Micarta Axe Handle? Plus, my small collection pics!!!!

[DeadFall27]

Afternoon guys,

This is my first thread here in the Axe forum, so be gentle



I have recently gotten bitten by the axe bug after reading a few threads here and finding two Plumbs in my grandfather's garage. Since then, I have become rather obsessive over old tools and the like. this has been both a blessing and a curse; less money in my wallet, but it had sparked a new interest in me and fueled some cool ideas. (I will update this thread with pics of my meager collection when I figure out my camera and turn it into a true introductory thread)


One of my ideas came from coming across some of the full tang, micarta Hawks I have seen here and there on the forum. This got me thinking, would an axe/hatchet handle made from micarta stand up to the stresses that these tools endure during an activity such as chopping? I know that micarta is an incredibly durable material in and of itself and seems to hold up to usage fairly well. What concerns me, however, is that the reverberations that would be transmitted throughout the handle when striking a tree limb, for example, may be too much for the material, due to its rigidity.

So, as I figure out how to operate this new camera and get up some pics, what do you guys think about a micarta axe handle? I have a ton of old jeans that I could use, Also, if it is a reasonable experiment, how should I make it? Should I layer it up like standard micarta scales and have the layers mimic the grain on a wooden handle with the grain parallel to the edge, or tightly roll them up in layers like a sleeping bag?


Thank you for reading guys, I welcome all types of feedback: insults, inquiries, constructive criticism, pics, anything...
I appreciate your time, I will have pics up hopefully here soon! :thumbup:



Take care,

-Deadfall



Update***

So, I think I have begun to figure this camera out, so how about some pics to distract you from my lame question, eh?

Here is the first Plumb that I found. I have begun to take care of the mushrooming and rust, but I still have some work and cleaning up to do.

My grandfather scratched in his initials, as you can see. This guy will never leave the family....

It looks like Grandpa Ferdie took this old girl to a bench grinder

This Zenith Marshall Wells was found at a garage sale last weekend. I got her for $5, and she was hung on a single bit handle. When I tugged on the head a bit to see how loose she was, she came right off!!!!!

If you look where my thumb is, she is stamped with a '4'. She also has a stamp of 3.1 on the left bit, but I forgot to take a pic of that...sorry fellas!

I have been filing out the mushrooming in the eye, I though for sure that I would have had to had her re-drifted, but it looks like I was wrong.

This No-name was acquired at the flea market for $7 and is now my backpacking axe. I estimate that she is roughly 2lbs, but I have not measured.

I was trying to put the metal wedge in a little crooked and when I hit it with the hammer, the darn thing rotated counterclockwise and split my darn wedge!! Looks like I will have to do it again...

This here is the second Plumb that my Grandpa gave me. I threw on the only handle I could find so I can show him his axes before he passes; the grain is horrible, but I just wanted to get it done. This was also my first hafting job as well!

He used his tools hard, I suppose.

No name I got for $3 last week

I hope that you liked the picture show guys, how am I doing so far?

 

[leebrewer]

Are you talkin bout Micarta slabs on a tang or just a full Micarta handle?

 

[DeadFall27]

Full handle

 

[leebrewer]

Now I'm really confused? First you called the Marshall Wells a Him, then you referred to her as a She. As for the Micarta handle, I am no Maker but an owner of many Hawks and wanter of more. I have only seen it used as handle slabs. I dont even think I have seen a full Micarta Beat Down Stick or such?

 

[Double Ott]

Very nice start to your collection. Your Zenith, made by Marshall Wells is a quality axe. It should serve you well. Your first Plumb is also a quality axe Reprofile its edge and you'll be all set. I really like the Plumb that you got from your Grandfather...It is called a rafting axe and a 5 pounder is a rather large one. Rafting axes are not that common, and as a matter of fact, it's the first 5 # rafting axe that I've seen. Many rafting axes had hardened polls. That maybe why you can see a crack in the metal on your poll instead of the poll being mushroomed. A family keepsake and a rather rare axe, so SWEEEET.

My regards, Double Ott

 

[M3mphis]

Micarta does not have the elasticity required for an axe handle. It would break. It needs the strength of a steel tang to support it.

 

[DeadFall27]

Now I'm really confused? First you called the Marshall Wells a Him, then you referred to her as a She. As for the Micarta handle, I am no Maker but an owner of many Hawks and wanter of more. I have only seen it used as handle slabs. I dont even think I have seen a full Micarta Beat Down Stick or such?

