What makes a strong axe even stronger? Definitely a robust handle. When you look at wood handles for your axe, you keep in mind a lot of aspects. The wood should be hard, sturdy, durable, well-finished, and there is a lot more that we will find out.
In today’s session, I will take you on a tour of the best wood for axe handle that you can get this year. I will try to demystify everything to make the process easier for you. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
What to look for when buying the best wood for an axe handle
Now that you have gone through the detailed reviews, to elucidate further, I would like you to read through the buyer’s guide as it contains all that you should know before making the best call for yourself. This portion is especially dedicated to beginners because it helps them learn new things about the product. So, let’s get right in!
Handle Type
The first thing that I would like you to make sure about is the handle type. I am saying this in terms of bit type. Whether you need a single bit or double bit, you have to decide for yourself. The double-bit handles should be more robust, and they are also long in length usually.
Another type can possibly be straight or curved. So, depending on your requirements, you should choose.
Length
The next point to deliver is the length. It is an important aspect because sometimes you need a professional axe for heavy-duty jobs, while other times, you may require an easy axe for single-hand jobs. So, always look to decide about this aspect when you are going to buy an axe handle.
Finishing
The finishing is a need of an axe handle, I must say. Because after all, it should be finished properly for efficient and comfortable use. So, the finishing, if pre-done, should be proper to impart smooth texture. Whereas, if not already done, and you want to do a customized finish, then make sure that it is done properly. Because handling and using of the tool depends a lot on the outer surface as well.
Wood Type
A very important thing to keep note of is the wood type. You should first of all be clear about the fact that hardwood is the best option for heavy-duty. The wood type that you are going for should be strong, hard, sturdy, resilient, and beautiful, of course. Just like I have mentioned mainly about hickory, there are other similar woods as well that are quite effective. You just have to look and find the best.
Features
The very important features, I think, should be the shock-absorbing ability, lightweight, and easy swinging experience. Along with that, the grain texture should make it beautiful. I am saying this because love for the tools comes from not only their service but also the aesthetics.
Supporting Ability
Another thing that defines the robustness of the handle is its ability to support the axe head weight. Those which can support a greater weight surely are for a heavy-duty purpose.
Cost
The last aspect is cost. The handle has not to be expensive to be great. You can find several good handles at good prices. You just have to look deeper.
Now what to avoid when choosing wood for an axe handle
There are some aspects that you should avoid while choosing the best wood for your axe handle:
- First of all, make sure that it is not softwood. People may be using it, but I think that softwood is not a good option for a robust axe.
- Secondly, do not buy a light and small handle for a heavy axe head because it won’t go with it, and you will lose control as well.
- Thirdly, never settle for a mediocre product because tools should be robust; a compromise can cause a disaster as well.
Comparison Table of Top 11 Best Wood for Axe Handle
Image | Product | Wood Type | Specialty | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Link Handles House Axe Handle | American Hickory | Great finishing | Check Price | |
True Temper Replacement Double Bit Axe Handle | Hickory | Robustness | Check Price | |
Council Tool Curved Single Bit Replacement Handle | Hickory | Customized finishing can be done | Check Price | |
Link Handles House/Railroad Carpenter’s Adze Handle | American Hickory | Great finishing and strength | Check Price | |
Link Handle Curved Handle 18” | White Hickory | Lightweight for easy swinging | Check Price | |
Hickory Replacement Handle for Double Bit Axe | Hickory | Powerful handle for powerful tools | Check Price | |
TRUPER MG-HM-30 Replacement Handle | Apparently; Hickory | Great shape and finishing | Check Price | |
Do it Boy’s Single Bit Axe Handle | Hickory | Unique grain pattern | Check Price | |
Walnut Stained Tomahawk Axe handle | Straight Grain American Hickory | Your desired robust tomahawk handle | Check Price | |
The Ames Companies True Temper Axe Handle | Hickory | Sturdy and heavy-duty handle | Check Price | |
Stiletto Curved Replacement Handle | Hickory | Lightweight yet strong handle | Check Price |
Our 11 Picks of Best Wood for Axe Handle
Now, I will review the products mentioned in the comparison table to help you know more and clearly about them. There are certain aspects that I would like to highlight about every product. The best way to have a comparison is to grade those aspects that I will follow. So, in that grading, remember that A+ stands for the best, whereas C goes for the least.
