NOS "Perfect" axe handle....

[300Six]

I think that calls for a classic haft reproduction will yield positive responses from the types of folks that pantograph-copy vintage and classic gunstocks. Wouldn't bother me to be able to get a perfect handle of choice for $50 when you consider how much time is spent on hanging one properly, and how long it will last. I haven't re-done hafts on any of my own stuff for 25 years (my Pulaski is an exception, which is now graced with a thuggish-fat Link handle) and all the folks that I have serviced axes/shovels/sledges/hammers for during that same period have never come back looking for replacement ones.

 

[idaho_crosscut]

I appreciate you taking the time to do this.

One issue I have.



I don't want them to use less wood per handle. Because I want a large swell. The swell and eye determine the size of stock needed. Some makers used to make hafts out of 5/4 hickory. The narrow swells sucked. So we don't want them to use less wood, we want them to slim the handles better. I'll take 'em fat before I take them with tiny worthless swells.

I have been making a few axe handles out of 1"x4"x33" (full sawn) hickory blanks and just glue on two separate pieces of wood on both sides of the butt to create the width of a nice fat swell. hell, i even threw in a couple 1/8" brass pins and riveted it together. shaped and sanded.... and it works great. doesnt affect the handle at all in performance and looks pretty neat. plus, i think i actually save time by not having to rasp/shave down all that extra wood!

one note though, it helps if you inset the added pieces into the handle about an 1/8", so their thinnest part at the beginning of the swell isnt prone to splintering.