Never knew you could buy handles off Amazon
@@KillingerUSA yep, but don’t do it. You can buy the same handles at Lowe’s for 1/2 the price. At least Truper in 36” for single bit and True Temper in 36” for double bit
Beautiful Handles. Worth the Xtra $
Thank you!
I'd definitely rather have a premium handle definitely an knowledge of the seller of the handle matters an it's so obvious that you have the knowledge on them so I'd highly recommend anyone wanting a premium handle to buy from you. I know I will. Merry Christmas and have a good week buddy.
Appreciate you and merry Christmas!
Lol good timing for this video...I've done 2 or 3 axes this year now on garant brand alot like the hardware store one you showed..but they're $30+ here anyways lol and just yesterday morning I failed hard at my first attempt at a cross wedge lol..it's a beat up old HB axe head I custom painted a transparent blue over a little patina...now I gotta cut and drill the handle out and try again
Hi Chris!!😀😀
Great explanation for why your handles cost more and are worth it. I really love your handles!! As far as I'm concerned they are worth every penny just because of how much less time it takes to get them perfect in my opinion.
Good to see you buddy!!😀😀
Hope you and your family have a great Christmas!!😀😀❤❤
Take care my friend!!😀😀👍👍❤❤
Merry Christmas Al
I was chatting with a friend recently and the subject of axes came up. After an initial failed enumeration, reconsidering I determined that I own ten axes. Absent from this website previously, I'm two and a half minutes into this video and--- subscribed.
Personal best, but we may have a record here.
Awesome!
Save dummie! Lol. These handles save hours of work trimming down store bought handles to feel and look nice...then you still have to hang the axe. They really are beautiful handles and it’s like Christmas morning when they arrive in the mail. Thanks Killinger
Great explanation buddy hopefully people will understand more in your handles. Which reminds me I need a handle for my new double bit. Lol
i personally find many of the hardware store handles too small for my hands
so I have to carve my own handles.
and with a knife and a tree stump as my tools, you can guess the result isn't the prettiest thing ever
You must have very big hands. If you think hardware store handles are to small, my handles would literally be toothpicks to you. I would suggest you keep making your own.
Take a drink everytime he says Fawn’s Foot. ;)
Awesome video, I have a handful of vintage axe heads that I want to hang in the new year and this vid is helping me with what route I would like to go.
HAHA! Thank You
Nice job Chris. I have some NOS Sequachie Indian Fire handles if you want more sizes for your patterns. They are stunners.
Shoot me an email! Would love to see what you have. Email is in the description
I hear about a guy who hated axes, he chopped up all the handles, and used then to melt down all the axes into one big clump. (I found out he was an Ax Murderer)
Is that a dad joke? 🤣
If you bought an AXE from Germany and had it sent to you, Wood You have a German ACCENT?
Thanks Chris, that was very educational, I learned a lot!!
I'm here to help! Haha! Glad to see ya!
Greetings from Long Island, NY. Here's a heads up: it has become difficult to find tool handles here. I have hung axe, shovel, hammer, chisel handles, and an assortment of garden tools. I am looking to build my own shave horse to facilitate making and fitting my own tool handles. Thank You for sharing. Allow me to share also; when I am working with a thick handle I fit a shoulder to the tool for an extremely well preforming handle in use. Be well, Tom.
Welcome Tom+
hi there interesting maybe i should saw the hickory instead of firewood . john
Yes!!!
Ok, since nobody else is going to say it, I was confused at what subject the video was about for a minute. Sexy, Thin, Curves...Killinger is passionate about his work👍🏻
Jokes aside, thanks for sharing. The apology and extra effort creating a video, only shows the quality and character you put into your work.
Thank you! I do love these handles!
These are beautiful can’t wait to get one.
Most of our hardware store handles are made by Elgin and they use a decent quality of straight grain hickory.. None of those nasty dark grains that are where the wood will split most likely.
Awesome
Unfortunately sometimes hardware handles are the only thing in stock! Ha! Man, those single bit with the larger palm swells...👍🏻👍🏻
I know, I know! But these are worth the effort!
Great explanation! Could explain why the bulkier handles give my hands blisters. Gripping tighter to keep from losing it.
100% You have to work harder to control them.
Happy Sunday Chris !!
I hope your family has a very Merry Christmas !!!
Merry Christmas!
I like to order from Killinger then not check on it. When it arrives, its like Christmas! You got to be committed and order fast to get the good stuff.
I appreciate that! Merry Christmas!
Hey, that was a fantastic explanation on the differences in handles! Have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks Jeff, merry Christmas!
A good recommendation: buy the link, spend two or three hours of your time ($25 an hour x 3 hours=$75 value of your time) if you enjoy this type of work, then it makes economical sense otherwise, it's best to pay for a custom one
Good tip. I actually value my time higher than that. You should to. Time is the one thing we can not reproduce.
The is a difference!! You and your family have a very merry Christmas!
Same to your Bruce!
"internet specifications" should be the asterisk for any discussion that takes place on the world wide web.
Great video man definitely subbing
Thank you, appreciate it!
First! Hope your well Chris!
Hey buddy!
Didn't see any axe handles with bigger fawn's foot for sale in your store ?
I'm out of stock
Merry Christmas Killinger
Same to you!
It's hard to find a hardware store handle that can even be made adequate, especially for hatchet handles in my experience.
