>>1594056Hatchet for taking off a large amount of material.
A little go from an electric planer to refine the shape it down so it's not so wonky. Don't need to do this so much since I'm getting better with a sharp hatchet.
More work from a hatchet to shape the grip angles. You have to be really careful here as hacking too deep and you take a deep cut in the handle. Also chunks splitting out taking too much material with them.
Then a Scandinavian grind craft knife for the fine shaping.
>>1594109A hard wood is preferred for strength.
You can use birch, it's fantastic to work with but you have a higher chance of it splitting or bursting from heavy use.
Hickory will be available as a commercially made ready to install handle.
Oak, Cherry and Ash are probably easy to find if you are starting from gathered wood. You need to cure them by leaving them in a dry environment for 9-12 months. You might get away with 6.
Of buy a 2 x 4 plank of oak, but you really really need to make sure it's got a straight grain. This won't be as good of an option as you won't have natural curve of a grain to work with.
When you work with these woods, as you shape them you will get split ends. It can stop a project. Always leave a few inches minimum on each end as you shape it and only cut it to desired final length once you are happy you finished shaping and are about to fit the head. Oil as soon as the resin for the head is cured.
