Sweet axe. I do like the look of those Nationals but have yet to get my hands on one. I like to make handles so of course I agree that the handle makes a big difference. I just swapped out the factory 32" on an Agdor Montreal for a 29" one of my own and it took the axe from disappointing to one of my favourites.
Very nice video Joe. The CT is one of my most used boys axes also. It was recently dethroned by a vintage Gambles boys axe. This video makes me want to put a proper grind on my national boys axe and get it in the running. Well done Sir.
I think you're gonna like it! -- But now, my new interest is how much does the handle play a role in the user's experience of its performance? If you have exactly the same National head, but a different handle, say a CT handle (which is "just" a handle) would it, you know, affect your perception of the ax's performance -- if not actually affect performance? Hmmm... how do we test *this*? Maybe we can just assume it. If you don't like the handle, you won't like the experience as much.
@OnceUponAnotherTime Very valid questions. It's a fair speculation since it's how the user interfaces with the tool. In my mind it's like having poor tires on a vehicle. It limits the potential performance and can leave the user with wrong assumptions about the tool in general. It's funny you mention it being hung on a CT handle because it actually is. Years ago I bought 3 CT replacement boys axe handles and one of them ended up paired with that head. Another ended up on my CT boys axe. I don't hate the CT handle that's on the national boys axe...... but I also don't love it. It's partiality why I never put a proper edge on it.
Sweet axe. I do like the look of those Nationals but have yet to get my hands on one. I like to make handles so of course I agree that the handle makes a big difference. I just swapped out the factory 32" on an Agdor Montreal for a 29" one of my own and it took the axe from disappointing to one of my favourites.
Very nice video Joe. The CT is one of my most used boys axes also. It was recently dethroned by a vintage Gambles boys axe. This video makes me want to put a proper grind on my national boys axe and get it in the running. Well done Sir.
I think you're gonna like it! -- But now, my new interest is how much does the handle play a role in the user's experience of its performance? If you have exactly the same National head, but a different handle, say a CT handle (which is "just" a handle) would it, you know, affect your perception of the ax's performance -- if not actually affect performance? Hmmm... how do we test *this*? Maybe we can just assume it. If you don't like the handle, you won't like the experience as much.
@OnceUponAnotherTime Very valid questions. It's a fair speculation since it's how the user interfaces with the tool. In my mind it's like having poor tires on a vehicle. It limits the potential performance and can leave the user with wrong assumptions about the tool in general.
It's funny you mention it being hung on a CT handle because it actually is. Years ago I bought 3 CT replacement boys axe handles and one of them ended up paired with that head. Another ended up on my CT boys axe.
I don't hate the CT handle that's on the national boys axe...... but I also don't love it. It's partiality why I never put a proper edge on it.