First you will need to select the wood for your handle, any straight, knot-free hardwood will be suitable (ash and hickory are ideal). Cut two notches into the fluke of a buttress, spaced to the desired handle length. Hit along the side of the fluke close to the cuts. It will split away at their depth.

Next you will need to fit the head. Whittle the handle into shape with one end cut to fit the hole in the axehead. Make sure you cut a notch in this end that is going into the axe head and make a wedge to fit the notch. With the head in place, drive the wedge into the notch and then soak the axe in water overnight (this will tighten the head onto the handle as it soaks up the water). Always check your axehead for tightness before you use them.