I can't understand why hickory is the favored wood species for tool handles because every time I drop a hickory tree it splits down the grain unlike any other species I've encountered. Are hickory handles fiat??
Discussion
Easy to make easy to break?
I don't think that's going to be the answer. Hickory is one of the most dense woods you can get (that's not a local exotic anyway)--absolutely fantastic for home heating and a result, high BTUs. The grain is generally very straight from what I've experienced, but I think that contributes to the easy splitting.
I've split elm on the hydraulic splitter and I'd think that species would be better. That grain is twisted into all kinda knots and a total pain.
What’s the alternative.
The splitting I think is a symptom of extremely straight grain. No cross tension.
Like Mr Shi shi said, easy to split straight easy to make. It’s also very strong and relatively light. Where there is the most tension in the handle near impact/torque points, the wood usually encased in steel.
But yeah… freaking wood.