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Where to find quality hatchet/axe handles? (includes pic of old hatchet)

L

LonnyRS

Joined
Jan 21, 2013
Messages
475
Hi folks, I have a question you more experienced fella's might be able to lend me an answer. I am about to take on a project or 2 - I'm gonna build up a couple hatchets, and neither have a handle. Now I'm not looking for the absolute cheapest bottom dollar one, but rather a decent quality stick of good hard wood. Where can I find such a thing, and how do I know what size I need as far as the hole in the hatchet goes? I am new to this department of the "knifenut sickness", and I'm rather excited! I plan to use these hatchets come next month when I spend a week up in the Rockies camping with my pa. I'm sure I can search around and find out how to properly mount the head to the shaft, but of course if anyone has any good links I'd appreciate it. Mainly I'm just after a good shaft, and I can't find one anywhere here where I live. Thanks a lot guys..
Oh, I'm thinking about picking this hatchet up at a local pawn shop. It's old I do know that, but do you think it's worth 35 bucks? I'd like to make it a project hatchet..and any info on this thing would sure help too..

 
I check out the stock in the hardware stores whenever I'm in for something. Every few months I find a handle with decent grain and pick it up against future need. If I need a real good one right just now I hit up a local loggers supply. I usually pay around $10 for a handle. They can also be ordered online of course but I like being able to pick out just the one I want.
 
$35 seems a bit steep for that. I'm not familiar with that particular stamp but there are many top quality hatchets and axes out there for half of that price. Shop around.

RE: handle suppliers

House Handle is pretty popular amongst forum users here. Tennessee Hickory Products is also very popular if you can find a retailer. Either can supply you with a decent piece of wood but handles from either supplier will benefit from a little re-working at home. It is not possible to buy a first rate ready-to-hang axe or hatchet handle anymore. Of the two suppliers I mentioned HH products come a bit closer to 'ready-to-hang', but I think TH products have slightly better wood.
 
Square_peg said:
$35 seems a bit steep for that. I'm not familiar with that particular stamp but there are many top quality hatchets and axes out there for half of that price. Shop around.
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I don't doubt that. On the other hand something unique that catches your eye and fancy has intrinsic value only by virtue of not having to devote many more hours in scoping around for something cheaper. Staying away from an evening's revelry at the saloon will easily negate the desire to 'nickle and dime', and might even buy quality time to re-haft the old girl. I say plunk a $20 down on the counter and see what happens.
 
The local loggers supply stocks Tennessee Hickory handles, which are quality, but they tend to be (at least at this store), on the thick side. Nothing some rasping and sanding can't cure.
 
I asked if that was his bottom dollar, and he said yes. So he can keep it for now. I live in Oklahoma and there are no logging stores around. I went to the local lumber yard, and they only had one to choose from. I will check out the other places mentioned, so I thank you guys for the advice..
Also, since I'm new to the t-hawk axe hatchet world, I'm gonna get a CS trail hawk and spike hawk and start the modding process. It looks too cool seeing all these folks make something cool out of an inexpensive buy..
 
I've been using the Tennessee Hickory for awhile. They are generally on the thick side. Going to order from House next time to check them out.
 
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