What is the difference between Grade A handles and Grade B handles?
This handle is the shorter version of the 30C, one of the coolest handles we have had a chance to put out to date.
I bought an old, old, old steel pattern from a fellow axe junkie on eBay because I fell in love with the shape and that pattern was used to turn the 30C and for inspiration for this 28C.
There is something so awesome about getting a forgotten piece of history back into working hands. This pattern was made when people depended on their tools for survival so when it came to designing them they were not kidding around.
This curvy hickory single bit pattern is designed for axes that have a bit of a taller eye (Connies, Jerseys, etc...) but I'm sure it would feel comfortable on any axe you can fit it into.
The axe, as it comes, measures 29" but the palm swell is meant to be cut down after the axe is hung to remove any marring or damage from whatever heavy tool you use to hang the axe with.
The edges of the swell also curve slightly upward to give you more grip when swinging.
This is one of those handles that looks fine and dandy in pictures but you don't truly understand how awesome it is until you get to work with it.
This is our first variation of this handle. Each variation we will work with the community to make the eye of this handle fit better and better. Note that in the future this handle will change in the eye section with each release until it is perfect.
Top of the Eye (eye is tapered): 2 1/2" X 15/16"
Shoulder: 2 7/8" X 1"
Customer Reviews
I received my 28C “B” quality handle a few days ago. I was extremely impressed with the quality of materials and craftsmanship of this product. It was straight and well centered. I haven’t shaped it yet for my 3.5 single bit pole head by true temper but I’m confident it will look great. I’m finishing up the look of the head as a present and I know he is going to love it as well. Thank you Brandon for an excellent product.
I told my wife I think I'm in love with Briana.
"Who's Briana?" she asked with somewhat less concern than she should have.
"I'm not sure", I answered, "but every time I get a package from her, there's really awesome stuff in it and a very sweet, happy note...and usually stickers. I think she's hitting on me."
My wife very rarely gives me axe handles, stickers or sweet happy notes. This time I also got a super cool tiny blade.
I'm sure I love Briana as much as she loves me.
Hanged a vintage 3 1/2lbs Kelly Perfect on this epic 28" handle. This thing is a friggin lazer beam! 🇺🇸
Ordered a 28c and a 30c both grade A, shipped fast, packed well. Put a collins michigan pattern on the 28c, ended up with 26" overall measurement, similar sized head on the 30c, ended with 28" overall. So for a normal head, I'd recommend a size bigger than you want, add about 2". Next time, and there will be a next time, I'll get 32c. Handles were a little rough, a couple small checks in the palm swell of both which i didn't expect from a grade A, but had great grain orientation and runout, nothing to complain about. Handles feel great to use, soak up linseed oil well. If your not sure about the cost, I suggest you get one and see.
Beautifully cut and with proper grain orientation. This will make a fine axe!