Axe Handles

[Sparky415]

Guys I do think too many people overthink this axe thing
So long as one end is heavy and sharp
And the other end is comfortable for as long as we need it to be, we should be good to go 

But I do like a slim handle

[TazzieRob]

That should be helpful. I wonder where the balance is on the Fiskars

I'll fess up, I have an X7, and the balance is pretty close to the head. Handle is hollow almost right up to the head, too

[TazzieRob]

Guys I do think too many people overthink this axe thing
So long as one end is heavy and sharp
And the other end is comfortable for as long as we need it to be, we should be good to go 

But I do like a slim handle
(Image removed from quote.)

Yeah, ultimately it comes down to individual preference.  Take care of anything and it will last a long time

[Syncop8r]

A handle for my hatchet will cost about $30NZD and my 3/4 about $34NZD - probably about $21USD and $24USD respectively. 

[TazzieRob]

A handle for my hatchet will cost about $30NZD and my 3/4 about $34NZD - probably about $21USD and $24USD respectively. 

What sort of wood is that?

[Syncop8r]

I think it's all hickory so I guess that's why.

[TazzieRob]

I think it's all hickory so I guess that's why.

Yeah, sounds like it. Two 800mm handles of Hickory, one was $34.50 I think, the other was $28.
I would have preferred a spotted gum at $16.50 but none of them were really decent, unfortunately.
Do you know what NZ rules on wood imports are like? I could probably help you out but shipping might be the killer on cost

[Syncop8r]

I think it's all hickory so I guess that's why.

Yeah, sounds like it. Two 800mm handles of Hickory, one was $34.50 I think, the other was $28.
I would have preferred a spotted gum at $16.50 but none of them were really decent, unfortunately.
Do you know what NZ rules on wood imports are like? I could probably help you out but shipping might be the killer on cost

Thanks for the offer but yeah I don't think it would be worth it. I don't know if customs would have an issue or not. 
I'm keen to try to make my own handles but would need a template for a handle to suit my 2¾ Elwell head.

[styx]

Guys I do think too many people overthink this axe thing
So long as one end is heavy and sharp
And the other end is comfortable for as long as we need it to be, we should be good to go 

But I do like a slim handle
(Image removed from quote.)

Overthinking is a part of the fun. Like thinking which knife is the best or what shelter do you absolutely need or which multitool can do it all. Just so you can go out and figure out that 99% of your hard tasks can be accomplished with a Mora #1 or some other inexpensive equivalent, your basic tarp is ample shelter and a Vic Classic or LM Micra is pretty much overkill for your daily needs

[Sparky415]

Yep I do find these threads very interesting 

 

[TazzieRob]

Guys I do think too many people overthink this axe thing
So long as one end is heavy and sharp
And the other end is comfortable for as long as we need it to be, we should be good to go 

But I do like a slim handle
(Image removed from quote.)

Overthinking is a part of the fun. Like thinking which knife is the best or what shelter do you absolutely need or which multitool can do it all. Just so you can go out and figure out that 99% of your hard tasks can be accomplished with a Mora #1 or some other inexpensive equivalent, your basic tarp is ample shelter and a Vic Classic or LM Micra is pretty much overkill for your daily needs

 

[TazzieRob]

Shame the handle was split, but this will be good again

[Sparky415]

 

[Syncop8r]

I wonder if the split one could be salvaged in any way... 

[styx]

I wonder if the split one could be salvaged in any way... 

Hockey tape around it and use it to pummel goblins and molerats into oblivion

[TazzieRob]

I wonder if the split one could be salvaged in any way... 

Hockey tape around it and use it to pummel goblins and molerats into oblivion

I guess I could find Hockey tape somewhere, but Ice Hockey isn't really a thing here, just field hockey.
It had been covered with some duct tape (the darker section) but the split was extending past that, at least mid sticker of the new handle.
If I didn't have the new handle I'd probably have just left it on. It was hung very tightly. Have started thinning down the new one and am probably half way to getting it fitted now

[Syncop8r]

If you cut it in half would the end of the lower portion be too narrow to fit nicely into a hatchet head?

[TazzieRob]

If you cut it in half would the end of the lower portion be too narrow to fit nicely into a hatchet head?

Possibly, no problems with width, but I don't think it would fill out the length of the eye. Could work with a hammer, not sure about the ergonomics for that use though.

[Sparky415]

I've got a broken repaired one here that's destined for a handle on a drawer    (one day...)

[styx]

I wonder if the split one could be salvaged in any way... 

Hockey tape around it and use it to pummel goblins and molerats into oblivion

I guess I could find Hockey tape somewhere, but Ice Hockey isn't really a thing here, just field hockey.
It had been covered with some duct tape (the darker section) but the split was extending past that, at least mid sticker of the new handle.
If I didn't have the new handle I'd probably have just left it on. It was hung very tightly. Have started thinning down the new one and am probably half way to getting it fitted now

Any kind of strong tape would work. You're pummeling goblins so it isn't an activity where nice looking, shiny tools matter

[Syncop8r]

Any kind of strong tape would work. You're pummeling goblins so it isn't an activity where nice looking, shiny tools matter

I don't think you appreciate just how ferocious goblins are downunder...

[styx]

epoxy wood filler, gafford tape (duct tape but less shiny) and you could put a few nails through it. Just don't forget to write a dedication to Surtr below the mods/fixes

[TazzieRob]

Any kind of strong tape would work. You're pummeling goblins so it isn't an activity where nice looking, shiny tools matter

I don't think you appreciate just how ferocious goblins are downunder...

Not the goblins I'm worried about, it's the drop bears... 

[Syncop8r]

Any kind of strong tape would work. You're pummeling goblins so it isn't an activity where nice looking, shiny tools matter

I don't think you appreciate just how ferocious goblins are downunder...

Not the goblins I'm worried about, it's the drop bears... 

You guys have enough lethal wildlife there without having to make them up! 

[Sparky415]

Any kind of strong tape would work. You're pummeling goblins so it isn't an activity where nice looking, shiny tools matter

I don't think you appreciate just how ferocious goblins are downunder...

Not the goblins I'm worried about, it's the drop bears... 

You guys have enough lethal wildlife there without having to make them up! 

You don't want to tangle with a drop bear! 
(a spot of toothpaste behind your ears should keep them away Mate  )

[styx]

i just hope they aren't a nuisance like a drekavac. don't mind things that can just outright tear one apart, but the annoying little buggers that take their time are just smurfs

[Sparky415]

I had to google drekavac

 

[styx]

and?

[TazzieRob]

and?

I reckon its bark is worse than its bite

[Sparky415]

And; I slept with an axe under my pillow last night
not because I  believe!

But just in case