HouseHandle.com-Good to go

[ken792]

http://www.househandle.com/

I replaced the handle on my Cold Steel Frontier Hawk and on a Merit brand (1950's Sears as I understand it) hatchet I got for $1 at a flea market years ago. I paid $4 each for the tomahawk handles and $3.90 for the hatchet handle. Both went on with minimal rasping and sanding. I put three coats of poly-stain on the tomahawk handle and the hatchet handle came lacquered.

The only downside is that it's a small operation and you have to wait for your stuff to arrive. I think it took a little over two weeks for me. Shipping was about $9 for USPS Priority, so not too bad.

 

[gunrunner]

I was always taught that lacquer is bad for blisters and the longevity of the handle. Linseed oil is the way to go. That will help it develop a nice natural patina and keep the wood moist in the process. Good re handle job. The work looks great.

 

[RaVis]

I was always taught that lacquer is bad for blisters and the longevity of the handle.

True. Too much of the (boiled) linseed is also bad.

 

[mancheechee]

get a torch and burn off the lacquer. it'll also leave a nice "weathered" look if you do it right. keep it at distance...just enough to burn it off. then apply the linseed oil. I have a collection of axes that I actually use. two I made from old school axe heads and two I bought (wetterlings). I'm justifying a Gransfors...

 

[gunrunner]

True. Too much of the (boiled) linseed is also bad.

Very true. But Mr. Mears was maintaining an already oiled haft. These are new, so linseed oil should be applied liberally in coats. Until it no longer absorbs into the wood.

 

[ken792]

I tried burning off the lacquer from the hatchet handle, but it takes so long without charring the wood. I'm just sanding the lacquer off. That stuff is tough and takes a long time.