Axe Restoration Service

CUSTOMER NOTICE: DUE TO HIGH DEMAND AND STAFF HOLIDAYS WE ARE CURRENTLY BOOKING WORKSHOP WORK FOR RETURN END OF AUGUST 2026. YOU CAN STILL SEND IN YOUR TOOLS TO BE BOOKED IN, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE WORK WILL BE RETURNED BEFORE THIS DATE.

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: £35 - £55
  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 £35 - £55 depending on the axe handle length and complexity of the work; £35 for most hand hatchets, £45 for forest, felling or splitting axes. Very large or heavy felling axes/ splitting mauls (e.g. Elwell No.7) are £55 to fit. 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 ask us to carry out work on the head of your axe, we will assume you want it returned to safe, working condition. Between us, we have over 50 years of experience working with axes and other edge tools, and we will use our professional judgement to determine the work required to achieve this. Wherever possible, we will preserve as much of the tool's original character as we can. However, our primary responsibility is to ensure the tool is safe to use. For example, if the poll has mushroomed and presents a safety risk, we will remove the damaged material as part of the restoration. We also reserve the right to refuse work on any axe that we believe cannot be safely restored in our workshop. For example, if an axe head has a structural crack, we may decline to sharpen or restore it, as doing so would be irresponsible and could result in an unsafe tool being returned to use.

Our shop address for sending your tools for restoration:

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

Name:

Email:

Message

Submit