One of the most difficult components of the axes in the first experiments were the coil windings connecting the blade to the shaft. From the archaeological evidence, preserved coils have not survived, but some blades show traces of polishing in the places over which the original coils ran.
Leather, rawhide from deer and cattle, eel skin, as well as linen and lime bast cords were used. The best results were achieved with strips of wet wound rawhide, which contract as they dry, increasing strength. Similarly, wraps of twisted lime bast twine are durable and practical. Intermediate linings between the blade and the shaft with strips of lime bast, birch bark or wooden flakes proved to be advantageous.
Compared to rawhide, wrappings made of eel skins, which are also very tear-resistant, proved to be much more sensitive; even the slightest damage causes the wrappings to tear. Leather proved to be completely unsuitable, as its flexibility causes it to elongate and loosen during use. Even wet wrapped and subsequently dried bindings did not produce a durable connection.
