Cross Pein handle replacement question

[jtphantom]

I just came into possession of my great grandpas cross pein.. its atleast 100 yrs old and the handle he made is begining to splinter near the head.. Im wondering if anyone knows the wood used or what kind of wood thats best and where to find it in Wisconsin.

 

[cden]

Hi jt, Just a thought, but try to remove the handle carefully so you can save it for sentimental reasons. Then maybe the local big depot will have something in hickory that will work.
Good luck, Craig

 

[jtphantom]

yeah I do want to keep the handle as intact as possible...I wanted to make the replacment handle myself instead of buying one as my mom suggested... I think itd be more of a personal way to repair his old hammer, even more odis that I received it today from my grandpa... the odd part is today is my greatgrandpas birthday

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I understand your wanting to "make it yourself", but consider that a forging handle is not just any piece of wood.
I would go and get a hickory handle replacement that is big enough for you to reshape it as you want. That way you will have made it yourself from a piece of wood selected to be a handle. You might even want to check out a blacksmith supply company to get the best material. Try Centaur or Ozark Mountain.
Stacy