1. Link Handles House Axe Handle
Wood Quality: A
Finish: Fire finish
Durability: A+
Axe Head Weight Support: 2-1/4 lbs
Starting with the first product that is also my first choice, Link Handles House Axe Handle. Though you will see a lot, many axe handles made of hickory, but this is a better one ensuring better quality. Let’s talk about some of its aspects!
Firstly, the robustness of this axe handle allows you to mount on it the axe heads of about 2-1/4 lbs. That means an average-sized axe can be readily supported using this handle.
Secondly, what’s so special about the American hickory? The answer is quite simple! The strength, hardness, toughness, and stiffness that it offers to play a key role in making it prominent and reliable.
Thirdly, the fire finishing on this handle makes it a smooth and shiny handle for your axe. Thus, it does not only improve the handling and beauty of the axe but also enhances the quality.
So, if you are a farmer, contractor, rancher, or other professionals, then this is a great and heavy-duty hardwood axe handle that you can get. You can have this idea because it is contractor grade.
The clear lacquer finish on it that actually adds beauty to hardwood products is one of this handle’s features. All in all, it is a great axe handle to opt for. If these are the features that you are looking for, then I would highly recommend them to you.
Highlighted Benefits
- Fire finish and clear lacquer make its outlook aesthetic and smooth
- American hickory used for its construction adds durability to it
- The quality of hickory is also better owing to the contactor’s grade stuff
- Great for the average-sized axe
Check Also: Best wood for carving
2. True Temper Replacement Double Bit Axe Handle
Wood Quality: A+
Finish: Unfinished
Durability: A+
Axe Head Weight Support: 3-5 lbs.
On the second spot sits the True Temper Replacement Handle that goes for double bit axe. Basically, this handle is 36 inches long, with robust support to your axe. But let’s talk more in detail.
First off, as it is for a double-bit axe, that means it’s extra strong to support about 3-5 lbs of the axe head.
Hickory is a good wood for axe handle because it can offer a lot of features that are precisely what you would need in an axe handle. For instance, this handle is shock absorbent and durable. So, both these properties come due to the sturdy hickory used for it.
Moreover, to secure the sled hammerhead to handle, this product comes with a single-use wood wedge kit, and I think that’s a great aspect.
Keep in mind that where you are getting all these features, the handle is not finished. There are pros and cons to it. Like, if you want a customized finish, then it’s a great option for you. Otherwise, you have to rethink it.
So, for your splitting axe, if you are looking for all these features, then it’s time to try this wonderful option. Also, it’s reliable, and you don’t need to worry. The reason behind this is the amazing customer feedback. Have a look at the pros!
Highlighted Benefits
- Powerful double bit axe handle
- Shock absorbent for comfortable use
- It comes with a single-use wood wedge kit
- It can support a good weight of axe head as well
3. Council Tool Curved Single Bit Replacement Handle
Wood Quality: A
Finish: No varnish
Durability: A
Axe Head Weight Support: NA
Moving on, on the third spot, I present to you this 28-inch-long axe handle that goes best on a single-bit replacement handle.
Council Tool claims superior quality products with innovative designs, and I second that. Keeping in view all the aspects, this is one of the best axe handles that you can get.
Now that you know where to buy axe handles with these characteristics let’s talk specifically!
This handle is also made of hickory that is one of the greatest and hardest woods, especially when someone asks about tool handles. This wood can absorb shocks very well and impart hardness, strength, and quality at the same time.
