Axe Restoration Service

Woodsmith has offered a hand tool restoration service for a number of years now. The importance of restoring and bringing back to life old, well-used tools is central to our philosophy at Woodsmith. The service is primarily undertaken by our founder, Maurice Pyle, who has decades of experience in using and caring for hand tools. Despite this, we purposefully keep our labour charges to a minimum so that we can keep as many old tools still in action as possible. 

Our typical restoration service includes axe re-handling and head sharpening. Where needed, our in house leatherworkers, Billy or Leo, can create a bespoke leather sheath to protect the newly restored edge. Additionally, tools are fully cared for, including rust removal, oiling, and re-wedging. While the service often focuses on axes, we’re more than happy to consider a range of working hand tools on a case-by-case basis.

Woodsmith stocks a comprehensive range of replacement handles from makers like Smedbergs (Sweden) and Carters (UK). As an official Gransfors Bruk retailer for over 20 years, we offer a full restoration service for most axes. We also stock the complete range of Gransfors Bruk and Hultafors replacement sheaths and handles.

Example Guide Prices for Axe Restoration and Rehandling:

• Regrinding/restoration of axe head: £15 - £30
  Most axe sharpening for tools in already good condition costs £15 - £20, including sharpening, honing, light cleaning, and oiling - £15 for smaller hatchets, £20 for larger felling axes. If the head has severe rust or significant edge degradation (e.g., an axe left on the floor of your grandfather’s shed for 30 years, severely mushroomed poll etc), the cost can be up to £30, depending on the work needed. Removal of chips or dings will also incur an additional cost. Send us a picture if you’re unsure and we'll confirm.

• Cost of the axe handle: variable
  The cost depends on the type of handle you need. If you need help measuring the correct size for your axe head, watch this video. We can advise on the right handle, and you can view our available options and prices here. Most hand axe handles range from £10 to £20, while felling axe handles are between £20 and £45 depending on the style and brand.

• Rehandling: £30 - £40
  Fitting your own handle is a great project, which we recommend giving a go yourself, but if you'd like us to do that for you - we can! Custom fitting and securely attaching the new handle to your axe costs £30 - £40 depending on the axe handle length; £30 for most hand hatchets, £40 for large forest, felling or splitting axes. Other tools, billhooks, hammers, etc - please send an email and we'll advise a price.

• Custom Leather Sheath: variable 
  A sharp edge will only stay sharp for so long if the edge is properly protected when not in use. Entirely optional, but we can offer a sheath made from 3.5mm thick full grain veg tan leather. Prices are indicative only, photos of the axe needed to give accurate price to estimate sheath complexity and work required. At minimum, the sheath will likely be £66 - our standard axe sheaths are £51 - plus a one off £15 for us to make a custom pattern for the sheath, but please contact us first to discuss. Examples of our sheaths can be found here.

• Return shipping: £7.25 - £9.45
  If you’re not local and can’t drop off or pick up your axe from our shop in Whitley Bay, you’ll need to safely ship the axe to us using an age-verified service. Return shipping costs range from £7.25 (for items under 61cm sent via Royal Mail Tracked48) to £9.45 (for larger items sent via DHL on an age-verified service). Please note DHL applies surcharges for Highlands and Islands addresses, so please get in touch with us if you live at one of these addresses for a postage quote.

Since every project is unique, please email us at enquiries@woodsmith.co.uk with a description of the work you’d like us to do, along with a picture of your tool. We’ll review your request and provide a quote before proceeding with the work.

Important note: if you want us to work on the head of your axe, we assume by doing so you want it brought into working condition. As a business we have over 50 collective years experience in working with axes and edge tools and will apply our professional judgement as to the work required doing to make that so. We try as much as possible to retain as much of the character of the tool as possible, but our main priority is the safe working use of the tool.

Our shop address for sending your tools for restoration:

Woodsmith (Tool Restoration),
7-9 Claremont Road,
Whitley Bay,
Tyne & Wear,
NE26 3TN

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