Alternative handle material for hafted weapons

C

Carhold Arms

Joined
Oct 15, 2013
Messages
72
I'm interested in making a series of hafted weapons. Spears, axes etc. The focus of my question is this: besides wood, of which there are many suitable varieties, what synthetic materials would be best for a hafted weapon?

It would need high impact resistance, similar to the material the CS Sjamboks are made from, but it would have to maintain rigidity as well.

While wood is ubiquitous and classic, what materials would lend themselves to the tactical or futuristic look? Say a time-travelling techno-vortex-ninja-cop appeared in your yard, what is the handle of the space-yari he is currently using to assault your Nissan Altima made out of?

I have contemplated using fiberglass or polypropylene, I've heard carbon fiber, micarta or polycarbonate rod, but I'd like to hear from you guys the pros and cons of synthetic handle materials. Any experiences with this? Cost/benefit analysis of different plastics? Availability? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I thank you.

-Big Nick
Carhold Arms
 
Look at rifle stocks.
Layered synthetics would be a good way to go, although you would have to find one of the right density so that it isn't to heavy or light.
You would have perfect grain alignment, and it would be pretty.

Much better than the rubber coated fiberglass that is out there, but also more expensive to make.
 
WJC01: I know carbon fiber is strong, but is it impact-resistant enough? Also I think the rebar might be a bit heavy to swing around...although it did make me wonder about the construction of bullwhips. They usually have a steel rod core for the handle and then it tapers off...but what if it didnt? Plaited leather around a fiberglass rod and impregnated with resin maybe?

SamuraiDave: Layering synthetics is a decent option, but what material to go with. I had a "light bulb" moment and scrambled to check prices for 1" kevlar rod...$36/ft...le sigh...polypropylene at $4.20/ft sounds promising, but I'm not really sure how to relate the info on a technical data sheet to real world durability...I may have to spend some time on the phone with a rep this week to make sense of it.
 
Very difficult to economically improve upon the shock resilient qualities of straight-grain/properly oriented specific species of wood such as hickory/elm/ironwood/white oak. Laminated hardwood only has the advantage of stability with regard to humidity and that's why it's used on gun stocks and not for axe handles. You can learn to judge wood by eye, and shape and fit it with a minimum of tools but to start lusting over graphite and carbon fiber and all that other hi-tech stuff you'll need much more money, expertise and equipment. Various types of metal tubing are inherently strong and light (think bicycle technology) but the moment they scratch, kink or dent the strength is entirely compromised.
 
Stiletto: Good question. I was given a couple of cold steels fgx series and was unimpressed. Got chewed up pretty thoroughly much quicker that I would have liked. I do have a couple of their sjamboks, though and that polyproylene is extremely tough. It just flexes too much for decent support.

crossada: Thanks for the link. I'll be checking them out.

300six: I appreciate your comment, but I am already very familiar with woodworking and its various properties. I started the thread because I wanted to know more about the alternatives. I do not dismiss wood as a viable material, especially considering it has been the material of choice for more years than we have record of. I am certain whatever synthetic I settle on, it will cost me; be it time or money lost to the learning curve. I don't think it miserly of me to balk at $40/ft. though. Either way, your words are well-received and I thank you for them. Yours is the voice of reason in my quest to waste time and money on a whim.
 
Carhold Arms said:
Stiletto: Good question. I was given a couple of cold steels fgx series and was unimpressed. Got chewed up pretty thoroughly much quicker that I would have liked. I do have a couple of their sjamboks, though and that polyproylene is extremely tough. It just flexes too much for decent support.

crossada: Thanks for the link. I'll be checking them out.

300six: I appreciate your comment, but I am already very familiar with woodworking and its various properties. I started the thread because I wanted to know more about the alternatives. I do not dismiss wood as a viable material, especially considering it has been the material of choice for more years than we have record of. I am certain whatever synthetic I settle on, it will cost me; be it time or money lost to the learning curve. I don't think it miserly of me to balk at $40/ft. though. Either way, your words are well-received and I thank you for them. Yours is the voice of reason in my quest to waste time and money on a whim.
Click to expand...
It is only natural for folks to be inquisitive and seek alternates and improved materials. Behold the simple hockey sticks of old. Now everyone out there clamours for expensive composites. Properties of these are known and are consistent whereas wood is highly variable and requires considerable skill to choose for use to advantage, something that unskilled workers and automated assembly lines don't have time for.
 
300Six said:
It is only natural for folks to be inquisitive and seek alternates and improved materials. Behold the simple hockey sticks of old. Now everyone out there clamours for expensive composites. Properties of these are known and are consistent whereas wood is highly variable and requires considerable skill to choose for use to advantage, something that unskilled workers and automated assembly lines don't have time for.
Click to expand...

Truth. There are those that cling to traditional methods, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", neo-luddites that eschew anything more complex than a hammer an anvil and a coal fire. Then there are those whose motto is "bigger, faster, stronger" with strings of letters after there names who focus on powdered steels and resins and lasers. The fact is that the latter eventually become the former and the common thread is the idea that there is only one way to do something "right". An ass for every seat, more than one way to skin a cat, all roads lead to Rome...these I think are better ideals to hold to. Invariably everyone is going to go their own way, as they should. I would much rather have a method, an understanding of a process as a whole, rather than a recipe or list of rote motions. Jack of all trades, master of some I hope.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top