New handle

[frugalolegeezer]

Had this old hatchet laying around the shop and decided it needed a new handle. The tang on the hatchet was steel so I cut out a few leather washers and also some washers cut from the bottom of a white plastic bucket. Brass washers were used for the ends. Ground off the rough edges and smoothed out and polished the handle and another project finished. More ideas tumbling around in this ole head, gotta get back to work.

[C-Bag]

Love it. I remember those kinds of handles on hatchets when I was a kid. Never see them anymore. I've got a couple of hi end dead blow hammers that plastic handles have started shattering and rather than toss them I've been trying to figure out how to put new handles on them. So what's the final finish? Like polyurethane?

[frugalolegeezer]

Hey Paul
The best thing I have found for finishing handles of wood or leather and sometimes I will use this even on metal to keep it from tarnishing is rust-oleum crystal clear enamel. Absolutely the best finish I have found. I have tried varnish, polyurethane and just do not have good luck with them. This enamel dries to the touch in just a few minutes and I really like it. Good luck and thanks for the interest.

[baja]

Love it. I remember those kinds of handles on hatchets when I was a kid. Never see them anymore. I've got a couple of hi end dead blow hammers that plastic handles have started shattering and rather than toss them I've been trying to figure out how to put new handles on them. So what's the final finish? Like polyurethane?

I have a Matco deadblow hammer I found on a four wheel drive trail a few years ago and had the same problem. I had purchased a product called Fiberfix (I think) and never used it until last week. I saved the pieces that broke off and stuck them back on and wrapped the handle with it. Worked like a charm and has the added advantage of a better grip.

[frugalolegeezer]

I have a Matco deadblow hammer I found on a four wheel drive trail a few years ago and had the same problem. I had purchased a product called Fiberfix (I think) and never used it until last week. I saved the pieces that broke off and stuck them back on and wrapped the handle with it. Worked like a charm and has the added advantage of a better grip.

Hey Baja,
Sorry I did not get back to you sooner, but the finish is nothing but good ole Rustoleum Chrystal clear spray finish. Try it and I think you will like it.

[PJs]

Nice Job Frugalolegeezer! I like your mindset and that is a nice old shingler's hatchet I believe. Curious of the brand...couldn't read it from the photo. Most impressed with making your own leather stack with the bucket spacers!! Bravo on that. The knife maker guys have various stacker leathers for fairly cheap and cheerful. Here are a couple of links: KnifeKits, and Twin Leather Co.

I restored my dads old hunting knife a while back and was able to save the leather with some light sanding and used enamel as you did. It felt like the leather liked it more than a varnish I spot tested with so that's what I used. Still have to build a new sheath for it but kind of hate to because dad had engraved his initials in it...but it's in bad shape on the inside.

Great Job bringing the old hatchet back to life. Thanks for sharing! ~PJ

[C-Bag]

Fabulous links Wiz! Especially Twin Leather, they have tutorials and are half the price of the other, plus many different patterns. It makes sense once you see it but I would never known it was called a stacked washer handle.

Thanks frugalolgeezer and PJs for the info. Wonder why enamel works the best? Another of those mysteries?

[yumastepside]

I quite often restore old leather handled axes, knives and hammers...glue between each leather washer, clamp them up, shape the handle when dry and I usually finish them with 50/50 beeswax and mineral oil.



Roger

[blkadder]

I love the look of the handle. It reminds me of the handle on my old KABAR. Thanks for posting.

[Paul Jones]

frugalolegeezer,

Thank you for the tip about Rust-oleum crystal clear enamel. I use the spray can version for parts I machine from brass and want to keep the bright polished brass appearance. The finish lasts for years and looks as good as the day the parts we machined.

Paul