![]() Some point to the famous “ The Ax Book” by Dudley Cook – as proof that the straight axe handle is superior for all tasks. The Curved Handle Debate – Why Dudley Cook was Wrong They were used in logging in the Adirondack region in the early 1900s (hence the name), and have become quite popular for restorations. If each blade has a different edge profile, these handles allow the user to know which side is which without looking – and give preference to the primary edge. There are double-bit axe handles that are curved, known as Adirondack handles. When working with two-sided tools like a double-bit axe, Pulaski, or a maul – a straight handle lets you quickly flip back and forth and use both sides equally. Since these heads are also more equally weighted, a straight handle will balance it better as well. Most “standard” hatchets have a curve in the grip but are straight(ish) the rest of the way – which can be a very versatile combination. Especially if the back side is to be used as a hammer, you need flat consistent swings. Hatchets & Carpentry ToolsĪ flat landing is also important for carpenter’s tools, and even normal hatchets where the work is close up and when fine detailing is important. You can safely split wood with a curved handle just fine – just be aware of your form and bring the axe down onto the wood, not in an arch (a common mistake). A straight handle makes it easier to consistently land the blade squarely on the log. When splitting wood you want less rotation in your axe so it doesn’t swing back towards your feet if it passes through the log. ![]() Splitting handles also suffer from “overstrikes” – where the handle hits the wood you are splitting (try and avoid this, but it happens). Splitting can be a tough job for an axe handle, it often needs to be used as a lever to pry side-ways and help pop stubborn wood apart – this is where a straight handle is strongest compared to a curved one. Straight handles are also better for double-sided heads where the axe or tool can be used in either direction. Straight handles are better for splitting and striking tools because the wood is uninterrupted making it stronger, and they rotate less landing flatter on logs. While you can absolutely put a straight handle on a felling axe, and many people prefer it – there are some specific uses where they are easily the better choice. The pole (back of the axe) acts as a counterweight, but it’s often not enough to fully balance the axe – So the blade will naturally want to drop down when being swung horizontally.Ī blade-heavy axe requires the user to hold tighter, increasing fatigue over time and adding a lot more felt impact vibration with each swing. Large axe heads are often heavier on the blade side. They can sometimes look more curved than they are because the backside has to flare out to account for the length of the eye.īut the handle can have an exaggerated forward curve, which can help balance heads with large bits (like the Connecticut pattern) while swinging. Most “standard axe handles only have a slight curve higher up, and are often near straight. A Curved Handle can Balance a Heavy Axe HeadĪ curve in the handle moves the top hand forward closer to the axes balance point during a horizontal swing, making it easier to keep the axe level for the majority of the swing. Important to remember: While these reasons are why the curved grip is beneficial for chopping tasks – It won’t make a difference to an axes performance. This is especially useful for bucking logs on the ground. This grip also allows the user to choose to extend further to make broader swings and use that additional 10° rotation for chopping on the far side. This more natural wrist position is easier on your arm for extended work and reduces the chance of injury from over-extending. ![]() This makes it easy and comfortable to bring the axe into alignment with your forearm during a swing. The curved grip of an axe is angled about 10°, which compensates for the natural angle of a person’s wrist. Most axe handles curve back towards the bottom, and then forward again to form the grip. A Curved Grip is More Ergonomic for Chopping and Bucking An axe may also have a forward curve higher on the handle to help balance a blade-heavy axe during horizontal swings. Most axe handles have a curve in the grip to account for the natural angle of the user’s wrist and to allow a greater range of motion when chopping or bucking. They can be used together or on an otherwise straight handle. There can be two different curves in an axe handle, each with a distinct purpose. Why Most Axe handles are Curved Straight Handled Maul (top) & Curved Handled Axe (bottom)
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