Acquiring a new haft

A

axen'questions

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Jan 10, 2016
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So I caught the bug, The one almost immaculate Collins 3 1/4 pound Connecticut I found infected me, and long story short now I have a number of different axe heads that need hanging. Four to be specific. Ranging from hatchet size to a 3 1/2 DB. All Collins Co., (that was the way I found to limit my self on eBay, and also I'm from CT so Vintage collins forged in my home state with CT steel speaks to me). Anyways, I go on.

My question is, where do I get my handles from? I wish I had the tools and time to make the handles myself, but I simply don't. I don't mind thinning down a handle, but full on carving a new handle out of raw material may be a little beyond my level, and more assuredly, my meager assortment of tools.

I understand the importance of a generous palm swell, and a thin haft to allow the 'flex' that is supposed to happen. What manufacture do you think would serve the purpose best? I'm leaning towards HH, but that is mostly out of a lack for anything else. I've looked through Tennessee H.'s website, but they seem pretty similar, and their lack of online ordering ability leads me to believe they are more of a wholesales distribution establishment. Although TH does offer 'forester' classification they classify as a 'fair weight' handle. I'm not sure what this means, does anyone have experience with them?

I was also flirting with the idea of getting council tool replacement handles, but that is expensive. Anyways any ideas are welcome, as I am a neophyte.

I was just hoping some people had experiences with these manufacturers or others, and could give me some advice based on experince. Thanks in advance!
 
Not sure where you're located but I'm presuming USA. Beavertooth is the retailer for Tennessee Hickory Products. House Handle is another maker you may want to scope out. Seymour-Link (or is it merely Link these days?) is a big player for stocking big box store shelves with various wood handles.
 
As far as Tennessee Hickory, I bet you could order from them but you might need to email/call. This is my understanding of their ordering codes.


Agent_H said:
Tennessee Hickory Products
http://www.tennesseehickoryproducts.com/index.shtml

This page fills the customer in on the details. They use a 4 digit numbering system for ordering.
http://www.tennesseehickoryproducts.com/orders.shtml

Link to the specific numbers for handle styles and lengths:
http://www.tennesseehickoryproducts.com/images/eye_handle_guide.pdf

So for instance, if you want a 32” straight single bit you order the 1232
1 – Axe handle
2 – Straight
32 – length
1232-X would be octagonal.

If you want a 30” sledge hammer handle you order the 2130
2- Hammer
1 – Sledge
30 - length

House Handle is easier with the drop down menus for sure. Make a shopping list, check it twice, and send an email to their contact list.

Looks like blanks can be had from Charles O Cox Corporation. For those it looks like you have to contact the sales at Tennessee Hickory Products as they don’t have site and everything points back to the Tennessee Hickory Products home page as a contact.

I have only happened upon their handles here locally and not ordered online but I am thinking of doing so. I have most of that guide memorized and a list already made.

So, I can't comment on shipping, customer service, speed of delivery, or return policy.

I can say the ones I have found have been all sapwood and pretty straight - it's wood after all.

*They also state that they do not sort by heartwood or sapwood so don’t expect them to be all of one or a mix.

Also - place an order and tell them you have been disappointed with their competitor and you will share what you get.
Click to expand...

I’ve had good luck with House Handle but it’s been a while.

Agent_H said:
https://www.househandle.com/grades.htm


AA - Select extra grade, heavy weight, all white, all red hickory and white oak, free of defects - with clear lacquer finish.
aa_grade_sized.jpg


AW-FH - Heavy weight hickory and white oak. No Knots that will affect the service of the
handle - flame tempered with clear lacquer finish.

XX - Select grade ash or oak - with clear lacquer finish.
xx_grade.jpg


FH - Second grade ash or oak - flame tempered with clear lacquer finish.
fh_burned_grade_sized.jpg


AA GRADE SPECIAL REQUESTS

Handpicked Handles - We will add $2.00 per handle to your order.
No Lacquer - We will add .50 per handle to your order
Octagon - We add $1.50 per handle to your order.
The octagon is done by hand, not by machine, therefore will not be perfect. Each octagon handle will vary and are not returnable.

NOTE ABOUT SHIPPING AA GRADE HANDLES
All AA grade handles are shipped with complimentary wedges. They are not included in the price, they are simply a
gift from House Handle for ordering our highest grade handles. Every care is taken on our end to ensure safe delivery
to your destination. In the unfortunate event of shipping damage, complimentary wedges cannot be replaced
for free if they are damaged in transit.




The grading is a little different than I remember from the last time I ordered - two years maybe and I probably didn't even look to begin with.

I didn't even know they offered ash and oak...

FH is now second grade ash or oak - looks like hickory isn't part of that class now. I mean, if I'm reading this right.

JB, most, if not all, of the tools you post probably deserve AA handles.

Still, selling something low grade like that as a "standard"... I wonder if they just mix some definite dogs in there and know that the majority of people won't bother to do anything about it.

So, does the customer need to specify they want hickory - red or white and not oak as well now?
Click to expand...

Sorry to quote myself but I tried to get a grip on it in the event I want to place an order as well.
From: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1349354-House-Handle-love-hate-(mostly-love-but-)
 
Give TN Hickory a call. If you can drop some pesos they might be willing to ship a variety pack of everything you want. The handles are cheap, shipping is going to have you wife breaking you.
34y8cio.jpg
 
Wow thanks for all the speedy responses. I guess I'll give TH a call when my DB gets here that way I have all the eye specs right. Ill see what they say, if it doesn't work, I'll try HH. Oh and yea I'm in the U.S.A.
 
You might also check your local saw shop or farm supply store. They sometimes carry Tennessee Hickory products. You can hand select and reduce shipping costs.

Lastly, you could ask TH for a list of retailers in your area.
 
Square_peg said:
You might also check your local saw shop or farm supply store. They sometimes carry Tennessee Hickory products. You can hand select and reduce shipping costs.

Lastly, you could ask TH for a list of retailers in your area.
Click to expand...


Coastal Farm and Ranch around here carries House Handle products.
 
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