The Agdor 900mm Handle is a premium replacement handle specifically designed for heavy-duty felling axes and splitting axes with a head weight of approximately 1.8kg (4 lbs). Manufactured by Hults Bruk in Sweden (the makers of the Agdor range), these handles are world-renowned for their ergonomic design and structural integrity.
Technical Specifications
- Length: 900mm (36 inches).
- Compatible Head Weight: 1.8kg (1800g).
- Material: American Hickory (Carya alba).
- Finish: Sanded smooth and treated with linseed oil.
- Eye Shape: Rectangular/Oval (Standard Agdor Felling Eye).
Key Features
- American Hickory: Hickory is the gold standard for axe handles because it possesses a unique combination of high strength (to resist breaking) and high shock absorption (to protect the user's wrists and elbows from impact).
- Proper Grain Orientation: Agdor handles are selected for "vertical" grain alignment (parallel to the axe head). This ensures that the force of the swing travels along the fibers rather than across them, significantly reducing the risk of the handle snapping.
- Ergonomic "Fawn Foot" Design: The curved 900mm handle features a traditional "fawn foot" knob at the end. This provides a secure grip, preventing the axe from slipping out of the hands during high-velocity swings.
- Pre-Sanded & Oiled: Unlike cheaper "varnished" handles which can cause blisters, the Agdor handle is oil-finished. This allows the wood to breathe and provides a better natural grip when the user's hands are sweaty or damp.
Common Applications
- Felling: The 900mm length provides the maximum leverage and "swing-weight" required to fell large hardwood trees.
- Splitting: Ideal for heavy-duty splitting axes used to break down large logs for firewood.
- Forestry Maintenance: The standard choice for professional forestry teams in South Africa working with eucalyptus or wattle.
Installation & Maintenance Tips
- Hanging the Axe: Ensure the "eye" of the axe head is clean of old wood and rust. You may need to slightly rasp the top of the new handle for a perfect "press fit."
- The Wedge System: Always use a hardwood wedge driven into the kerf (the slot at the top), followed by a metal cross-wedge. This dual-wedging system ensures the head never flies off during use.
- Oil regularly: Every few months, rub a fresh coat of Boiled Linseed Oil into the handle. This prevents the wood from drying out and becoming brittle in the harsh South African sun.
- Avoid Varnish: If you find the handle is too smooth, do not varnish it. Lightly sand it with 80-grit sandpaper and re-oil it to maintain a high-friction, "tackier" grip.
- Storage: Never store your axe leaning against a damp wall or on a concrete floor. The wood will absorb moisture, swell, and then shrink when it dries, causing the head to become loose.
