Handles - Updated.

Operator1975

Operator1975

Joined
Sep 24, 2010
Messages
2,395
Boy was pleasently surprised when I hit 3 local yocal hardware stores, and picked up about a dozen handles, all "Do it Best" brand, which I was really surprised with the grain structure, and that the handles were thin as well. I guess these are made by V and B MAnufacturing Co - or a branch of Vaughan and Bushnell, which I had no idea.

These handles though were tremendously better than the Link handles I have seen - a local Tractor Supply had some Link handles and they were all junk - no 2 handles were the same, all covered in lacquer, and they were just a mess. I could not believe how shoddy they were.

So hopefully these Do it Best will do nicely - I got 36 " curved SB, 36" DB, 28" DB Cruisers, and 19" house axe handles. The last 2 I was really happy to see, as they are not too common in stores. They were also priced really well I thought - especially if you factor in shipping if you have to order on-line. I will get em hung and let you know how it goes, maybe throw some pics around.
 
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Man, I'm jealous.
Of the stores I can find handles that have decent grain they are thick. Almost like a hardwood 2x4 that is axe shaped.

I have one axe, no name, that has the most slender elegant handle on it, and it is perfectly centered on the haft as you look down it. However, the grain is exactly 90 degrees the opposite way you want it. Also, my Uncle the Village Idiot got a hold of it when he was younger and decided to use it. didn't chew up the blade to bad, but did a job with overstrikes and I'm actually surprised he didn't break the head off the handle.

I need to start doing some research because I keep finding mauls and sledges around at yard sales, and relatives give them to me to clean up their garage. All of them seem to come with broken handles, almost broken handles, terrible grain, or a combination there of.
 
Nice finds Operator.

I've become fond of Green Seal Brand handles from LaPierre-Sawyer Hdl. Co. My local hardware store has them from time to time. Nice feel, and they come unfinished.

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I haven't heard of the Do it Best brand. I'll have to call some stores and see if they carry it. Most stores around here only have Link handles, but I found some that are not coated with anything. They are just sanded and dry so I have resorted to customizing the fit on them. If I have a nice axe head I will order a handle to make sure it's a good one. Omaha Knife sells gransfors bruks handles and for twice the money and a pretty much gaurantee it'll be a great handle I think it's worth it.
 
I checked out Do it Best's website. Got some nice handles. They didn't have a 31" or so option though, which was surprising.

Got plenty of other good sizes though. I will be grabbing a couple to try out.
 
nickzdon said:
Nice finds Operator.

I've become fond of Green Seal Brand handles from LaPierre-Sawyer Hdl. Co. My local hardware store has them from time to time. Nice feel, and they come unfinished.

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I can not locate an online source for these. Do you have a link? I am specifically looking for the 32" option you are showing us here.
 
Looks like LaPierre-Sawyer Handle Company is now owned by Ames True Temper. I'm guessing that their handles are now labelled as Ames, Jackson, or iXL.
 
Steve Tall said:
Looks like LaPierre-Sawyer Handle Company is now owned by Ames True Temper. I'm guessing that their handles are now labelled as Ames, Jackson, or iXL.
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I have used the existing ames true temper double bit handles, and they are actually in the very good quality range. The single bit handles however were good grain, but poorly shaped.
 
I've not been able to locate an online source for the Green Seals. I'll inquire at the local hardware store next time I'm there as to their distributor.
 
I agree SkogKniv, I used an Ames True Temper double bit handle and it has been very good to me. Stragiht grain and feels good. It's on my favorite Plumb double bit head. I don't like the single bit design that much either by them.
 
So I go back into my little honey hole hardware store to pick up some more handles, same as last time, though this time I am excited because of the success of the last visit.

Go in, bee line right to the handles - they got more in! So now I am really excited - start looking thru - all junk. Every single one. Bad grain, way over lacquered, etc.

Guess it goes to show that I just got lucky.
 
Link handles are made by Seymour Manufacturing and are available in three different grades, if I remember correctly. I'm guessing that Tractor Supply probably carries the bottom barrel stuff, like most big-box stores. Seymour does make a handful of decent tools (and are the last producer of American scythes) but are a shadow of the quality they once were as agricultural hand tools have declined in use steadily since the 20's. Maybe the upswing in homesteading and hobby farming will help companies like Seymour bump up the quality again.
 
Square_peg said:
Hobby farming is going nuts right now in my area. It's good to see. There is a growing market for quality hand tools again.
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I'm loving it. Local food is good for the body and soul and it gives people a chance to connect with the land and their community--something that I find tends to give folks a more level-headed and practical outlook on life. It's a very healthy and humbling endeavor. I've got 30 chickens and a couple horses (one mine, one a boarder's) on the property myself. :):thumbup:

And of course, it means that breakfast-powered farm tools are finally getting to be a competitive sector again. :cool:
 
I could only dream of finding nice unfinished handles such as these @ our local stores. Who online offers the best handles? I've used HHS ajd j hollywood co, with j hollywood being the better of the 2... I'd post pics, but cant figure out how...
 
i find a handle or two sometimes at the Amish grocery., they are Link seconds
i get em for cheap, mostly blemishes good grain. i go through the bunch and pick the best

not many makers left, hope things turn around for these old companies, i can make my own, made lots of handles for hammers and axes, but it sure is easier buying .

buzz
 
After visiting two local feedstores today, I'm about to go "bearhunter" and give up on house handle alltogether. I must have looked through 40 handles today. Found two that were decent. But I was too pissed to give them my money so I left both empty handed.
 
M3mphis said:
After visiting two local feedstores today, I'm about to go "bearhunter" and give up on house handle alltogether. I must have looked through 40 handles today. Found two that were decent. But I was too pissed to give them my money so I left both empty handed.
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I thought you were going into the elm handle making business?
 
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