Home Forums Gear Knives and Blades Picked up something a wee bit interesting.

That has me scratching my head too.

No, I drilled an oil hole in the butt to keep oil seeping into the handle.

I have seen a few old axes here with a hole and a cork in the end to hold a piece of oiled cloth which is used to wipe the blade when it has been used, I decided to put a hole in the end to keep oil seeping along the wood fibres...hence the use of cold pressed linseed without driers.

Instead of soaking the axe regularly I shall just unscrew the screw and pour some linseed inside.


What can I say, I really am lazy.


Added, and if it doesn't set the world on fire then I am okay with that as I still got to play with a new toy.

Still confused I guess...
To quote from above:

"To keep the head tight you soaked it in linseed oil.
I drill a small hole in the end and fill with oil.
Put a set screw in.
Once in a while I “check the oil”
Haven’t lost a set screw yet and the handle stays swelled from the oil. As linseed will dry as it loses the thinners.
Just sayin.
I like the cross pin idea.
Hope all is well with you. "

So two issues here?
Keeping the head tight and keeping the grip area of the handle swollen?????

I do, by the way, like the cross pin idea for the head.

No, it is to keep the wood in the handle from drying out and splitting...I do not have a problem with the axe heads loosening from shrinkage.

Beating them against a big lump of old "Black Box" on the other hand is brutal on them, hence the pin and cross wedge..

OK, gotcha.
I do not remember of ever having a handle split out on me.
I have seen some splitting from incorrect or abusive use.

Anyhow, good ideas.

Should anyone be interested in one of the Norlund camp axes for driving wedges it is worth noting that the axe worked a treat, when your shoulders are sore and you get the bar caught the axe is a joy to use, certainly beats swinging a full sized axe.

Went and cut a load of redgum this morning and used the axe to free the bar, pic 1.