What lenght handle for a one and a half pound Hatchet Head ?

H

HARDBALL

Joined
May 6, 2001
Messages
930
Hi all,

It took some time (especially not having the proper tools) but this morning, I was successful removing the old handle from the Norlund (double bit 1.5#) "Saddle Cruiser" Hatchet. So, what length handle makes the most sense for a double bit of this weight ? Twelve, fourteen, eighteen inches ? Thanks for any suggestions.

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
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I would think maybe 18 or 20" would be a nice length for such a beast.

however, to me, the big question is what size is the eye? is it smaller than a DB cruiser eye, or the same? if it is the same, then no problem other than deciding how short you wanna cut a cruiser handle down. if it is smaller than a "full size" cruiser eye, well, you'll pretty much be forced to make a handle from scratch I would think.


-ben
 
Hi Ben,

Thank you for responding to my thread. You're question about the Eyes is a good one. It is much smaller than a larger Axe Eye. The Eye measures a bit more than 1.5" L and over a 1/2" W. I saw some good information over on Bush Crafters USA forums who had also had a Norlund small Hatchet and used (if memory serves) a 1300 series HOUSE HANDLE, handle of some sort. I will call HH this week to see what they might suggest. This being a Hatchet Head of 1.5 pounds, I'm wondering if this makes it more of a Tomahawk than an Axe ? Also being a "double bit" of this size is something different for me. I was thinking at one point it was kind of like a GB Mini Hatchet but, I suspect the Mini has a smaller/lighter Head.
Perhaps 14" is a good length for such a Hatchet ? I really don't know. I'm thinking perhaps keeping it some what smaller OAL as a handy back up and/or belt Hatchet ? Whatcha think ?

HARDBALL
 
hickory handle store (ebay) also sells some hudson bay appropriate handles in 19" (I have no affiliation with them other than I like their stuff and Mark is great to work with).
 
cooperhill said:
hickory handle store (ebay) also sells some hudson bay appropriate handles in 19" (I have no affiliation with them other than I like their stuff and Mark is great to work with).
Click to expand...


those are good handles, but they're not straight. hardball's talking about a double bit.

-ben
 
OK, some people say that the only dumb question is one not asked. :rolleyes:

But sometimes, the question can sure rub elbows with stupid. :D

So, is there a chart or graph out there somewhere that makes this kind of information "obvious to the most casual observer"?

Say, like "axe head weight" on the x-axis with "preferred handle length" on the y-axis (or vice versa). If there isn't maybe someone much more knowledgeable than I could make one for the edification of us newbies.

Or is my military/firefighter/emt approach to the world expecting too much?
 
I have a similar size double bit hatchet made by Collins that has a 16 inch handle. It is the right size for me. I don't know who makes replacement handles for that size small double bit axe. Maybe you can modify a hammer or small pick handle.

Handle size is a personal decision that sometimes can have a wide variation. I've run across several axes that are 3 or 3 1/2 pound with 16 inch handles. Too short for me and probably most but some people must think it's a good idea.
 
Hi all,

Thanks for all the responses. I'm still unsure WHICH size handle I would like to rehang the Norlund but, I'm thinking I may not have a great choice of Handle lengths due to the smaller Eye of the "Saddle Cruiser" (which buy the way is cleaning up BEAUTIFULLY!). I did a lot more research last night on this subject and was surprised to discover that the very popular GB "Small Forest Axe" also has a 1.5 pound Head (of course the SFA is a single bit Axe as opposed to a double bit "Saddle Cruiser"). The SFA has a 19.5" handle (which in my way of thinking) makes it an AXE (although smallish) as opposed to a Hatchet ? I really want to make a informed decision and find the perfect (as can be) length handle as I only want to rehang the "Saddle Cruiser" once! So, I guess the question begs......small Axe or Hatchet ?

Regards,

HARDBALL
 
HARDBALL said:
Hi all,

Thanks for all the responses. I'm still unsure WHICH size handle I would like to rehang the Norlund but, I'm thinking I may not have a great choice of Handle lengths due to the smaller Eye of the "Saddle Cruiser" (which buy the way is cleaning up BEAUTIFULLY!). I did a lot more research last night on this subject and was surprised to discover that the very popular GB "Small Forest Axe" also has a 1.5 pound Head (of course the SFA is a single bit Axe as opposed to a double bit "Saddle Cruiser"). The SFA has a 19.5" handle (which in my way of thinking) makes it an AXE (although smallish) as opposed to a Hatchet ? I really want to make a informed decision and find the perfect (as can be) length handle as I only want to rehang the "Saddle Cruiser" once! So, I guess the question begs......small Axe or Hatchet ?

Regards,

HARDBALL
Click to expand...

The SFA has a curved handle, it's for a single bit axe.
You want a symmetrical (ie straight) handle for your double bit.
I can't find anything yet, but some of the throwing axe handles might work.
 
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Hi FDog,

Ahhhh, very good point. I suspect you are correct and that I should be looking for a STRAIGHT handle regardless of the length I go with/can find to fit. Thanks FDog.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
Hi FDog,

Thanks again for you're help. Whoa! I must say those handles ARE expensive! I hope I can find another/less expensive way to go.

Regards,
HARDBALL
 
In that case, local hardware store might have handles, look for a full-size double bit or pick handle,
as was mentioned. You would need to cut it to size, and reshape.
 
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