Blade Protectors

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winchester73

Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
710
I recently bought a vintage craftsman hatchet and a vintage usa Stanley axe/hatchet. Does anyone know where I could get protectors or something simple to makefor the head. Not for the hatchet but to keep other from cutting themselves. The crafts has a 3 1/4 edge and the Stanley a 3 3/4 edge
 
I picked up a rubber edge protector at home depot. I went to home depot, and under the rack holding the axes and hatchets, there were at least 8-10 rubber edge protectors, of different sizes, sitting on the floor. I asked a home depot employee if I could buy a couple and he said to help myself. I took 3 for my hatchet and it didnt cost me a cent. They aren't the best quality and won't take the place of a good sheath, but they were free and fulfilled my needs.

Just a thought.

Edit: and yes, I usually walk through that aisle everytime im at the depot and there are always at least 2 or 3 on the floor..
 
If you've got a Tandy leather shop near by or a store that sells stuff for horses you can usually buy leather scraps and stuff it's a fun project they won't always turn out pretty but they will do the job.
 
Just take a piece of cardboard and fold it over the edge then tape the sides shut with packing tape. It's not fancy, but it'll work well more than well enough.
 
I've used these:
http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/Products.asp?mi=67001

Right now I have one on a 3.5 lb. and a 2.75 lb. head and they fit reasonably well, but I have the thong around the helve (instead of around the poll as shown in the product picture).

The problem with these covers is that the inside of the rivet that holds on the thong rides directly against the axe edge. Probably okay for drawer-storage, but if riding in the back of a truck, will probably nick the blade. So at least, you will want to cover the rivet with a piece of electrical tape or cement a piece of rubber or leather there.

Oh, and the buckle on the thong is a bit slow and cumbersome compared to a snap or stud.

My first DIY leather stitching project was to drill out the rivet and sew on the thong. (Second DIY leather stitching project was making the whole cover.)

After experiencing hand-stitching, I think I'd rather purchase custom leather products... seriously. It would take me years to cover all my axes.

ETA: A few other sources from my notebook... I have not purchased from any of these vendors:
http://store.harryepstein.com/c/Axesandsheaths.html
http://www.heritageleatherco.com/shop/products/Standard-Single-Bit-Axe-Sheath.html
http://www.heritageleatherco.com/shop/products/Double-Bit-Leather-Axe-Sheath.html
http://www.baileysonline.com/Forestry-Woodcutting/Axes-Mauls/Accessories-Sheaths/
 
You can always make them on your own, it's pretty easy and just takes about 15 minutes. i used a press-stud but you can take whatever you want and place it whereever you want. Just a scrap of leather, thread and you're good to go.

 
 
In a pinch you can fold over a sturdy piece of sheet aluminum and attach a rubber strap. If you look at some recent posts on this forum you'll find one inventive fellow that used an old leather boot to make a sheath.
 
Never tried this, but the design can be as simple as a hole in a piece of leather, as shown in The Book of Camp-Lore and Woodcraft by Dan Beard:

image227.jpg


http://www.gutenberg.org/files/44215/44215-h/44215-h.htm
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44215
 
For a quick-and-dirty homemade solution, you could try something like this:





The cover is made from a piece of vinyl eavestrough (rain gutter) about 3/32" thick. Any similar tough plastic should work. I heated it with a heat gun and folded it double, then molded the ends around the axe head. Pop rivets hold it together and attach the strap. I've made more refined ones since (sorry, no pictures) with better rivets and a Fastex buckle for more convenience.

It's not pretty, but it's more cut-resistant than leather, and no rivets are in contact with the edge. Also, in a damp environment like a canoe pack or a car trunk it won't hold moisture to rust the axe, which is a problem with leather or cardboard.
 
I have some of the leather sheaths posted earlier, like them. They come in a few sizes and don't always fit well. I may be nuts lol- but like to have axes/ hatchets around to appreciate. I like the esthetics and the sheath / mask becomes part of that.
I make kydex masks for my tools, thinking about offering them for sale. Problem being- it requires the same axe/ hatchet to mold to. Will have to look into rules on selling when I decide. Sorry if a little off subject-
ry%3D400

ry%3D400
 
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