Sourcea and options for synthetic axe handles?

[Infi-del]

Got an axe that needs a new handle. I'd like to go with a synthetic handle. Is fiberglass pretty much it or does someone make a super unbreakable synthetic axe handle out there? Would love a bright safety orange handle. Any sources? Suggestions?

 

[300Six]

Everyone out there in the manufacturing industry had been trying to figure out a way to avoid natural wood because it requires skilled workers and carefully chosen lumber (none of which are in ample supply). Synthetics are a known commodity and have so far not come even close to duplicating the shock-absorbing properties, comfort nor resilience of 'prime' wood. If you are an occasional user and carpal-tunnel syndrome (etc) is not a concern then by all means keep your eyes out for fiberglass or graphite composites and the like.

 

[Infi-del]

Everyone out there in the manufacturing industry had been trying to figure out a way to avoid natural wood because it requires skilled workers and carefully chosen lumber (none of which are in ample supply). Synthetics are a known commodity and have so far not come even close to duplicating the shock-absorbing properties, comfort nor resilience of 'prime' wood. If you are an occasional user and carpal-tunnel syndrome (etc) is not a concern then by all means keep your eyes out for fiberglass or graphite composites and the like.

Yes synthetics are what I'm after. Do you know of any good sources for some? I don't want wood.

 

[Alocksly]

Here's the thing about synthetics though, bonding a uniform head to a uniform synthetic handle at the factory is one thing, finding a synthetic handle that you can customize at home for the head you have is quite another. Unless the company that made your axe offers a made-to-fit synthetic handle for it your pretty much out of luck. The only suggestion I could offer, unless you have a friend with the equipment to do custom carbon fiber work, is to get a piece of dymondwood and carve out a handle and then paint it orange yourself.

 

[Infi-del]

Here's the thing about synthetics though, bonding a uniform head to a uniform synthetic handle at the factory is one thing, finding a synthetic handle that you can customize at home for the head you have is quite another. Unless the company that made your axe offers a made-to-fit synthetic handle for it your pretty much out of luck. The only suggestion I could offer, unless you have a friend with the equipment to do custom carbon fiber work, is to get a piece of dymondwood and carve out a handle and then paint it orange yourself.

That's an interesting thought. Does anyone make a resin soaked wood handle? Wonder how hot you'd have to get the resin to force it into the wood and if it could be done DIY at home.

 

[Alocksly]

Since weight doesn't seem to be of concern here, and this is just me spitballin', but If I wanted to make a nigh-indestructible handle at home (without welding equipment) I'd order a 2" thick dymondwood plank and shape a handle out of it, then I'd hacksaw a piece of steel pipe and make a seven inch half-round and shape it to cover the handle just below the head for overstrikes. It would be drilled and pinned with cutoff 1/8" steel rod. Then I'd wrap the whole handle in Fiberfix. In your case you could add some orange dye to the FiberFix when applying it.