Handle for first rehang

J

Jbpman

Joined
Aug 5, 2019
Messages
20
Good Morning BF.

I'm very new to the axe discussion and have been searching up info the last few days as I am restoring my dad's old Plumb 3^2 to use this spring. I've seen videos with golf balls used as file handles but does anyone know of an off the shelf product to do this?

Lastly, I am completely new to replacing handles. I would rather support our BF community so If anyone knows who would make one or a place to get a high quality handle online, I would appreciate it. Seems like they are in high demand at the moment.
 
Jbpman said:
Good Morning BF.

I'm very new to the axe discussion and have been searching up info the last few days as I am restoring my dad's old Plumb 3^2 to use this spring. I've seen videos with golf balls used as file handles but does anyone know of an off the shelf product to do this?

Lastly, I am completely new to replacing handles. I would rather support our BF community so If anyone knows who would make one or a place to get a high quality handle online, I would appreciate it. Seems like they are in high demand at the moment.
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Welcome! You've come to the right place for information on vintage axes and everything that goes along with them! I'm going to suggest using the "search forums" feature to seek out the questions you are asking, and loads of info will be presented to you, as it has all been discussed multiple times before. As for file handles, they can be purchased at most any hardware type store. The golf ball handle trick is supposedly meant for achieving a generalized ideal set angle when draw filing to sharpen. It is by no means standard practice. There are angle gauges available to check your angles, if you so desire.
As far as new handles, A few common places to order handles are from House Handle Co., Beaver Tooth, Whiskey River, and Tennessee Hickory. Most local hardware stores will have some in stock on the shelves, but the quality is usually sub par. Most all handles you order online will be available in different grades, depending on how much you want to spend. Also, most will need "slimmed down" to the users desired fit and finish. You can do this with a basic "4 in hand" rasp and sand paper, or if you have access to a belt sander that would make it go alot faster. Hope this helps and gets you pointed in the right direction! Look up the YT video "An axe to grind" for a great beginners run down to hanging an axe. Good luck! Post pics when you're finished!
 
Hello!

I've DEFINITELY had the best luck with Link handles at my local hardware store. Usually 1 or 2 out of 5 is pretty darn good, while about 1-2 out of 5 are pretty bad. I've had so so luck with house and tennessee hickory handles ordered online. Even ordering hand picked from House, I'm still at about 50/50 or even less. Most have a bow in them, and most are super fat and require a lot of thinning, much more than the Link do. So, I'd recommend an exhaustive local search of hardware stores and see what you can find. I don't like ordering on line any more because you have NO control over what they send you. The other thing I've had a little luck with lately, is vintage handles on axes at antique stores. I got a REALLY nice handle that was on a pretty nice axe head for $25. I pulled the head, which I could sell probably for $15-20, and put the handle on an old jersey head I had and am very happy with it.
 
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