Photos Knot in axe handle?

[LewisW]

I got my first axe today, but there is what appears to be the starting of a knot right under the head.
Though it looks minimal, I am wondering if this is acceptable or not?

 

[KentuckyBlackBird]

The handle has grain run-out. It means that the handle is prone to split in that location if/when it breaks or splits. For what it’s worth, put an over strike guard and on and use it till it breaks. Try not to commit overstrikes with your new buddy. Hope that helps.

Btw,
That is about normal for some axe manufacturers today. Is it acceptable, nah. Is it normal, lots of times.

 

[flexo]

today i just broke one axe haft on a 3,1/2 phantom bevelled head. i am responsable for that!
i made the billet and then the hafts. some time back another one from the same batch broke right under the eye. just the same with no apparent ,obvious flaw. it was something in the wood eyes can't see . or bad drying , what else what ever...
the flaw of yours is obvious but maybe not so serious. i guess this is more a run out than a real knot as i think the knot has been removed.
is your axe a gb?

 

[LewisW]

today i just broke one axe haft on a 3,1/2 phantom bevelled head. i am responsable for that!
i made the billet and then the hafts. some time back another one from the same batch broke right under the eye. just the same with no apparent ,obvious flaw. it was something in the wood eyes can't see . or bad drying , what else what ever...
the flaw of yours is obvious but maybe not so serious. i guess this is more a run out than a real knot as i think the knot has been removed.
is your axe a gb?

Yeah, Gransfors Bruk small forest axe. I dont want to, but does it justify a return?

 

[flexo]

use it, it will be time to return it later on...

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Not a knot, just grain runout. Whether or not it will be significant depends on how many rings of continuous growth you have running end-to-end on the handle. It's pretty common to see at least a little runout in the grain like that just due to the contours of the wood.

 

[LewisW]

Thanks for the input guys, I will hold onto it. It would be good to learn how to replace a handle anyway if it breaks.

 

[tommytman]

Just use it. I’ve seen plenty of times when wavy grain wood is a heck of a lot tougher than straight grain. I have a 12 lbs sledge hammer with a similar thing to your picture. I blew out my shoulder swinging that hammer and the handle is fine lol.

 

[Old Axeman]

I have seen a lot of broken axe and pulaski hafts, and I have never seen when wavy grain wood is tougher than straight grain.

 

[tommytman]

Me too. Mostly handles hitting wood.

 

[Wild Willie]

My sfa has a bit too, at least I think that's what it is.

I've used it camping, trapping, and next to the splitter since 2006ish... Use that bad boy, it's a fine tool.

 

[Old Axeman]

I did not do a good job explaining my opinion in my last post. What I was trying to say is that wavy grain wood is NEVER tougher than straight grain wood, as it applies to wood handles on percussion tools like axes. Anybody who works with wood to make their living knows this to be true.