When it comes to selecting the best wood for axe handles, there are several factors to consider, including strength, durability, weight, and ease of use. An axe handle made from the right type of wood can greatly impact the overall performance of the tool. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the best woods for axe handles and their unique properties.
- Hickory
Hickory is one of the most popular woods for axe handles due to its strength, durability, and shock resistance. It has a high compressive strength, which means it can withstand a lot of force without breaking or cracking. Additionally, hickory has a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, which makes it easy to swing and control the axe.
Hickory is also known for its shock resistance, which is essential when chopping wood. The shock absorption properties of hickory help to reduce the impact of the axe hitting the wood, preventing the handle from breaking or splintering.
- Ash
Ash is another popular wood for axe handles due to its strength, toughness, and flexibility. Ash is a strong and durable wood that is resistant to shock and impact, making it an excellent choice for axe handles. It also has a high bending strength, which means it can flex without breaking.
One of the unique properties of ash is its elasticity. This makes it an ideal wood for axe handles because it can absorb shock without breaking or cracking. Additionally, ash has a straight grain, which makes it easy to carve and shape into a handle.
- Oak
Oak is a dense and heavy wood that is known for its strength and durability. It has a high compressive strength, which means it can withstand a lot of force without breaking or cracking. Oak is also resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor tools like axes.
One of the unique properties of oak is its hardness. This makes it an ideal wood for axe handles because it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Additionally, oak has a straight grain, which makes it easy to carve and shape into a handle.
- Maple
Maple is a strong and durable wood that is known for its shock resistance and straight grain. It has a high bending strength, which means it can flex without breaking. Maple is also resistant to impact and vibration, making it an excellent choice for axe handles.
One of the unique properties of maple is its tight grain. This makes it an ideal wood for axe handles because it is less likely to splinter or crack under pressure. Additionally, maple is easy to carve and shape into a handle.
- Cherry
Cherry is a hardwood that is known for its strength, durability, and beauty. It has a high compressive strength, which means it can withstand a lot of force without breaking or cracking. Cherry is also resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor tools like axes.
One of the unique properties of cherry is its color and grain pattern. Cherry has a reddish-brown color that deepens over time, giving it a beautiful patina. Additionally, cherry has a straight grain, which makes it easy to carve and shape into a handle.
- Birch
Birch is a strong and durable wood that is known for its shock resistance and flexibility. It has a high bending strength, which means it can flex without breaking. Birch is also resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor tools like axes.
One of the unique properties of birch is its light color and straight grain. This makes it an ideal wood for carving and shaping into a handle. Additionally, birch has a smooth texture, which makes it comfortable to grip and easy to control.
- Walnut
Walnut is a dense and heavy wood that is known for its strength and beauty. It has a high compressive strength, which means it can withstand a lot of force without breaking or cracking. Walnut is also resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor tools like axes.
One of the unique properties of walnut is its rich, dark color and unique grain pattern. Walnut has a deep brown color that is often enhanced with a clear finish, which can make it look very attractive. Additionally, walnut has a straight grain that is easy to carve and shape into a handle.
- Beech
Beech is a strong and durable wood that is known for its shock resistance and flexibility. It has a high bending strength, which means it can flex without breaking. Beech is also resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor tools like axes.
One of the unique properties of beech is its pale color and fine, even texture. This makes it an ideal wood for carving and shaping into a handle. Additionally, beech is easy to work with and can be sanded and polished to a smooth finish.
- Elm
Elm is a strong and durable wood that is known for its strength and shock resistance. It has a high compressive strength, which means it can withstand a lot of force without breaking or cracking. Elm is also resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor tools like axes.
One of the unique properties of elm is its interlocking grain pattern. This gives it a unique appearance that can add character to an axe handle. Additionally, elm is easy to carve and shape into a handle, making it a popular choice for many axe enthusiasts.
- Locust
Locust is a hardwood that is known for its strength and durability. It has a high compressive strength, which means it can withstand a lot of force without breaking or cracking. Locust is also resistant to rot and decay, making it a good choice for outdoor tools like axes.
One of the unique properties of locust is its high density and weight. This makes it an ideal wood for an axe handle because it provides a lot of heft and weight, which can help to improve the chopping power of the tool. Additionally, locust has a straight grain, which makes it easy to carve and shape into a handle.
In conclusion, there are several woods that make excellent choices for axe handles. Hickory, ash, oak, maple, cherry, birch, walnut, beech, elm, and locust all have unique properties that make them strong, durable, and resistant to shock and impact. When choosing the right wood for your axe handle, consider the type of wood that will best suit your needs and preferences. With the right wood and proper care, your axe handle can last for many years and provide you with excellent performance and reliability.
