Suggestions on how to wrap this axe

[TheBishop]

Just got an Estwing axe.
Was worried about the handle and I was right, had to use it today in heat and humidity and man was it hard to hold on to.

Looking at the handle shape, anyone have any experience wrapping this for grip?
Something that will not slide?
I was debating it before I used it, but yeah, once your hand sweats, it needs some meat.
Fancy or not, just want it to stay.
Wondering if I need to strip the lacquer as well?

 

[Rob41]

I would try sanding it and then apply mink oil or sno-seal. I have a few leather handled knives and hatchetes. Once they are broken in they seem to be pretty grippy, wet or dry.

 

[TheBishop]

I would try sanding it and then apply mink oil or sno-seal. I have a few leather handled knives and hatchetes. Once they are broken in they seem to be pretty grippy, wet or dry.

Rob, you think just sanding or some stripper to get the laq off?
Also am worried about any stripper and what it may do to the leather.

This axe sharpened up proper BTW without too much work.
Even cut myself when sharpening, didn't think it was there yet then a little nick and wow!

It did its job today though, slippery or not. Worth the price.

Gonna grab the rubber handle 26?" to brother this one.

Oh, is Snow seal the same as snow bee?
Have that.

 

[EnduringEagle]

This may not be the way to go but there is grip tape that is used for pistols that might serve this purpose. I would bring it to Home Depot and talk to them about what they might have that will get the job done. I know they have grip tape. Just a thought.

 

[Rob41]

Rob, you think just sanding or some stripper to get the laq off?
Also am worried about any stripper and what it may do to the leather.

This axe sharpened up proper BTW without too much work.
Even cut myself when sharpening, didn't think it was there yet then a little nick and wow!

It did its job today though, slippery or not. Worth the price.

Gonna grab the rubber handle 26?" to brother this one.

Oh, is Snow seal the same as snow bee?
Have that.

I wouldn't use stripper on the on the leather. Just a good sanding with some 220 grit. A dremel (or similar) works great. Not sure about snow bee. Sno seal is like mink oil. You can put it on leather boots to water proof them. When I treat my leather handles, I use a hair dryer to heat the handle. This allows the mink oil or sno seal to sink in well. You can try the wraping if you like. If you go with the grip tape style you may find you will want to use gloves as the tape will not be comfortable after using it for a while. I just like the looks of the leather grips. Mine are well worn and I have no problem with my grip slipping, Even with sweaty hands. Going back to the gloves, you should probably be wearing them any ways if your doing some heavy chopping. You know...safty and all

p.s.
You mentioned the rubber gripped one. I have a couple of Eastwings with the rubber grip. I find the leather to have more grip than they do. I have to wear gloves if I'm going to be swinging the rubber grip all day.

 

[TheBishop]

I wouldn't use stripper on the on the leather. Just a good sanding with some 220 grit. A dremel (or similar) works great. Not sure about snow bee. Sno seal is like mink oil. You can put it on leather boots to water proof them. When I treat my leather handles, I use a hair dryer to heat the handle. This allows the mink oil or sno seal to sink in well. You can try the wraping if you like. If you go with the grip tape style you may find you will want to use gloves as the tape will not be comfortable after using it for a while. I just like the looks of the leather grips. Mine are well worn and I have no problem with my grip slipping, Even with sweaty hands. Going back to the gloves, you should probably be wearing them any ways if your doing some heavy chopping. You know...safty and all

p.s.
You mentioned the rubber gripped one. I have a couple of Eastwings with the rubber grip. I find the leather to have more grip than they do. I have to wear gloves if I'm going to be swinging the rubber grip all day.

Will give the sanding a try.
I was trying to think if a sword type wrap would be good, but can't imagine how it would hold long term, the tail flares but the front doesn't.
Storm drain had an intersting wrap with a turks knot on top and bottom on a hand knife, but a knife in action is a bit different that an axe