Although Keathley retired from handle-making in 1997, he still buys stacks of fresh hickory wood. But instead of making handles from the wood, Keathley uses it to create ornate bowls, tables and ...

The hickory wood handle is strong, and has a straight grain pattern with a slight flair at the end. We really like the versatility of the handle — it’s just long enough for two-handed use, ...

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The 70-year-old family business in Cassville, Mo. (pop. 2185), makes handles of white oak, ash, and hickory for hammers, axes, wheelbarrows, picks, and hoesas well as for some very obscure tools.

The wood of this tree is hard and durable, and was used historically for mine-shaft supports, wagon-wheel spokes, and all manner of tool handles.