Whoops! Sorry about that, I shall change it!
Now that I think of it, there is probably good reason for the absence of micarta tomahawk polls.

Double Ott

Very nice start to your collection. Your Zenith, made by Marshall Wells is a quality axe. It should serve you well. Your first Plumb is also a quality axe Reprofile its edge and you'll be all set. I really like the Plumb that you got from your Grandfather...It is called a rafting axe and a 5 pounder is a rather large one. Rafting axes are not that common, and as a matter of fact, it's the first 5 # rafting axe that I've seen. Many rafting axes had hardened polls. That maybe why you can see a crack in the metal on your poll instead of the poll being mushroomed. A family keepsake and a rather rare axe, so SWEEEET.

My regards, Double Ott

I had no idea that I had such an uncommon tool. I appreciate the info on the rafting axe, now I have a place to start my research; that would explain why I found it hung on such a short handle! Thank you very much!

M3mphis

Micarta does not have the elasticity required for an axe handle. It would break. It needs the strength of a steel tang to support it.

I figured as much, but as an 18 year old kid, it is best to ask the people whom know much more than I. Thank you for your input my friend, it is most appreciated!

 

[bearhunter]

those are awesome! i really like the plumb 5 pounder and the marshell wells... that is a helluva score...

you did a nice job on that 5 pounder, i bet she can throw some chips

 

[Frank-New Zealand]

Hello DeadFall...If you are only 18, you are off to a very good start. Good to see young people interested. I have always found if someone is interested they are also interesting.

Your red axe may be quite young, and with no markings may or may not have great value. But I really like the pattern.
All that weight directed to smallish area is really going to deliver good impact on entry.

Good name too. It suggests to me you have a consideration towards conservation. I hope so mate.

Well done regards...Frank

 

[DeadFall27]

those are awesome! i really like the plumb 5 pounder and the marshell well... that is a helluva score...

you did a nice jog on that 5 pounder, i bet she can throw some chips

Thank you my friend, and yes, that plumb is an insane chopper
Swinging that thing makes you short of breath very quickly if you work too hard for sure!! Next time I go to my Grandparents' in Bailey (the other side of the family), I will be sure to get some action pics for you guys. My grandpa also said he has a forest service axe he wants to give me; I shall get you pics of that as well!!

Hello DeadFall...If you are only 18, you are off to a very good start. Good to see young people interested. I have always found if someone is interested they are also interesting.

Your red axe may be quite young, and with no markings may or may not have great value. But I really like the pattern.
All that weight directed to smallish area is really going to deliver good impact on entry.

Good name too. It suggests to me you have a consideration towards conservation. I hope so mate.

Well done regards...Frank

You know, I really bought that axe on a whim and I would easily agree with you on it's age. I still need to sharpen it up, but I bet that she will be a great user! At that garage sale I picked it up at, the lady pulled out this splitting maul contraption that I regret not getting now...I have no idea what it was exactly, but it was fascinating; was a like splitting maul with claws, I have never seen anything like it!!!

I am really liking this intro to the axe world. There is something about taking these old tools and breathing new life into them. Heck, I had the most interesting conversation with this man today when I was looking for garage sales. He is a construction worker and finds the most outrageous items on his sites. All along his yard were old tools, parts from trains, gears, railroad spikes, fossils...just the coolest stuff ever! When I asked him if he had any axes, he looked at me and told me to dig near the bush. I started to part the stones and pine needles and low and behold, I found a hatchet head and what I believe to be a mattock. After about a 30-45 conversation, he told me that I could have the tools for no charge. They are not anything special (the mattock being relatively recent and both having China stamps), but the stories behind them are amazing. I mean, he was doing a job leveling a Casino here in CO and he found the mattock stuck in the wall!!! I will get pics up in a minute.

I am also very big on conservation, nature has been a huge part of my life since I was a very young child. I want to keep this world beautiful for everyone to enjoy. It pains me when I leave with a backpack full of garbage after a day on the trail...I hope to one day use my innate love of science and nature and work doing something that matters.

 

[DeadFall27]

Here are some pics of my haul today, I now have two more tools and, potentially, a new friend in the neighborhood!

