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Hewing Hatchet Head

B

brettdean

Joined
Jan 5, 2013
Messages
72
Hello.

I just bought a 2lb hewing hatchet head, and was wondering what is the standard handle length for one of these.
 
Go to your local hardware store with a tape measure and fondle an assortment of assembled axes (particularly ones of approx head weight to yours) and see which length you like best. 2 lbs can become a decent-sized hatchet or a boys axe. There are no hard and fast rules on this but an overly long, or too short, handle is going to be awkward.
 
I'll get an exact measure for you later but mine has around a 20" handle and is quite functional at that length.

 
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Alocksly said:
Click to expand...


Very clean looking work, Alocksly!
bow.gif
 
Square_peg said:
Very clean looking work, Alocksly!
bow.gif
Click to expand...

Regardless of whether or not there is a "standard" handle length I think that you need at least enough room for two hands to get the full use of the bit. I'm a righty so my left hand swings and my right hand steers. My grandpa had a (much nicer) broad hatchet than I have with a shorter handle. I would imagine that only if you were really good and with plenty of practice (and the grip and arm strength that came with it) could you make effective use of a one handed hewing hatchet.
 
Thanks for the help.

So, it looks like I need to make a custom 20" handle, all I can seem to find are 18" replacement hammer handles. I might just go with the 18" and see how that goes.

Beautiful axe Alocksly!


(edit) Ok, this might seem like a dumb question, do I want a replacement hammer or a replacement axe handle for this hewing head?
 
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I would run with what fits. It's a simple matter of dimensions. Straight or curved is your choice.
 
Straight handle. I have a curved handle on one of my hewing hatchets and I don't like it as well as the straight handles.
 
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