Ax handle

Amalgam · #1 10-16-2005, 12:55 AM

Hello,
I am working on a forged ax, that is going to end being a sculptural war arm. Now I would like to carve the handle. Does any of you have a good diagram, or idea for a good carved ax handle. Now, there is a small detail; I have not carved anything in my entire life!!! But I love challenges. Any help?
Alfredo.

Smokey · #2 10-16-2005, 05:25 AM

What total length do you have in mind? Were you intending to use a standard ax handle (Ash or Hickory) and carve it, or custom wood and style? (That would give you alot more options). Oh by the way do you have a motif in mind?

AlArchie · #3 10-16-2005, 08:56 AM

Suggest you google "war axe", "battle axe", or "Viking Axes". You'll get plenty of sites with examples. Note that most have straight handles, a few with a slight knob on the end of the handle.

I've made a couple axe and adz handles from hard maple, but these are for light use. Hickory would be a better choice, or one of the hornbeam woods.
You can cut a profile from a dimensioned piece of wood and then carve the handle to shape with a drawknife, or you can work a straight, small diameter sapling to the desired shape. For appearance the cut and worked handle may be a better choice but for strength, the straight handle worked down from a sapling will be far superior. If you've ever broken an axe handle, you'll see that they usually go at a point where the grain has been crossed while shaping the handle.

A busted battle axe handle in the heat of the frey could screw up the whole rest of the day for old Hagar!

Al

Smokey · #4 10-16-2005, 09:24 AM

I might suggest that since your experience is somewhat limited, you might stick to a simple form on the handle rather than loosing confidence on some highly detailed attempt. In the beginning, simple is much better. After all when you become more experienced and sure of your talents--you can always change the handle. Attention to things like "wood species,grain,color, and finish can make the simplest form a thing of art.

kaiserb · #5 10-16-2005, 11:04 AM

This one looks fairly simple for a start.

http://www.gransfors.com/downloads/p..._100_6630.html

You could make this type of handle from Basswood, Mahogany, or other such carving friendly wood. Then carve your pattern.

wade clark · #6 10-16-2005, 11:07 AM

Alfredo,
Since it's safe to assume that this will be a decorative piece and not something you'll use on a regular basis, You could really go wild on the handle. If you start with a green piece of oak or any other hard wood, it won't be near as hard to carve green. Wrap it in a wet towel when you're done carving each day, so it doesn't dry too fast and crack. If you chose to carve it out of dry wood, you could do most of it on a band saw. How about a 2-handed handle designed for swinging wildly? It wouldn't need to even resemble a traditional axe handle. Add finger grips designed to fit your hands.
Have fun carving it!
Wade

Irish · #7 10-17-2005, 08:18 AM

What a great idea, Alfredo! My son collects fantasy axes, swords, and spears. And I have never seen any in the catalogs with a carved handle. I beleive that it will be a great addition to your forged head!

And, I am not showing this post or thread to my son. I know that he would instantly go and get some paper and a pencil to start drawing a bunch of carved handle designs that would keep be busy for months!

Very creative and very imaginative. When you get your handle started please let us know so we can watch your progress.

Susan

woodcarver55555 · #8 10-18-2005, 02:32 AM

I have a large handled started that is for show only. I started with a pattern out of Ian Norbury's book "Woodcarving book I basic Techniques" pubilshed by Fox Chapel Pub. Mine is out of highly figured black walnut, there is a burl pattern in the dragon head on end of handle. I am inlaying holly (from the tree, not the bush ) for the eye and purpleheart in the center of that. The fangs will also be holly. The blank is bandsawed and shaping started, but my personal projects are on the back burner. The paying jobs are first. If it is for show only, I would use a pretty hardwood and a handle that does not like like a working style handle. Something with style, or middle ages looking. Look around the net at pictures and pick something that is not too involved. Make a clay model and than carve a 1/2 size one in an easy to carve wood like basswood to get the feel of it and work out any bugs.Than carve something simple out of the kind of wood you will use for the full size handle to get a feel for that type of wood. Have fun. Duncan

AlArchie · #9 10-18-2005, 07:32 AM

Duncan, when and where can we see this "beast"? Sounds interesting, to say the least!

Al

Amalgam · #10 10-18-2005, 04:05 PM

Hey yuo guys,

Great ideas. Thank you so much. I like the progressive job that Duncan explained. This is going to be my first carving ever, so the clay and basswood exercise will work for me. Since it is my first I am going to take my time so I do not get frustated.
Thank you Again
Alfredo Alamo