What do you do to protect your wood handle from damage?

T

thunderstick

Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
554
My question is specifically related to protecting the wood near the bit where it could get marred from splitting or an overstrike. I wrap the first few inches with Hockey stick tape on many of my axes. It adheres when cold, is designed to take impact, and works well to keep the wood from splintering. What do you do? I notice that most of the axes pictured do not utilize protection.
 
Most of my axe usage is chopping (bucking) or felling not splitting so overstrikes really aren't an issue.

For my gransfors maul (even though it has a metal collar already) I added a "Handle Saver" - a rubber collar that you can pick up at most hardware stores for cheap. It's not pretty but it works.
 
I just break them...at least lately. I was thinking of putting some rawhide on a couple of them. Need to talk to my saddlemaker friend about it.

My axes don't get used much anyway...:o
 
paracord works well, and if you learn ro wrap it tightly, it looks good too... i prefer OD green...
 
I did this wrap with heavy cow rawhide. Sewing it on wet helps it shrink tight around the shoulder.

Regards

Robin

6641023299_f5deef30f8.jpg
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Pipeman said:
I did this wrap with heavy cow rawhide. Sewing it on wet helps it shrink tight around the shoulder.

Regards

Robin
Click to expand...

Thanks, Robin! That exact picture is why I wanted to do rawhide. Basically, I just wanted to be like you...:D

A friend of mine is a custom saddle maker. I need to go visit him and go over the details of what I want for the saddle he's going to build for me!! :D A gift from my dad. Pretty awesome, huh?

While I'm at it, he'll help me make some sheaths and hopefully a few axe collars.

That looks great, Sir!
 
Pipeman said:
I did this wrap with heavy cow rawhide. Sewing it on wet helps it shrink tight around the shoulder.

Regards

Robin

Click to expand...
Allow me to compliment your work on that. It looks very professional.

I use sports tape like the OP, except I put a layer of medical wrap underneath it. Not only does this add more protection from impacts, but it also avoids sticky residue on the handle, if that bothers you.

On one of my axes I also use this setup as cushioning and grip for my hands.
 
I wrap that area with fiberglass cloth and resin. Once sanded it becomes almost undetectable. I have had the unfortunate opportunity to test it:eek: and it works.
 
I cut a piece of bicycle innertube, twice the size of the desired length. Doubled it by folding it over itself, once it was on the axe. Followed it up with a paracord wrap for extra protection.

I apologize for the crappy cell phone pic.

IMG_20120127_070507.jpg
 
M3mphis said:
Thanks, Robin! That exact picture is why I wanted to do rawhide. Basically, I just wanted to be like you...:D

A friend of mine is a custom saddle maker. I need to go visit him and go over the details of what I want for the saddle he's going to build for me!! :D A gift from my dad. Pretty awesome, huh?

While I'm at it, he'll help me make some sheaths and hopefully a few axe collars.

That looks great, Sir!
Click to expand...

Hey Bro, wow, a custom saddle? You have a great Dad. If I wasn't so damned old I'd love to learn saddle making, it really is the ultimate in leather smithing. Show us some pics of your saddle and sheaths when they are finished.
If you can't find a small piece of thickish raw hide buy a big rawhide dog bone, there's always a big piece wrapped in them. It's a good idea to stretch the wet rawhide a bit and use a baseball stitch to sew it.

Regards

Robin
 
Pipeman said:
Hey Bro, wow, a custom saddle? You have a great Dad. If I wasn't so damned old I'd love to learn saddle making, it really is the ultimate in leather smithing. Show us some pics of your saddle and sheaths when they are finished.
If you can't find a small piece of thickish raw hide buy a big rawhide dog bone, there's always a big piece wrapped in them. It's a good idea to stretch the wet rawhide a bit and use a baseball stitch to sew it.

Regards

Robin
Click to expand...

Thanks, Robin. That's a cool tip on the dog bone!!!!

Yeah, my dad traded grass hay for a saddle for my birthday. Pretty unbelievable to me. I can't wait.
 
M3mphis said:
Thanks, Robin! That exact picture is why I wanted to do rawhide. Basically, I just wanted to be like you...:D

A friend of mine is a custom saddle maker. I need to go visit him and go over the details of what I want for the saddle he's going to build for me!! :D A gift from my dad. Pretty awesome, huh?

While I'm at it, he'll help me make some sheaths and hopefully a few axe collars.

That looks great, Sir!
Click to expand...

I use rawhide strip. Wet it and diagonal wrap like an old school tennis handle tuck the loose end back between the last 2 loops and pull tight. Trim off excess and let it dry.
 
parbajtor said:
I use rawhide strip. Wet it and diagonal wrap like an old school tennis handle tuck the loose end back between the last 2 loops and pull tight. Trim off excess and let it dry.
Click to expand...

Sounds cool. Have any pics of it????
 
When it comes to a wide knowledge of axes, I am a green-horn. However I can use an axe with fair proficiency if the need arises.
I have 1 axe that I use for cutting and 2 different splitting mauls I use for hurting myself.

To my chagrin I am a fairly consistent over-striker.

This last handle protector has held up really well and was free.
It is HDPE medium wall tubing that I split, heated to mold-ability and then used some strapping to bind it to the handle till it cooled.

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I'm not much of an axe person,but I do appreciate a nice handled well made axe.

Pipeman- As always, your leather work is very well done!
 
Last edited:
Pipeman said:
I did this wrap with heavy cow rawhide. Sewing it on wet helps it shrink tight around the shoulder.

Regards

Robin

6641023299_f5deef30f8.jpg
[/url][/IMG]
Click to expand...

Nice looking wrap! Really like the looks of the sheath too. Did you use a welt? Thanks, Bob
 
i've thought about using old kevlar airbag material and epoxy.
anybody try it?
i can get the used airbags from the local body shop.

buzz
 
M3mphis said:
Thanks, Robin! That exact picture is why I wanted to do rawhide. Basically, I just wanted to be like you...:D

A friend of mine is a custom saddle maker. I need to go visit him and go over the details of what I want for the saddle he's going to build for me!! :D A gift from my dad. Pretty awesome, huh?

While I'm at it, he'll help me make some sheaths and hopefully a few axe collars.

That looks great, Sir!
Click to expand...

Holy crap! That's a NICE gift! Don't forget to post pictures when you get it! And the lucky pony of course. English? Western? Australian?
 
thunderstick, I'm sorry for hijacking your thread...didn't mean to!!

FortyTwoBlades said:
Holy crap! That's a NICE gift! Don't forget to post pictures when you get it! And the lucky pony of course. English? Western? Australian?
Click to expand...

MWAHAHAHAH...I only know one kind...Western, of course! :D
 
Hi Bob, Yup a big fat welt on the cutting edge and the bottom shaped to the contour. The latigo is a full 11 oz.

Best regards

Robin
 
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