So far tried Harbor Freight and Home Depot. Not happy. HF only had fiberglass and HD had True Temper, but with a thick finish and some handles were even stuck together. I'm looking for unfinished hickory. Anyone know of common, local places that would carry something good?
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Looking for a quality axe handle locally...
- Thread starter WillieD
- Start date
Honestly, no. All are either slathered in varnish or the grain is terrible.
Besides that, they are incredibly thick, far too thick to be used comfortably.
There are several sites on line, however.
Off the top of my head, I can think of "House of Handles."
The problem with ordering on line is that you can not tell anything about
the handles, unfortunately.
I think I may try carving my own. Can't be to difficult.
Besides that, they are incredibly thick, far too thick to be used comfortably.
There are several sites on line, however.
Off the top of my head, I can think of "House of Handles."
The problem with ordering on line is that you can not tell anything about
the handles, unfortunately.
I think I may try carving my own. Can't be to difficult.
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- Sep 24, 2010
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Local is tough, depending on where you are. I have a couple older hardware stores that have some - but you need to watch as stated. Be careful, and always give it a good look over, then do it again.
I feel your pain. I can't find anything where I am. I've started buying online, but as has been pointed out, it's very hit and miss. Recently I found a good online source: http://www.omahaknife.com/ They seem to examine all the handles before they go out. They also sell the complete line of GB handles in case you want to caugh up the extra $.
They are also very good at fixing any problems you may have witht he products you get from them.- Joined
- Feb 21, 2010
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- 171
In this part of the country, you can bet on farm supply stores to have the best selection. Most will have to have the thick varnish sanded off of the outside if you want to use an oil rub. Shurly in PA you can find one, unless you live in Pittsburg!
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Most places today make the handles too damned thick - (covered well in a couple of threads here)
There are two axe handle companies locally here that make good handles. One is part of a larger company, the "Link Family of Handle Makers" They have a plant in Sequatchie Valley TN and one in Indiana - some others but not sure where they are. You could look them up and see if one is close by. Most of the axe handles in the US are made by these guys, they don't sell retail but you can talk someone there into selling you one unfinished...This is the same company that makes the tomahawk handles for Cold Steel, among others. Speaking of tomahawk handles, Dunlap Woodcraft sells some of the best wooden tomahawk handles available. (ironically, this company is not in Dunlap TN like the other two companies I'm talking about)
Another place locally in TN is Cofer Lathe Works in Dunlap TN. Mr. Cofer (one of my heroes) mostly makes walking sticks but will take on the occasional handle project. I'm planning on seeing him in the next two weeks to discuss a project and will ask him about doing a small run for the forum. Nice thing about using a small shop like his is you can insure proper grain direction and the like.
RMJ
There are two axe handle companies locally here that make good handles. One is part of a larger company, the "Link Family of Handle Makers" They have a plant in Sequatchie Valley TN and one in Indiana - some others but not sure where they are. You could look them up and see if one is close by. Most of the axe handles in the US are made by these guys, they don't sell retail but you can talk someone there into selling you one unfinished...This is the same company that makes the tomahawk handles for Cold Steel, among others. Speaking of tomahawk handles, Dunlap Woodcraft sells some of the best wooden tomahawk handles available. (ironically, this company is not in Dunlap TN like the other two companies I'm talking about)
Another place locally in TN is Cofer Lathe Works in Dunlap TN. Mr. Cofer (one of my heroes) mostly makes walking sticks but will take on the occasional handle project. I'm planning on seeing him in the next two weeks to discuss a project and will ask him about doing a small run for the forum. Nice thing about using a small shop like his is you can insure proper grain direction and the like.
RMJ
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2010
- Messages
- 2,395
I have a gentleman via ebay I get handles from. Good quality. He only sends me the good stuff. If anyone would like his contact info message me.
I would like the information for the axe seller but i am not able to message
I'll wander over to the handles whenever I'm in the store. Every few months I'll see a good one and pick it up, even if I don't need it right just then.
Square_peg
Gold Member
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That's the smart way to do it. But them when you find a good one.