AUSTRALIAN MADE

Spare axe handles in 3 sizes.  Supplied tumble sanded but not finished.

Note these handles are made to an Australian Standard.  Check head eye dimensions below as there are many variants on the Australian market.

European sourced axe heads for example often have a D shaped eye whereas the English speaking world uses a slightly tear drop shaped oval pattern. 

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SPOTTED GUM - Corymbia maculata (Synonym: Eucalyptus Maculata) - Australian native hardwood possessing excellent tool handle characteristics - strength, hardness and modulii of both rupture and elasticity.

The use of wood for the handles of striking tools is as old as our species. Spotted gum is revered by martial arts practitioners who spar with mock swords and other apparatus as it is virtually unbreakable.  

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The essential technical attributes of a wood species for striking tools.

• Orientation - for species which have annular rings such as ash or hickory the orientation of the wood is critical.  The handle should be riven and not have any angled grain down the length of the handle. Spotted Gum does not exhibit rings and is therefore an excellent choice.
• Modulus of Elasticity - the measure of ability to bend, not break and return to original dimension. Imperative to mitigate jarring transmitted to the user. 
• Modulus of Rupture - the bending strength of the handle - how much sideways load will it take before breaking.
• Hardness - tested the same as for metals with the pressing of a hard ball bearing into the wood.  
• Density - should be in the range of 700 to 1000 kilograms per cubic metre.. 

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See handle wedge options HERE

See an ideal oil treatment HERE

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DIMENSIONS

Some Wood Species possess characteristics which make them best suited to use with striking tools. A comparison of three popular species below.