Want to know what’s the best wood for axe handles? We listed our top picks and discussed why axe handle material matters. Read now!
Best Wood For Axe Handle | Pad Ourdoor
Axes are a useful tool for any tasks that involve cutting. It could be used for lumber logging, tree trunk cutting, or tasks like wood cutting. But did you know that the handle is what makes this tool user-friendly?
But what’s the best wood for axe handles, anyway? We will explain why axe handle material is a vital consideration. We’ll also introduce the 5 best woods for an axe handle.
Imagine you have a really good and fast computer but the mouse is dysfunctional and made from cheap material. It is frustrating, really. And no matter how fast your PC is, you won’t get your task done.
The same is the case in axe handles. No matter how sharp and efficient the head’s blade is, if the handle is broken or of poor quality, then you can’t get the most out of its sharpness and performance.
The handle is where you focus your force on to get the axe’s blade into the wood. With a cheap axe handle, you won’t only waste your effort but could also pose an accident.
What’s The Best Wood Material For Axes?
When it comes to axe handles, hickory is still hailed as one of the best materials for it. It has been used since ancient times and praised for its strength, convenience, and efficiency. Because of its extremely robust and tough characteristics, many consider this as the best wood for axe handle.
Some other woods that are good materials for axe handles are ash, walnut, birch, and carpinus betulus. These wood materials have one thing in common and that is being tough and durable.
This axe has a walnut wood handle. Its blade is also forged in carbon steel, so you can expect an efficient cutting performance. It is light enough to raise the axe in both hands and the handle isn’t too thick nor too slim.
The walnut wood material is from Tennessee but the axe itself is designed by Elmer Roush in North Carolina. Roush is a well-known axe designer in the area with years of experience in tactical axe design. The wood material also gives the handle a darker tone which resembles a classic appearance.
What Buy This Axe?
It has a 1055 carbon steel which is strong and durable.
The blade’s thickness is around 30.1mm, perfect for cutting firewood and lumber.
It is also light with a total weight of 0.81 kg.
The wood handle is made of Tennessee hickory, a durable and tough wood.
Designed by a veteran ax designer, Elmer Roush
Proceeds from the sale of this axe is for a good cause, specifically for the Green beret Foundation (Roush’s choice)
The dark wood undertone gives the axe a classic and elegant appearance.
Cons
There is only one size of this axe, so might be unsuitable for those with slightly large hands.
2. Brufer ax with walnut wood handle
Brufer ax with walnut wood handle. Via: Amazon.com
This is another axe with a natural walnut handle. It has a forged carbon steel head. This axe is secure safely with its head attached to the handle closeful and fittingly.
The blade, on the other hand, has a total of 4 inches in length. This blade is ideal for home uses such as gardening and firewood cutting. Others also believe it makes the best wood for axe handles solely for camping. The walnut handle is light enough and has incredible balance.
On the side note, its appearance is rather simple. The walnut handle has a natural finish. It is slightly lighter in tone as compared to other axes with wood handles. Still, for its reasonable price, this can be a go-to axe of choice for your home.
Why buy this axe?
It is very affordable yet the quality is good.
This is also lightweight enough even for petite users.
The handle has a natural finish yet robust and durable.
The weight and overall feel is praised by many.
It is one of the best wood for axe handles that is used for axe throwing.
Cons
The blade is a bit thick. It could be a little slimmer to sit on the palm comfortably.
If what you are looking for is something exotic yet practical, then the Manchurian wood is your best wood for axe handle. The axe looks small but equally powerful and efficient.
Contrary to the traditional black forged carbon steel blade, this one has a red tint. The axe head is also heat treated. One thing that you will notice immediately with this axe is its great balance. From the head to the tip of its handle, everything is well thought of and is designed with a purpose.
It allows you to do powerful axe swings without exerting too much effort. In addition, it has a small hole at the end of the handle. This could be use for strings to hang your axe easily. It is indeed the best wood for axe handle specifically for gardening, hiking, and camping. Why? Because it is small, lightweight yet durable.
Why buy this axe?
This is easy to use and easy to store.
It is perfect for small logs and pieces of wood for your fireplace.
The blade splits the wood nicely, giving it a good smooth inner surface
Praised by customers for its tough handle despite its size.
Can be used with tree branches and tree trunk cutting (the small to medium ones)
Very lightweight at 0.82 kilogram
Cons
Not suitable for cutting big tree trunks and branches
4. Poshland Damascus ax with rosewood handle
Poshland Damascus ax with rosewood handle. Via: Amazon.com
Think about an intricate blade with a dark tone wood handle, isn’t it beautiful? That is exactly what you’ll think when you see this axe. This axe features Damascus steel paired with a beautiful handle made from rosewood.
If you are into aesthetically pleasing axes, this one is definitely a good addition to your collection. And the steel is also handmade, so each axe head is unique and original. This solid axe has a perfect grip and well-balanced weight to assist you in making a powerful swing. Each swing is full of force and very satisfying.
You don’t think it’s all about looks, do you? Did you know that rosewood is also a tough and durable wood material. Plus, it has a natural resistance to termite attack. This means your axe handle won’t have termite bites. Also, this means your beautiful-looking axe can be preserved for a long time.
Why buy this axe?
Firstly, the rosewood handle makes it unique and worthy for your collection.
The Damascus forged carbon steel doesn’t only have intricate details but also allows powerful axe swings.
Rosewood is termite resistant, so that is one less worry on your list.
Easy to store and user friendly
It is great for wood chopping, firewood cutting, and log splitting.
The best wood for axe handle specifically for teens
The last one on our list of recommendations is this axe for firewood cutting from Gedore. This is well-known as a multi-purpose axe. It is an excellent choice for cutting trees and logs, outdoor activities as well like hiking and camping.
But one thing that sets this apart from other axes is that its head and handle are attached as one unit. This gives the axe an extra safety feature. The head won’t have the possibility of flying through even during a heavy-duty task.
How about its lifespan? This one also has an impressive durability. Upon quality check and tests, it is found out that this axe has superior quality. Its construction is excellent. The blade is well-polished and the walnut material is the best wood for axe handle for this kind.
Why buy this axe?
This axe is great for firewood cutting log splitting, camping, and cutting tree branches.
It comes with a steel handle sleeve which helps protect the handle from damage while it is in storage.
The head and handle are joint for easier and safer performance.
It is the best axe for gardening and carpentry.
Cons
It is a bit heavier than most axes.
Conclusion
Our list of the best wood for axe handles consists of walnut, ash, and rosewood materials. We came up with this list upon considering the products price, design, availability, and affordability. We recommend you get the CRKT Freyr walnut carbon steel ax if you want a collector’s find. But for easy and everyday use, Brufer ax with walnut wood handle is a great choice. It is cheaper yet has good quality.
