Machete & HammerSoul
I’ve been hunting for a straight‑grained oak to make a long‑handled axe, heard you might know a place with solid hardwood.
Sure, look for a mature oak on the north side of the river. Those trees tend to grow straight, especially ones that get a lot of wind. Check the old logging roads—they leave a lot of solid trunks. Keep an eye out for ant trails; they’ll show you the strongest roots. Don’t waste time on map apps—just follow the wind and the ants. If you can, grab one with a thick core, it’ll keep the axe balanced. Good luck.
Got it, I’ll start chasing the wind and the ants. If I end up with a tree that’s a little too “ant‑y” for my taste, I’ll just carve the axe around it. If not, maybe I’ll experiment with a sapwood handle to keep the balance. Either way, I’ll keep the core thick—no one wants a blade that wobbles like a leaf. Thanks for the tip.
Glad you’re on it. Watch the bark for the ant paths, that’s your roughness gauge. Keep the core thick, yeah, and don't forget to check the heartwood for knots—those mess the balance. If you find a sapwood handle, it can cut weight, but make sure the shaft is straight. Good luck, and remember: the best axe is the one that doesn’t wobble.