Vaughan still does a decent hammer handle because they're the king of hickory handle hammers, but that's about it.
Link handles usually fit that bill. I have made some really nice handles with great fawns foot from link handles
Great video Merry Christmas
Thanks Ben! Merry Christmas
I wish i could buy one of his handles! No one should buy axe handle from a factory! im a woodworker and i cant seem to bet a axe handle to fit right. I just paid 75$ for a french curve handle ( 25 for shipping.)
Great video buddy!! Happy Holidays!!
Merry Christmas Joe!
The hardware handles require a lot of reshaping by spokeshaving, rasping, and sanding to make them more usable! Then despite BLO and proper storage they may warp over a few years and become dysfunctional 😖
Aggre
Love your content. What brand of hat is that? I too, will be looking for a bit to hang on one of your handles!!! Keep up the good work! Merry Christmas!
Thank you! That's a wool Pendleton
Why not tell us the price points on those examples in the video .
I came here straight from Bucking Billy Ray’s channel with high hopes. I’m not sure what to think
I mean, prices are subject to change all the time. Look at what happened to lumber last 2 years! This video is not about price.
Bottom line, one you feel a proper handle in your hand, you'll immediately understand the difference. There's no substitute.
Aggre!
Hoping you get some new handles in soon
Just after the first of the year!
Ty for this vdo
My pleasure
Buddy you definitely have awesome handles. I like watching your videos because they are real and down to earth. I look forward to picking some up soon. I’ve got a buhl head does anyone know anything about them as I can’t find much on them
Thank you I appreciate it!
Very nice video!!!
I know you can actually buy a hardware store handle because they aren’t always sold out 😂
Hahahahahaa
You got me on that one....
Haaa, if Ace Hardware carried Killinger sticks, they’d be sold out. At least in my town😂
You still have some left I need a new handle for a pick a roon I got
Single bits sold out until after the first of the year
Great video, looking for a backup handle for a council tool hudson bay 28 incher.
My boys axe handles are beautiful!
@@KillingerUSA Looks like you're sold out for now though?
@@robertgraves3215 I am. Sign up for my newsletter on my website. Those folks get first dibs when more come available
@@KillingerUSA pretty sure I did. I ordered a handle from House Handles , got the confirmation email, but then it got deleted from my inbox, they never charged my card, no email of "sorry. Out of stock" WTF.
@@robertgraves3215 not sure?
The difference is you can actually buy a hardware store handle lol
Sigh.....
@@KillingerUSA haha I'm just messing with ya bro! Literally your axe handles are incredible. There's a reason they sell like hot cakes
What about osage orange handles?
Would love to do a batch! Going to see if my supplier can get some osage!
First Merry Christmas and Happy New year every one.
Chris, I may have asked before but I need wedges for the axes I'm building. Do you have any? If not can you point me in the right direction?
Most folks make their own but Thrane axe and tool sells them.
I have taken your advice here and been playing with the link handles. Now I have a little experience and some special heads that are ready for one of those French curves or your one of a kind curved handles. How does that un hung vintage handle have such patina to it? Had it been oiled do you think?
I believe it has had some oil on it at some point. Glad to here you have been hanging some axes!
anyone know what happened to this dude?
he has nothing on his store and I wanna buy a handle.
Go on my channel and whatch the video, "how to buy a Killinger handle "
What is your opinion on birch for material
I believe that's what they use traditionally in Finland?
White and yellow birtch is strong hard wood
Hardware store handles are sub par at best. They are not riven stock. They are kiln rapidly dried and cut by a rip and band saw, dimensionally weak stock that will never out last riven, radially dimensioned stock.
Thanks for your input
@@KillingerUSA Your welcome. That's just my opinion 😊
How can I make order?
Do you make right and left handed handle's?
No
I haven't hung an axe since I was in high school...my Grandpa taught me how he did it... 35 some years ago. Recently I found some axe heads previously disappeared, that I want to re-hang. Went to Rural King (who has a fairly decent selection of replacement handles, Link is what they carry) and grabbed a couple of handles. I was surprised to see that the handle would slide into the eye of both axes right down to the shoulder with no trimming/shaping whatsoever! LOOSE. I'm not sure the wedge will be able to take up all the space in the eye.
Back then those hardware store handles had to be trimmed down with a spokeshave/sandpaper, and fit to the axe eye. You even had to cut the notch for the wedge yourself as I remember.
I'm don't think I'm going to use those handles, would rather get the old school handles that have to be truly fit to the eye. Are the eyes on your handles oversized so that they can be custom fit?
To my thinking, a 45° grain would overall be stronger than vertical grain... because you also have to twist with the axe head at times as well such as when splitting stringy rounds. If you twist with vertical grain, the twist would be in the "weakest" direction of the grain. What are your thoughts on this?
Yes my eyes are oversized and had to be taken down to fit the axe. RK does have a decent selection of handles.
I have used axe handles in every grain orientation possible and have never had an issue. I think sometimes it's just bad wood and sometimes it's just bad users.
@@KillingerUSA I think you nailed it, LOL
I think (OVER THINKING THIS) that a handle is stronger if the tree was Felled in the DARK of the Moon. I am probably way ahead of the people that publish the Farmers Almanac. (Please do NOT take this reply serious)and Happy new Year.
Mmm handles
Mmmm yes!
Looked at ace hardware no handle there worth any thing.