sometimes a short section of deer antler (an "antler sleeve") was used, which prevented the splitting of the haft and softened the impact on the stone blade itself, helping absorb the impact of each axe-blow and lessening the chances of breaking the handle. the antler was hollowed out at one end to create a socket for the axehead. the antler sheath was then either perforated and a handle inserted into it or set in a hole made in the handle instead.