Handle

This felling axe handle was made by R.W. Rich’s Steam Wood Works of East Hoathly, East Sussex, circa 1945–6. The handle is made of ash and has been cleft by hand to follow the natural grain of the wood, giving the handle a strength and toughness not achieved through machine cutting. Traditionally, each tool had a particular shape of handle – the felling axe handle has a distinctive curved end with…