What is your preferred handle length for a 3.5 lb chopping axe?

T

thunderstick

Joined
Jan 15, 2007
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I'm 5'-10".
I prefer the 32" handles over the 36" for all-round chopping usage--felling, limbing, bucking. To me this length is more easily used in the tighter quarters especially when limbing. Also the axe will typically have a better balance point with the shorter handle. I will give up some leverage for the better control of the shorter handle. It also seems that most competition choppers are using shorter handles.

Only for a dedicated splitting axe might I prefer the 36" and then it might as well be a straight handle, but I typically do most of the splitting with a maul since we often have some twisted grain mixed in which does not split well with an axe. I like one-swing splits as often as possible and an axe does not get this for me. When using the 32" for splitting you can also use a bit higher chopping block and I also like this length better for making kindling. So again, in most usages I still come back to the 32" as my preference.

So what is your preferred handle length and why?
 
I have never done much chopping, but I would think a 28"-32" would offer better control, more like a baseball bat. I am actually hoping more people chime in on this thread because I have a 4lb head that needs a handle, and since I am rather novice to axes and such I could use some guidance.


-Xander
 
I'm also a fan of the 32" size for chopping... On a heavier head, say, above 5 pounds, I'd go to 36. But mostly I like 32.
 
I actually not too recently hung two vintage 3.5 lb Keen Kutter heads... one on a 32" straight and another on a 32" curved. I was wanting to try and find out which I had a preference for but I believe I might have mis-hung the straight handled one since it just feels off - either that or I'm just too used to curved handled axes at this point to switch over.

Back to the matter at hand though: I've used standard 36" felling axes in the past (all you can really find in hardware stores these days) and they're just awkward in my opinion.. harder to aim, harder to control and tires me out way too quickly. This experience is actually what made me dismiss axes initially.. Now that I've gotten some usage out of my 32" 3.5 lber, I can honestly say that I find it to be the perfect combo for me and the difference has been night and day - aiming and controlling my swing is easier, I feel confident enough to actually put power behind my strokes and I can work without tiring for a much longer period. I guess it might be because I'm rather short at 5'4 and taller/bigger folk might have better luck with a longer handle but if that's the case, a weightier head could probably also be used (36" and 4-4.5 lb head for example)

Here's some shots just for fun. The axe heads - you can see the two keen kutters I mention:
P1070120.jpg


Felling a dead limb on the cherry tree in the backyard with a GB Scandi whilst precariously balanced on a rickety wine rack:
DSCF6555.jpg


And bucking the limb with my lovely 32" 3.5lb keen kutter..
manly.jp


Yes - I was being all sorts of unsafe standing on an unstable wine rack and wearing the worst shoes possible (short of sandals) but I'll be damned if I break parallel with the ground!
DSCF6617.jpg


Also a neat little note - I decided to not put in the metal wedge after hanging the axe as per the "An Axe to Grind" videos just to see how well the head would stay in place... so far, it's been on tight as can be after several projects! Honestly, I agree with the old-timer... there really doesn't seem to be any reason to split the grain after properly hanging an axe. Add a wee bit of linseed to hydrate the wood and you should be good.. Also allows you to put in the metal wedge later if you notice some loosening.
DSCF6622.jpg


DSCF6645.jpg
 
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Its interesting to note that most high scale European axes and the competition axes pretty much have around a 32" handle--that has to say something about the most efficient length.
However we might ask--why did Americans gravitate towards a longer 36" handle? I think the answer may lie in the diameter of the trees being axed in America vs. the size of European trees. When the trunks were so large you needed to have sufficient handle length to stand back a bit from the trunk to swing. However since most of us will not fell large diameter trees with an axe it stands to reason we may be better served by a shorter handle.
 