Stamped 'China' and warns to use goggles...meh, I still love it

You can barely see it in the pic, but it says 'China'...ah well

 

[RMJ Tactical]

I have made several solid micarta handles for hawks - they cannot take the abuse that good old hickory does. I have had guys break solid micarta handles before (they were throwing hawks into helicopters - go figure)
Solid G10 holds up very well compared to canvas or linen micarta. Here is where another very important factor shows up: Vibration.
Solid Micarta and G10 handles are horrible when it comes to transferring shock to the hand. I had an engineer at a local axe handle factory tell me that nothing compares to hickory for strength and shock absorption. And of all the hickories Southeastern hickory seems to do the best.
Long story short - if you use properly seasoned hickory, get the grain in the right direction and design the handle well you'll have something that can last you a lifetime. The old timers would tell you that the tree had to be cut during the proper phase of the moon - but I'm not going to sweat that one for now. (for more info on that read the excellent book "seasons of america's past" by eric sloane.
RMJ

 

[DeadFall27]

I have made several solid micarta handles for hawks - they cannot take the abuse that good old hickory does. I have had guys break solid micarta handles before (they were throwing hawks into helicopters - go figure)
Solid G10 holds up very well compared to canvas or linen micarta. Here is where another very important factor shows up: Vibration.
Solid Micarta and G10 handles are horrible when it comes to transferring shock to the hand. I had an engineer at a local axe handle factory tell me that nothing compares to hickory for strength and shock absorption. And of all the hickories Southeastern hickory seems to do the best.
Long story short - if you use properly seasoned hickory, get the grain in the right direction and design the handle well you'll have something that can last you a lifetime. The old timers would tell you that the tree had to be cut during the proper phase of the moon - but I'm not going to sweat that one for now. (for more info on that read the excellent book "seasons of america's past" by eric sloane.
RMJ

Thank you for the info and the recommendation for a good read, I may have to ransack the local Barnes & Noble.
It seems to reaffirm the fact that 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!'. I am assuming that this is merely a consequence of my youthful ignorance, no more crazy ideas from me!!!

As for the moon aspect of your comment, I would really like to read into the thinking behind such a practice....to google!!

 

[DougB2]

DeadFall,
Keep in mind that all of those old jeans that you have will NOT make actual micarta. People call it "homemade micarta" but it is not the same. It will not have the physical properties of micarta and will likely break far more easily than real micarta.

With that in mind, I read RMJ's comments and agree that hickory will make a far superior handle; however, I wonder if several layers of thinner micarta epoxied together would improve a micarta handle?

 

[DeadFall27]

DeadFall,
Keep in mind that all of those old jeans that you have will NOT make actual micarta. People call it "homemade micarta" but it is not the same. It will not have the physical properties of micarta and will likely break far more easily than real micarta.

With that in mind, I read RMJ's comments and agree that hickory will make a far superior handle; however, I wonder if several layers of thinner micarta epoxied together would improve a micarta handle?

May I ask what properties must be present for the end product to constitute it being 'micarta'? I have been rather confused as to what really is the makeup of true micarta.

I have been wondering if it were at all possible to improve the shock-absorption properties of micarta without an engineering degree. I would think that the epoxy would be the main contributor in making the micarta unable to handle such stress and give it such rigid properties, but what if one were to use a compound that allowed the material to flex a bit more? What would one even use for that though?

I realize that this is impractical, but I want to see if it can be done. People said that we would never make it to the moon right?


Oh! And RMJ, how did you make your hawk polls that you had fabricated from micarta?

 

[coreboy]

sweet collection. i have an axe with C-35 stamped on it. its a Dayton pattern, also red. my Dad was not an axe user. it was my first axe, and my favorite. its not as nice as my Plumb Boys axe or my Collins. i'm dying to find out what these "c" axes are... cant find out........ help

 

[DeadFall27]

sweet collection. i have an axe with C-35 stamped on it. its a Dayton pattern, also red. my Dad was not an axe user. it was my first axe, and my favorite. its not as nice as my Plumb Boys axe or my Collins. i'm dying to find out what these "c" axes are... cant find out........ help

I have been trying to find out myself, but to no avail.

 

[Operator1975]

C axes were most likely from the Kelly Woodslasher line. They were pretty common, painted red, and usually had ribs in the eye. The "c" designations - I don't think a lot is know about those - why exactly used. Kelly did a lot of that with letter markings - you will find various axes c22, c47, and then in hatchets you will see many combos - thtf, etc. Not sure what they mean.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

As others have mentioned, micarta wouldn't be as shock resistant in an unreinforced handle as wood. It's also a lot heavier, which would increase the weight of the tool while diminishing its usefulness.

 

[coreboy]

thank you, Operator. i searched for an answer probly 20 times. i knew someone here would have answers. i really wish i had a camera, so i could share my small collection.