Moreover, this product comes with no varnish, which means you have the liberty to apply any kind of product. Thus, you can have a customized finish.
So, if you are concerned about the quality, then do not worry. If you are thinking about the design and ergonomics, the company’s covered that part for you. You will get a robust American-made axe handle for sure in the form of this product.
Highlighted Benefits
- No varnish; that means you can use your own favorite
- Strong hickory makes it durable
- Good length to support good single bit options
- Superior quality to ensure reliability as well
4. Link Handles House/Railroad Carpenter’s Adze Handle
Wood Quality: B+
Finish: Fire finished
Durability: A
Axe Head Weight Support: NA
On the fourth spot, I have brought an interesting product for you. If you are looking for a handle that can go with your adze, then this product is for you.
First of all, it is Link Handles who offer reliable products. This handle will do great for house or railroad carpenter’s adze.
Secondly, the wood that it is made of is better-quality American hickory. I mean, if you are in pursuit of good wood for an adze handle, then this quality will do the job for you.
Talking about the finishing, the clear lacquer on it makes it look amazing and covers the aesthetic part. I also am a fan of this kind of finish as default. Especially when you do not know about the finishing products, a clear lacquer is great to settle on.
Moreover, the fire finish ensures the smoothness and texture that you will love in the form of a comfortable grip. So, it means a highly pleasing appearance every single time when you look at your axe (no puns intended).
Overall, it’s a great choice if you are looking for the relevant features. If you still haven’t found your desired product, then keep reading because there is a lot more ahead.
Highlighted Benefits
- Very strong wood for enhanced durability
- The clear lacquer makes its outlook great
- Wide range of uses
- Handling becomes good owing to its surface
5. Link Handles Curved Handle 18”
Wood Quality: B+
Finish: Good
Durability: B+
Axe Head Weight Support: NA
Next, I present to you an 18 inches long handle that may turn out to be the best wood for a hatchet handle. This is quite understandable due to the size option especially.
The interesting part to note down here is that this length is also an ideal choice for frame hammers. So, you can call it the best wood for frame handles because it’s white hickory.
Now, what is so special about white hickory. Let me tell you that the strength and other necessary features like; shock-absorbing, hardness, texture, etc., are all covered by this wood, and it’s quite interesting, right?
To top it off, it is a light handle and fits greatly in the Shure Strike head given with it. The lightweight makes it easy to swing, and you will enjoy working with it.
Now, keep in mind that you will get a slimmer product as compared to the picture, and many of the customers have verified this aspect.
So, it is better to use it for hammer purposes. Still, if you want to use it with an axe, you can also do that but keep in mind all the aspects that I mentioned.
Highlighted Benefits
- Great wood for small-sized applications
- Strong and durable owing to the wood
- Lightweight to make the swinging easier
6. Hickory Replacement Handle for Double Bit Axe
Wood Quality: B+
Finish: Apparently, yes
Durability: B+
Axe Head Weight Support: NA
Moving forward, we have this option for your double-bit axe. In this product, for you is the professional quality that ucostore delivers.
The 36 inches long handle enhances adds strength to the axe and confidence to your work. The other important thing to note here is that it is not a curved product.
This simply means that if you are comfortable with the straight shape and formation for your large axe, then this is a considerable choice for you.
Moreover, the double-bit hardwood axe handle has to be strong and robust because of the heavy-duty jobs it has to do. Therefore, this handle covers that aspect beautifully.
My grandfather used to work in wood dealing and has quite a good knowledge about axe and axe handles. He would never compromise on the quality of the handle, especially when the job is heavy. He would choose the best hardwood, just like hickory (used in this product), for his personal axe.
So, I learned that sustainable and controlled cutting using an axe is highly dependent on the quality of its handle.
This product is made of genuine hickory and serves greatly for replacement handles. Moreover, there is a standard double-bit eye-hole built-in for your ease.
