First off, I am happy with the handle I received! My personal preference on axe handles is biased toward a thinner cross profile. The same for the palm swell, I feel it could be a touch flatter for more positive control of the cutting head. After tax and shipping I balked momentarily at the amount I was dropping on an axe handle, however, as I unboxed the handle it was immediately clear I had paid for top quality! The grain runout on the handle is practically perfect! This handle will compliment the head that adorns it resulting in a fine tool to be used for many years to come. I will definately look to Beaver Tooth in the future for my tool handles!