need advice on who to use for a custom handle job

H

Hawgsnawt

Joined
Aug 16, 2015
Messages
732
Hey guys...

I bought a Rinaldi hand axe awhile back, well known as being the tomahawk style axes that slide thru from the bottom.... however this particular hand axe mounts from the top like a hammer or traditional axe.

the fit as it came to me was dangerously poor.... I can see daylight around 3/4 of the axe handle looking up thru the eye..... it's gotta be replaced.

Because of the style of axe it is, and the non standard size.... even a full size axe head cut down will not work. It's going to have to be an entirely custom job....

Who would I contact about MAKING a handle, and hanging the head and getting this thing safe to use? I know there has to be SOMEONE that either does this for a living, side business, or just as a hobby willing to do some work for pay..... but I'm not well versed enough in the axe side of my blade addiction to know who, or even how to find a who.... and I have 0 time atm to attempt it myself....working 70ish hours a week currently

I'm looking to just toss it us a USPS box with a 100.00 money order, and get the box back in a few weeks with my problems solved.....

anyone know a guy?....

Thanks!

Hawg
 
Your best bet is 42Blades (Baryonyx Knife Company).
He's a Rinaldi dealer and an excellent handle maker. I can't say what his price would be but his service has always been great.

Personally, I couldn't do a custom handle for that price. I'd spend too much time on it.
 
what would be a more realistic expectation in the cost department? I was just shooting from the hip when I said 100.00?
 
Hawgsnawt said:
what would be a more realistic expectation in the cost department? I was just shooting from the hip when I said 100.00?
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I'm sure if you follow square pegs advice and contact 42blades you can find out.
When I make a haft from scratch it takes me between 4-6 hours. It seems like a long time but it done right it does take awhile. So even if I only charged my carpentry rate for instance it would be between $120-180. But that would be a minimum. Finding the correct factory replacement handle is most definitely your best bet. Good luck man!
 
Fmont said:
We outta group buy a copy lathe lol
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I tried to hire Tennessee Hickory Products to make a run of custom hafts to the Pennsylvania RR spec I posted on these forums. I paid to have a couple prototypes made and sent to me for inspection. The bellies were too thick and the swells were too small and they were unwilling to make the corrections. I think I could have sold hundreds of them.
 
Fmont said:
Heck, hardware stores outta just sell 2x4x36" hickory billets where the replacement handles go. Better chance of getting something good, and whatever pattern you want :D
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True about getting a better handle. But even with pre-fabbed handles in every hardware store most broken axes still sit in someone's garage and never get re-hung. But you already knew that. and for us axe aficionados the billet would be better. And might as well make it 40" or 42".
 
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