WELCOME TO THE TIMBER VAULT
The handle is often overlooked, yet it’s one of the most important parts of any hand tool.
A well-made handle determines how an axe swings, how much shock is absorbed, how comfortably it sits in the hand and ultimately how long it will last. Even the finest steel can be let down by poor timber.
Every handle I fit begins with carefully selected timber, chosen not only for its appearance, but for its strength, grain structure and ability to perform.
WHY TIMBER MATTERS
Choosing the right timber is about far more than aesthetics.
The ideal handle timber combines strength, flexibility and durability while remaining comfortable to use for extended periods.
Good timber should:
• Absorb shock
• Resist splitting
• Flex without breaking
• Feel balanced in the hand
• Age gracefully
When these qualities come together, the handle becomes a natural extension of the tool.
SELECTING THE RIGHT TIMBER
Every piece of timber is individually assessed before becoming a handle.
I look for:
✓ Straight grain
✓ Minimal grain run-out
✓ Tight, consistent growth
✓ Properly seasoned timber
✓ Structural integrity
A beautifully figured piece of timber isn’t always the strongest. Sometimes the plainest board produces the finest handle.
GRAIN MATTERS
The strongest handle isn’t always the most attractive.
Correct grain orientation is critical to durability.
Every handle is selected with grain direction in mind to maximise strength and reduce the likelihood of failure under heavy use.
Good timber selection begins long before the first cut is made.
TIMBERS I USE
Different projects call for different materials.
Some timbers have earned their reputation through generations of hard work, while others are chosen for their unique colour and character.
American Hickory
The traditional benchmark for axe handles.
Exceptional shock absorption, excellent strength and proven reliability make Hickory one of the finest handle timbers ever used.
Spotted Gum
One of Australia’s outstanding hardwoods.
Strong, durable and beautifully distinctive, Spotted Gum produces robust handles with unmistakable Australian character.
Tasmanian Blackwood
Elegant and richly coloured.
Often selected for premium restorations and presentation pieces where appearance is just as important as performance.
Jarrah
Dense, durable and deeply coloured.
A uniquely Australian timber that creates striking custom handles and display pieces.
Feature Timbers
From time to time I also incorporate feature timbers such as burls, Camphor Laurel, exotic hardwoods and stabilised woods for decorative wedges, accents and custom projects.
These are used sparingly to complement the tool without overpowering its original character.
FROM BOARD TO HANDLE
Creating a handle is a process that rewards patience.
Each handle is carefully shaped, fitted and refined by hand until it becomes part of the tool rather than simply something attached to it.
The final finish is chosen to protect the timber while allowing its natural beauty to remain visible.
A good handle should invite you to pick the tool up.
A great handle makes you want to use it.
BUILT TO LAST
Long after the finish has worn and new marks begin to appear, a well-made timber handle only becomes better with use.
It develops character.
It tells a story.
It becomes part of the tool.
That’s exactly how it should be.
EXPLORE FURTHER
Every handle deserves a quality sheath, and every restored tool deserves a place in the workshop.
Continue your journey through Forgotten Steel by exploring the Leatherwork collection or returning to The Workshop to see where every restoration begins.