Need Help with Hatchet Handle Size

U

utah_fish

Joined
Oct 21, 2011
Messages
877
Guys -

I have a very nice Collins head measuring 6 inches by 3.5 inches with a 2 inch eye. I think it would be perfect as a backpacking kindling hatchet but I'm not sure what size handle to get or where to get it. I'm still new to the axe world but this is smaller than a boys axe head but seems a bit larger than a standard hatchet. I'm thinking a handle around 19" - 20" or even 22" would be good. What do you recommend and where can I get it? Anyone have a spare to sell? Thanks!

Tony
 
Beg or borrow some other axes and make sure to use them. Short medium or long (and derivatives thereof) are what you are judging for.
Take a tape measure with you when you peruse the stores, It's only a simple piece of wood (metallurgy is a whole different and much more exotic ball game) and if that one doesn't jive keep looking for a shorter or longer one. Now here's the rub; you may know what you want but there aren't any commercial makers of custom handles anymore.
Old fashioned Spokeshave! Surely there is a hardwood tree (apple, pear, osange orange?) nearby that needs pruning or limbing. Or maybe the local mill has some Hickory/Elm/Ash/White Oak blanks that could be useful.
This is your "baby" and a unique handle is a very special way to sign your name to it. Properly cared for the head is timeless and durable and on-going wood experiments won't do anything but good for something that would otherwise languish in a collectors tray or a fleamarket bin.
 
22" is a good size for two hands while still small enough to use one-handed.



They have 24-28" boys axe handles here. You could work the head down on a 24 to arrive at 22".
http://www.tennesseehickoryproducts.com/products.shtml


You might try making a quickie crude handle at 24" to see what length and shape works for you.
A 1x4 and a jigsaw.
 
ITEM 1419
Description: House Axe
Length: 19"
Eye Size: 13/16 x 2 7/16 (2 1/2 lbs.)
UPC: 737184114192

ITEM 1628S
Description: Straight SB Axe
Length: 28"
Eye Size: 13/16 x 2 7/16 (3 - 5 lbs.)
UPC: 737184316282

A couple more options from House Handle. A good rasp will let you make the handle suit you.
Bill
 
lmalterna said:
ITEM 1419
Description: House Axe
Length: 19"
Eye Size: 13/16 x 2 7/16 (2 1/2 lbs.)
UPC: 737184114192

ITEM 1628S
Description: Straight SB Axe
Length: 28"
Eye Size: 13/16 x 2 7/16 (3 - 5 lbs.)
UPC: 737184316282

A couple more options from House Handle. A good rasp will let you make the handle suit you.
Bill
Click to expand...

Yup. Looking at the 19". Thanks
 
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