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It took me years to recognize a few simple principals in handle oiling that make a big difference in the finished product. For more on oiling handles and on drying oils, watch the long version of this video here:    • Why These Oils Are Best for Tool Handles  

Read the blog post accompanying this video: http://skillcult.com/blog/2016/12/19/...

this is the oil I bought recently. It was the best price I could find. I may have ordered it directly from Pipping rock though. I can't remember: http://amzn.to/2hTgOY7

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Standard gear I recommend. I either use or have used all of it.

Council Tool Boys Axe: https://amzn.to/3z0muqI
Bahco Farmer's File: https://amzn.to/3Hbdhij
King two sided sharpening stone: https://amzn.to/32EX1XC
Silky f180 saw: https://amzn.to/3yZzM71
ARS 10 foot long reach pruner: https://amzn.to/3esETmM
Victorinox grafting/floral knife: https://amzn.to/3Jki1E9
Wiebe 12” fleshing tool: https://amzn.to/3sB0qSl
Atlas Elbow Gloves: https://amzn.to/3FwB5g6

BOOKS:
The Axe Book, by Dudley Cook: https://amzn.to/32kx7sN
Bushcraft, by Mors Kochanski: https://amzn.to/32q2rpT

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When oiling axe and other wooden tool handles, you can nourish and fill the wood with drying oil for a long lasting, well sealed protective finish. The keys are to use raw linseed oil and to apply it steadily and repeatedly for a long period of time. I usually apply it as long as the handle will still soak up oil. I'm pleased to say the Dudley Cook recommends the same in the axe book. I'm currently oiling a haldle that has probably been in progress for nearly a week and is still slurping up oil, even though I oil it about 3 to 6 times a day most days. When it is finished, it will be deeply penetrated and the rind near the surface will be very saturated. Once the drying linseed oil cures into a tough plastic like substance, you have something like a compound substance of stabilized wood. This is entirely different than occasional coats of linseed oil or danish finish. It is not a surface finish it is a deep seal filling the woods pores where there was once water in the living tree. See my blog post for this video for more.