All in all, it’s a great choice when you look for reasonable double-bit options.
Highlighted Benefits
- The ideal length for double bit option
- Strength ensures durability owing to the material
- Professional quality elevates your experience
- No curves depending on your need
7. TRUPER MG-HM-30 Replacement Handle
Wood Quality: A+
Finish: High-quality
Durability: A
Axe Head Weight Support: NA
Next on the list is TRUPER MG-HM-30 that is a high-quality product coming at a low price. There are several aspects behind its being on the list.
First of all, the ideal size and shape are among the many reasons behind its being the best wood for hatchet handle. This size makes a great and easily handleable axe, as far as I think. Also, the curvature plays its role in the good swinging of this handle during use.
Secondly, the finishing is quite enchanting. I love this part because of the shape in which it is formed, and the grains that improve its textures get on the next level owing to the finishing and shine it.
Thirdly, the thickness is also good. It is not like that you will see something in pictures and get an entirely different product. The customer rating on this product speaks of it as well.
So, once you get it fixed with the axe head, it is ready to bang. The overall structure and design of the handle will take your experience to another level quite certainly.
I would say with no hesitation that I am myself a fan of this product. So, if you like its features, it’s worth a shot undoubtedly.
Highlighted Benefits
- Great texture and shape make handling awesome
- The high-quality material imparts strength
- Good thickness for robustness
- Great finishing as well on it
8. Do it Boy’s Single Bit Axe Handle
Wood Quality: A
Finish: Good-quality
Durability: B+
Axe Head Weight Support: 2-1/4 lbs.
Next on the list is Do It Boy’s Single Bit Axe Handle with a unique color to offer you. So, what is so special about this product that makes it the best hardwood axe handle? Let me mention all the aspects distinctly.
Firstly, its bent style design makes it great to handle and swing at the same time. That means, with good control, you can easily achieve accuracy while cutting.
Secondly, the brand V&B that offers you this product is reliable. You can also confirm it by looking at the customer ratings. Also, they offer high-quality handles for replacement and other purposes. So, you know where to buy axe handles.
The eye size is also very good, and owing to these aspects, this handles easily supports ahead of 2-1/4 lbs. or less.
What I like the most about this product are the grain structure and the color. If you are a fan of dark color and prominent grain patterns, then this is a perfect choice.
Overall, including the finish and strength, all the factors make this product considerable. So, if you like it, go for it!
Highlighted Benefits
- Great color and grain texture
- The finishing is amazing to impart aesthetics
- Good weight handling in terms of the axe head
- Good design for effective handling
9. Walnut Stained Tomahawk Axe handle
Wood Quality: A+
Finish: Your call
Durability: A+
Axe Head Weight Support: NA
Next up, this Walnut Stained Tomahawk Axe Handle is a robust choice for your axe, depending on your needs. You can assume that it is an axe handle blank. So, to shape it as you want is totally up to you.
Now, the interesting part here is that many people ask for a tomahawk handle, and they rarely find it. This product is the best wood for tomahawk handles. Now, why am I saying this lies in many aspects that I will place in front of you.
Firstly, the wood is of premium quality and is stained with walnut to make it a unique kind. The main wood that is Appalachian hickory is an A-grade variant to elevate your experience.
Secondly, talking about the length, which is 19 inches, this middle-sized handle is a perfect choice for an average axe handle.
Moreover, I don’t know if you want to customize the finishing or not. But this product is sanded for smoothness and wax-coated as well for a better experience. This makes it slightly sticky to ensure good handling.
So, you do not have to settle for less when this product is in the house. Also, for the sake of reliability, you can go through the customer ratings that are highest so far.
Highlighted Benefits
- Robust handle for your axe
- Great handling owing to its surfacing
- An ideal choice for tomahawk handle lovers
- Highly reliable product
10. The Ames Companies True Temper Axe Handle
Wood Quality: A+
Finish: Good finishing
Durability: A
Axe Head Weight Support: 3-5 lbs.
