You got my blessings, killa, but I'm just a greenhornBut I do think that Peter would also approve, as his 1975 axe handle section measures only 18 by 32mm, for a 3.5 pound head on 31" length, and it has served him well for over 35 years so far.I think the knob is indispensable for a working axe, to keep it in your hand more easily without having to squeeze it so much.Flattening the sides (the wider dimension) will also help give better accuracy and keep the axe under better control without having to squeeze it so much to keep it from twisting.Peter told me his next post will include more info about shaving down an axe handle.