Timber Framers Guild Forums Tools Tool Forum Hewing Axe handle?

I am trying to replace my axe handle. I believe it to be a right hand model. 2 1/2" straight shaft, Simmon & Coloes NY Superior Casings, Late1700's. The original must have had a steamed bent shaft or handle. It looked like a branch or sapling, but in all my tries to rerproduce haven't cut the same. I have plenty of blade and :rolleyes: it sharpens nicely, but wonder about preserving it or buying new. Do they still make hewning axes?

broadaxe handles are not an easy piece to cut. one thing you might try is to find a medium size hardwood tree(ash would be good) and take your handle from the bottom of the tree, where the wood flares out toward the roots. The grain has a natural bend here, which will help, but cutting the actual shape would be hard to describe.
If you search the tool forum for "broadaxe" you will run across some posts by northern hewer, and I beleive he has some material available to show how the handle is cut.

Hi Freestate:

I just noticed your post concerning the production of a hewing axe handle, or how it is done.
Are you still interested?
NH