Next, we have The Ames Companies True Temper Axe Handle. This is a product for the single-bit axe and comes in a length of 26 inches. Now, the robustness of this handle is proven by the fact that it can support the head of around 3-5 lbs. easily.
Now, talking about the material that it is made of, it’s hickory. Now, as you have come a long way reading about products, you would have gained a good idea about hickory. So, you would know that it is a sturdy product owing to the hickory that it is made of.
Now to back up my argument on robustness, as I already mentioned that it could carry a good load of the axe head. The sturdiness and robustness owe to the thickness, design, and finish as well.
The finishing is good on its surface because there is always a shiny texture outside of it. So, when you hold this handle, the experience is next-level because you get great swinging, handling, and holding experience.
So, this is another hardwood axe handle offering you all the good features and is reliable due to the great customer feedback as well. So, if you haven’t decided yet, now is the time!
Highlighted Benefits
- Great length to make an axe like a beast
- Sturdiness owing to hickory
- Good shape for good handling
- Good finishing for a nice experience
11. Stiletto Curved Replacement Handle
Wood Quality: A
Finish: Good finish
Durability: A
Axe Head Weight Support: NA
Last but not least, the Stiletto Curved Replacement Handle may serve you as the best wood for hatchet handles because it is also made out of hickory, and the size is mid-range, i.e., 18 inches.
The very first thing that comes to mind is the lightweight of this product. That means you can make your mini axe or anything you like with it and handle it single-handedly.
As far as the quality of the wood is concerned, so that is pretty good and you don’t have to worry about it.
I think that for this product, your concern should be the specifications. Like, what do you want in terms of length, shape, and design, and is it compatible with that?
So, I believe that owing to the sturdiness that the material imparts and the smooth experience that is obtained from its finishing make this product an ideal choice.
So, this may be the last product, but trust me, it is not less in terms of features. Also, the grading that I do on some fixed aspects is purely relative, and all the products are great in their kind.
Highlighted Benefits
- Good strength imparted by hickory in it
- Good finish to enhance your experience
- Lightweight for easy handling
- It can be used for a number of purposes
Note: In today’s segment, all the products were good, and none of them went to the C category.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now I will add some frequently asked questions to clarify your queries as well.
What wood is the best for axe handles?
Without a doubt, American hickory is the best wood for axe handles owing to its features.
What makes a good axe handle?
An axe handle made by splitting from a stave that is a narrow length of raw wood makes a great axe handle.
Should an axe be razor-sharp?
The idea of sharpness can be taken from the point that it should easily and effortlessly shave. Therefore, it should be shaving sharp.
Should you oil an axe handle?
Oiling is good as it extends life. So, oiling not only protects your axe handle and makes it ever-beautiful but also keeps the axe head protected.
What weight is best for axe?
From below to top if you are varying the use and purpose. The weight for an axe ranges from 3 to 8 pounds. So, the normal axes can be in the lower range whereas heavy-duty on the top.
Can you chop with a splitting axe?
The modern splitting axes look a lot like chopping ones as well. That means you can take the job of two from one. But staying proper is always a good thing.
Can you split wood with a hatchet?
Yes, you can because it is the safest way to split wood.
What is the purpose of an adze?
It is a hand tool used by the carpenters mostly to shape the wood.
Is walnut good for tool handles?
Walnut maybe a good wood for other tools but in the case of axe, it can cause a lot of shocks to make it unpleasant.
What is the best oil to preserve wood?
Oiling it with tung oil or any relevant product can help in preserving it.
Wrapping Up
I think that I have equipped you with the necessary knowledge to help you buy the best product. I would suggest you always settle for what you feel comfortable with. Thus, you will certainly make the right choice.
If you liked our products and have something to say about them. Don’t forget to mention that in the comment section below. Have a wonderful day.
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