Homemade synthetic tomahawk handles

S

Sturmvogel

Joined
Jan 25, 2014
Messages
8
I've done a lot of googling on the subject of making your own composite axe or tomahawk handles and came up with almost nothing. Well-almost as in nothing specific to making an actual handle for a tomahawk (stress bearing in other words). I have seen posts on homemade "micarta" designed for use as scales for knife handles. I would like to make slip handles that would allow for the same interchangeability possible with the wooden ones rather than permanently attached-but tougher. Much tougher. And because these micarta projects I've seen appear to have a lot of potential I'd like to know if theres anyone out there that knows if it can be used in this manner? Many of the micarta scales I've seen are quite beautiful, the stuff appears to be very workable on a belt sander similar to wood, and appears to be relatively easy to make. But there's nothing on the strength of it that I've been able to find and there are various types of resins and epoxies-any of which could either be ideal or a dud for that criteria. I thought perhaps a forum on this subject would be helpful to not only me but anyone else looking for info along these lines or even info on ANYTHING synthetic for a do it yourselfer. I'm new at this-hopefully this will post correctly....
 
Most synthetics that are used to replace what once was wood have their main advantage in their reduced weight. One of the reasons that wood is still used is that for it's weight it's incredibly tough. Not just in ductile and compressive strength, but in the ability to maintain toughness under extreme temperature and humidity variation. Polymers and synthetic fibers can be tailored to fantastic performance in specific conditions but will often have issues when they get, say frozen, or left in the sun on a 100 degree day, or dropped in a lake (or all three in various sequences as might conceivably happen on, say, a high desert trek) If you really want something "much tougher" than wood you'll need to go with steel or titanium with the caveat that even those may become more brittle that your average seasoned hickory handle when subjected to extreme cold.
 
Though now that you've got me thinking on it I'm intrigued by the idea of a length of titanium rod with a polymer coating on one end to allow the head to "grab" the handle. I've no idea how one would do this at home though.
 
Don't get me wrong-wood has a lot going for it. But synthetic has its advantages too. I suppose its like anything else-nothing is ideal for every circumstance. In the case of what I'm looking for its mainly something concerning the characteristic of being able to handle impacts a little better than wood. I do like hickory-its tough and it can be very beautiful with some effort put into it. But it really bites to throw your hawk (or overstrike something being chopped) and break that handle. Same goes for blocking something with it if you're considering it as a weapon.Granted-ANYTHING can be broken given enough stress. I'm just exploring the option of a tougher material. But some of the points you brought up were not things I had every stopped to consider. You've made a good point! I do want to maintain the ability to change out handles-not permanently attach it. That would allow for some extra versatility
 
Excellent thread idea?
I too am interested in a synthetic tomahawk handle that wouldn't need to be permanently attached. I'll be subscribing to this thread hoping that someone will be able to provide some information that will make this dream a reality.
 
Hockey sticks are made from various types of composites these days. Some of the expensive ones are unbelievably tough, durable and light. Maybe you want to check the garbage cans at your local arena for some broken sticks to experiment with. You're going to be constrained by hollow rectangle sizes of 1 1/8 x 7/8 approx but at least the expense will be negligible. I save busted sticks for making campsite furniture and the days of them being made of wood is disappearing fast.

 
Thanks 300Six! Hadn't thought of the merits of salvage. I was thinking in terms of from scratch. But that would definitely save a lot of money.
 
Sturmvogel said:
Thanks 300Six! Hadn't thought of the merits of salvage. I was thinking in terms of from scratch. But that would definitely save a lot of money.
Click to expand...
There is huge variation in material and manufacture, and sizes, and some are more oval in shape or with rounded corners than others. Kids, women's and senior's sticks are smaller dimension. I don't know how they make these things (extruded, spun?) but they've gradually taken on the properties of good hardwood, and then some.
PS; when I say 'broken sticks' it typically means the blade has been severed. A testament to the strength of these materials is that it is rare for the shaft to break.
 
Last edited:
It's 5:45am here and i've only had one coffee so bare with me :) ... I'm not very experienced with canvas micarta but what if you could get something to use as a core, and wrap your own home made canvas micarta around it? As long as you can get it to adhere to whatever you had as the core, you would be able to then build it up let it cure, and shape it just like wood? It would either be the best idea in the world or the worst... I might need another coffee
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top