Didnt want to clog @nitesite ax thread so im post this seperate. So following the axes/machete thread got me on the axe kick, i now own a couple i actually like. The one i had I purely despised, it was ugly uncomfortable and sharp as a rusty spoon. It was a Collins Axe Co. Fiber handled thing from Ace hardware. It hurt my hands and my feelings. Having aquired a couple nice axes it was destined for a new home. BUT then i saw on one of the Alaska shows the fella broke his axe handle and set about carving a new one in the woods to carry on. Hmmmm i thought ya know folks usef to make they own didnt have em at the store like today??? Would I could I ?? So first drill and remove that yellow atrocity, clean head see if it will take an edge.. Yup its hair poppin sharp now and now add some patina. To the real work, handle time. Im not crafty folks i got basic all around country boy skills but fine @ripjack13 like wood skills uhuh nope. I looked thru wood supply found walnut trunk seemed ok, not typical axe material from reading but acceptable old timers used what they had were they were. I wanted to use hand tools such as maybe id have in field. So grabbed big Rowan small Rowan and hatchet. Well winner of the group was the Esse 6 (which till now ive found heavy bulky and useless) it excels in handle making. Never used the others just the 6 and a piece of wood. Disclaimer I am not a bushcrafter or prepper or whatever the new secret special word of the week is, im a basic country boy who likes to know stuff has a couple skills and be self sufficient and its been that way for generations hence were still here irregardless of whats cool. Ok pics here yall decide, not bad first try in my book, it works. May sand abit and lindseed. I did have to grab hand saw to cut slot, and i also used farrier rasp(you should get one) a little bit.