MODS FOR A CHEAP HATCHET???

I would not dip in so much at the end on the front or backside, and that long stretch of wood you plan to take off on the front you should take off from the back.
I'd go in a little at the end front and back but not so much.
Let me do a quick sketch of what I'm talking about.

I think I can kind of visualize what you're saying...

Pic would be helpful thought!

Sweet!


-T
 
This is obviously not an exact shape, but these are the general areas you want to remove material.
In the front you'd want to go a little higher up than I drew just to make a gentle transition.
You want gentle curves and such so it doesn't look like you just grasped in some dips.
 
This is obviously not an exact shape, but these are the general areas you want to remove material.

SWEET!

Dude, yeah!

Thank you!

Yeah, now that I think about it you are totally right with taking that section from the back. Yeah, for sure...

Any tool recommendations for getting the job done? I've got a few files and maybe even a rasp laying around somewhere...

Time to go to the tool store!

Yay!!


-T
 
SWEET!

Dude, yeah!

Thank you!

Yeah, now that I think about it you are totally right with taking that section from the back. Yeah, for sure...

Any tool recommendations for getting the job done? I've got a few files and maybe even a rasp laying around somewhere...

Time to go to the tool store!

Yay!!


-T
That'll do, the best tool for this is a Nicholson 4 in hand though.
It's got a half round side and a flat side, file on one end and rasp on the other.
Your local hardware should have one, but as long as you've got a half round file hanf round rasp and sandpaper you'll be fine.
The 4 in hand is just convenient though.
 
That'll do, the best tool for this is a Nicholson 4 in hand though.
It's got a half round side and a flat side, file on one end and rasp on the other.
Your local hardware should have one, but as long as you've got a half round file hanf round rasp and sandpaper you'll be fine.
The 4 in hand is just convenient though.

Thank you!!!
 
I did it!

Here's what I'm thinking.

At the very least the big one on the left, but I think the other two little cuts on the right couldn't hurt either:

farm-and-fleet-hatchet-edited-with-cut-markings_800.jpg

Personally I would use it for a bunch of different jobs before changing anything. You might find it fits your hand just right when choked up and stays put just fine when chopping. In which case it will pay exponentially larger dividends to spend time on the bit with a file or grinder and not worry about the handle.

 
Personally I would use it for a bunch of different jobs before changing anything. You might find it fits your hand just right when choked up and stays put just fine when chopping. In which case it will pay exponentially larger dividends to spend time on the bit with a file or grinder and not worry about the handle.


Dude, HECK YEAH! Thanks for the video! That little loop is GENIUS!

The axe currently feels really comfortable when I'm choking up on it at the top, right under the axe head. Like, if I were to carve with it or something it would be fine. A little heavy, but the thickness is just about right for my hand. It's when I'm swinging the thing/ chopping that it tends to want to fly out of my hands. I have to sort of loosen up to swing it, then grip onto it again mid swing so it won't fly away. That's why I bundled a bunch of rubber bands at the bottom then taped over them. Doesn't quite do the trick, but it's better than before.

Have definitely used it quite a bit...

Will upload photo...
 
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I say reshape the handle, you have nothing to loose.
It's an inexpensive import you payed little for years ago, and if you aren't happy with the handles outcome you can always replace the handle or upgrade to a nice vintage hatchet.
 
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