A handle or shaft attached opposite to the main handle of a tool or weapon, used for balance or additional grip.
From counter- (opposite) + haft (handle or shaft). 'Haft' comes from Old English 'hæft,' meaning handle. This woodworking and toolmaking term describes dual-handle designs.
Two-handed tools like axes and Japanese katanas have counterhafts built into their design—the opposite handle lets you distribute force more evenly and swing with more control!
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