When you upgrade to an heirloom-quality axe, you’ll soon learn that there’s a maintenance schedule that comes with it. It’s not like the old Home Depot fiberglass-handle clunker that you could just throw in the toolshed and take a file to every now and then. While a good axe will last for generations, it’s got to be properly cared for in order for that to happen. One of the first things you’ll need to do when you invest in a new axe is to condition the handle.

If you're in the know, you know that boiled linseed oil is the go-to for conditioning wooden tool handles, especially axe handles. It helps stabilize the wood, prevent cracking, and adds a degree of waterproofing. It also gives it a gorgeous honey-brown glow like nothing else. And for a working axe (which yours ought to be), it gives a nice tacky finish that reduces friction when you swing, which both makes it safer and helps prevent blisters.

Only problem is, it's pretty messy to apply. Once it soaks into your hands, it doesn't go away. The solution? Pour a quarter-sized dab of it into the palm of a nitrile or latex glove and rub down your axe handle. Once you're done, throw the glove away, or save it to reuse later. Wipe off the excess oil, and you’re good to go. Problem solved. How often do you apply boiled linseed oil? Well, if you have a new axe, remember the old woodsman's adage: "Once a day for a week. Once a week for a month. Once a month for a year. Once a year for a lifetime."

One caveat, though: Boiled linseed oil is EXTREMELY flammable. Be careful around sparks, high heat, or open flame. In rare cases it can spontaneously combust. So before you throw away that glove, take a second and rinse it off under some hot water. And give some thought to where you store your can of linseed oil, too.

If you take care of your axe, it’ll take care of you. And if you’re in the market for one that’ll last you a lifetime and then some, we’re offering all of our Hults Bruk axes for 10% off this month, plus a FREE Lansky Puck sharpener. Whether it’s the Almike hatchet for splitting kindling, or the Kalix felling axe for taking down a full size tree, we’ve got an axe that’ll suit your fancy. Get yours here! https://www.sarcraft.com/products-1?category=Axes+%26+Hatchets

- Alex