Being 5 foot 5 1/2", I tend to use a handle between 29" and 32" for bucking and limbing. I have some full sized "36" (they generally work out to be 34" after fitting) handles that I am not so fond of for those tasks, but for felling and splitting they are nice.


thunderstick said:
Its interesting to note that most high scale European axes and the competition axes pretty much have around a 32" handle--that has to say something about the most efficient length.
However we might ask--why did Americans gravitate towards a longer 36" handle? I think the answer may lie in the diameter of the trees being axed in America vs. the size of European trees. When the trunks were so large you needed to have sufficient handle length to stand back a bit from the trunk to swing. However since most of us will not fell large diameter trees with an axe it stands to reason we may be better served by a shorter handle.
Click to expand...

Well it certainly depends on the region. The west coast loggers used handles up to 48" when notching redwoods. On the east coast were the trees were smaller, the handles were typically shorter. I was looking at some axes that belonged to my neighbors father (a logger), and I saw no handles over 32" long. From what I was told, he made all his own handles, so that was no coincidence.
 
I think this confirms my point--that handle length may have been determined by tree diameter. If large tree diameter is not a consideration for usage, and only balance or efficiency is the main concern, a 32" handle is generally about the most balanced length for 3.5 lb axe.
 
Good pics and even sweeter axes, but please: wear some eye protection while you are wailing away at the hard woods. Some nasty things can happen with chips in the eye.
 
This is an old thread, but what the heck.
I recently got a pretty good deal on some NOS LaPierre 28" full size eye handles.
Does anyone here use a full size axe on a 28" handle?
I prefer a shorter handle between 30 and 32", but I have never used a full size axe on a 28" haft.
Any thoughts and or opinions on this?

Thanks :)
 
Hello Bear. I have a four and a half pound Hytest on a 28 inch haft. It's not bad to use, but I would not say it's great to use.

Ok for a camp axe or to use for a short time but just hasn't got the balance. One day I'll rehang her to my favorite length. 32"

regards...Frank
 
I'm 6'3" and I've found the 28" a tad small but very doable. It was a little easier to pack as well. I would think it would be perfectly fine.

bearhunter said:
This is an old thread, but what the heck.
I recently got a pretty good deal on some NOS LaPierre 28" full size eye handles.
Does anyone here use a full size axe on a 28" handle?
I prefer a shorter handle between 30 and 32", but I have never used a full size axe on a 28" haft.
Any thoughts and or opinions on this?

Thanks :)
Click to expand...
 
I'll play. I am 6'2" with long arms and have always preferred a 36"+ handle. The axe I have used since I was 13 is a 3.5# Hults Felling Axe. Its on its 3rd haft in its life after about around 100 cords of wood and the current is about 37". The only time I have felt it was too long was when trying to limb with it because that is when it is hardest to control distance of swing. For limbing I have a few with 28" hafts. In all other situations the advantage sits with the longer haft for greater impact when swung. You work harder with a shorter haft.
 
cooperhill said:
I'm 6'3" and I've found the 28" a tad small but very doable. It was a little easier to pack as well. I would think it would be perfectly fine.
Click to expand...
I'm around 5' 8", so a shorter handle certainly feels better to me.
I have a couple of 3^2 DB's that I am going to hang on 30-32" handles. I unfortunately am going to have to order them.
I guess that's life though ;)

Thanks for the responses fellows :)
 
klammer said:
I'll play. I am 6'2" with long arms and have always preferred a 36"+ handle. The axe I have used since I was 13 is a 3.5# Hults Felling Axe. Its on its 3rd haft in its life after about around 100 cords of wood and the current is about 37". The only time I have felt it was too long was when trying to limb with it because that is when it is hardest to control distance of swing. For limbing I have a few with 28" hafts. In all other situations the advantage sits with the longer haft for greater impact when swung. You work harder with a shorter haft.
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not sure about that. with a heavier axe wasted motion and errant swings do take more out of you. Some things like splitting benefit from extra weight but for most work I seldom use more than 3lb on 31".
 
