Northern Tool hatchet mods

[A Visitor]

A friend asked me about hatchets for his sons. I told him to find some old ones of good quality and I would make them serviceable.
He didn't have the time to hit the flea markets - just ordered two Northern Tool 24 oz hatchets.
I checked reviews on line and decided to experiment with them. They felt heavy and the handle was thick and clubish. By cutting away at the head- I brought the weight down to 1 1/4 lbs. Was able to cut the head with a band saw- decided to heat treat them. Put them on House Handle 18" scout handles.
Quick Parkerize with the last of my solution and they look pretty good.
The covers are a new Harry Epstein ( bought two for this project) and a older Heritage leather. I think the Heritage leather is a better- almost perfect fit. Epstein sheaths should be fine for the intended purpose.
Will put them to the test next week before I pass them on.
Feel good/ look good and take a good edge is all I can tell yet.

 

[bjp]

looks great. do you have a "before" pic for comparison? really like to see what exactly you did to the heads (to cut them down).


-ben

 

[Elkhunt58]

A Visitor, those turned out great, really like that head profile. bjp here's a couple with the heads uncut on the original handle, painted like a "Glacier National Park blanket" I just did for my kids. I may have to go this other route next time.

 

[A Visitor]

I was thinking about what I would want / expect from a hatchet. Won't be able to get into any woods until Tuesday. Then I recalled a couple of deer legs that I had tied in place and was going to use for a gun rack. I put them outside out of the way to dry. I never looked into how they should be prepared - just a last minute before trashing them. When I found them again they had some black mold on them and I decided not to use them.
I figured I would chop them as a test. No problem and not a mark on the blades. I'm tempted to start cutting wire/ pennies and nails.
What would you expect from a hatchet edge?
Sorry for the glare- thought it was condensation on the viewing screen.