Brand/Manufacturer of axe head: Unknown
Handle Construction/Material: Ash, octagonal cross section
Handle Finish: Raw linseed oil
Overall Length: 14 inches
Head Length: 5.5 inches
Blade/Bit Length: 3.25 inches
Overall Weight (without sheath): 1 pounds 12 ounces (800g)
Sheath: Riveted reclaimed fire hose with leather thong
*all measurements are approximate
I obtain Budget Carver heads as retired and/or overstock units from axe throwing facilities. Bevel width varies due to inconsistency of bit thickness from the manufacturer, but bevels are flat and the grind angle is approximately 25 degrees, which is a little on the acute side. Closer to 30 degrees might be more ideal, but that would result in quite narrow bevels since these heads have a relatively thin bit compared to higher end, purpose-built carving axes. Narrow bevels make it harder to steer the cut and are also more difficult to keep flat. From the testing I have done, edge retention is fair to good even at 25 degrees, and there can be some benefit to a more acute grind like this, such as more easily push cutting across endgrain on the rims of spoons, for instance. Essentially, the grind angle I give these is a compromise to get the best carving performance and ease of maintenance out of these discarded throwing axes, with the aim of providing a good, albeit not perfect, relatively affordable carving axe that is professionally tuned and arrives shaving sharp and ready to work.
Handle texture options include scraped, scratched, and bandsawn, which respectively offer increasing levels of grip. Scraped is the smoothest, approximating 120-150grit sandpaper. Scratched handles are sanded cross-grain with 36grit sandpaper. With thousands of tiny grooves and ridges perpendicular to the grain, bandsawn texture is the grippiest. Scratched and bandsawn both significantly reduce the grip force required to maintain positive control of the tool, thereby reducing fatigue, and helping promote relaxed, fluid technique compared to smooth handles.
Budget Carving Axe
Axes are perhaps the most abused of hand tools, and they are often used in ways that are unsafe. I recommend everyone spend time learning and practicing safe and proper usage. Every effort is made to select strong wood with true grain for my handles, and to do the safest and most secure installation job possible. Nevertheless, every axe should inspected before, during, and after every use. Even adhering to the most stringent safety practices, accidents and material failures can happen with any striking tool. The user must acknowledge and accept liability for this inherent risk. That being said, if one of my axes does not meet the customer's expectations or fails in any way that is not due to mistreatment by the user, I will do everything possible to make it right -- including repair or replacement as well as paying shipping both ways.
•To the extent possible, keep your axe away from moisture. While incidental exposure to rain or snow often can't be avoided and is usually not a concern, be sure to wipe your axe dry as soon as possible after use. Heavy moisture exposure causes wood to swell and then shrink as it dries back out, and this can result in an axe head coming loose. Never put the sheath on if either the sheath or the axe head is wet, as this will cause rusting of the bit.
•To the extent possible, keep your axe away from heat, as this causes excessive drying and shrinkage of the handle and can cause the head to come loose. Never store your axe in direct proximity to a campfire, wood stove, or heat register, or in the cab of a vehicle that is parked in the sun, for instance.
•Periodically apply a light coat of linseed oil, or an oil/wax mixture to your entire axe, including the head, and especially the endgrain areas of the handle. I recommend raw linseed oil rather than boiled for two reasons. First, all commercially formulated boiled linseed oil contains toxic additives to accelerate drying. Second, the longer drying time of raw linseed oil not only allows it to soak deeper into the wood before it polymerizes, but makes any excess much easier to wipe off. Let the oil soak in for several hours and then wipe clean. SAFETY NOTE: Be sure to dispose of any oil-soaked cloths properly as they are a serious spontaneous combustion hazard!