Just measured my favorite vintage axe. 31 inches.
Seems to just swing right with the 3.5 lb Collins.
The thin contour and fawns foot handle may have something to do with it.
 
Casehardn said:
Just measured my favorite vintage axe. 31 inches.
Seems to just swing right with the 3.5 lb Collins.
The thin contour and fawns foot handle may have something to do with it.
Click to expand...
Is it a legitimus Connecticut? If so, I just got one of those with a deep bellied fawns foot. Total length is 29" and man is that thing a helluva chopper!
I have to say that I am very surprised and pleased with that axe. It quite possibly may be the best axe I have ever used.
 
I was out in the woods yesterday, working on cutting some wood.

Fell 6 trees, all via axe. One with Council jersey on 36, my Black Donald BMC on 36, and my GB Felling on 31 I believe it is.

The Council I did not particulary enjoy. Its handle is like a maul handle. Curved, but thick, way to thick. I used it on a maple tree approx 18 inches across. I got the job done, it just didnt "feel" right, if that makes sense.

I used my GB feller then on a maple and then also a cherry tree, both about 18 inches across. It performed, no doubt. As most have said, the 31-32 inch range gives you control, keeps you from wearing out as fast, etc. It took em down in no time.

The Black Donald, 4 lb dayton head on 36 inch handle - used it on a big quaken asp, approx 28 inches across. I was back in my woods were space is usually tight, but I had room to swing on this one. I think it did a hell of a job. Took it down quick, chips flying, etc. The other tree I used it on was a smaller cherry, probably about 16 to 18 across. It went right thru it.

I have always used a 36 inch axe. Just the way it was. Never even got around to 32-31 until recently. Splitting mauls 36, sledges 36, etc. Just the way it was, really didnt know any different.

I think the main key to a 36 inch handle is the thickness. You look at the new handles, they are way too thick. You put a 3, 3.5, 4 lb axe on the end, over the day, you have some weight out there. That will wear you down. 32 inch haft, especially if you arent weilding it everyday, will be better no doubt. The 36 handle on the Black Donald is perfect. Thickness, contours, belly, foot, all seem to really be it. Balanced well. This is where the council jersey failed, and I could "feel" it. Hard to explain I guess.

32 inch will probably always be the most popular choice. I think 36 is somewhat the standard cause "thats the way it was". USA, bigger better. Someone mentioned about the timber size, and I am sure that had a big play in it. I was chopping away on the one tree this weekend, thinking to myself, Hmmmm...imagine being in Oregon, 20 ft up, on a plank, swinging away.....all day.....everyday. Unreal.

Now I have this Hytest massive head that is on a small handle......I want to try it out so bad.....so bad........we will see. Maybe Frank will send me a loaner one day for me to try out.
 
Big O....I know what you mean by a thick haft. They are terrible to use. Most of the hafts bought here are way too thick. But a least that gives the option of shaping down to favorite fit.

regards...Frank
 
Hey Frank -

You have more experience with the Taz style heads than I do - would it be safe to assume that if you got into those kind of head patterns - like the pic of the Hytest I posted - large, heavy(4.5, 5, 6lbers) - unless you are 6'8" and 320 you almost have to put those on a 32 inch haft to control them dont you? I cant imagine swinging one of those all day on a 36 inch haft......does that sound accurate or am I way off?
 
G-pig said:
not sure about that. with a heavier axe wasted motion and errant swings do take more out of you. Some things like splitting benefit from extra weight but for most work I seldom use more than 3lb on 31".
Click to expand...

not sure why you would miss more or waste motion with a longer handle. A longer handle means greater head speed when swung - its physics. But you should always use what you are comfortable with.


I agree fully with Operator - 99% of handles are way too thick now. I got lucky on CL finding a guy selling a huge lot of 36-37" handles of perfectly grained and nice and thin for $5 each. I bought 12 of the straightest he had. He got them in a box from an auction, no maker details.
 
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