You haven't seen a hatchet handle like this (no power tools)

I recently snapped the handle on my hatchet so I decided to make an even better handle to replace it.

I built this handle out of laminated layers of poplar, cherry, and walnut. These aren't usually the best woods for hatchet and axe handles (like hickory or ash) but the lamination process makes them stronger.

I carved this handle entirely with hand tools, no electrons were harmed in the making of this piece. The rough shape of the handle was achieved with a crosscut saw and a chisel, then fine tuned it with a spokeshave and rasp. I fit the head of the axe with a maple wedge, hammered and glued in place.

This hatchet took only a few hours to make and should last a lifetime, especially since I mostly use it to carve spoons!

00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Laminating layers
01:24 - Defining the shoulder
02:19 - Fitting the head
03:14 - Rough handle shaping
04:46 - Preparing to wedge
05:15 - Wedging the head in place
05:45 - Applying finish
05:55 - Glamor shots

Thanks for watching. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts, and don't forget to subscribe if you like content like this!

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[dkbuilds]

What do you think makes a stronger axe handle? Solid straight-grained hickory/ash, or five layers of laminated straight-grained weaker woods like poplar, cherry, and walnut?

[JayCWhiteCloud]

LMAO...I loved it when you "jumped" the head on and then looked at the camera...PRICELESS...!!!
I don't like modern tool handles but rather traditional...When students ask I tell them to make it the way you did...and they look at me funny...LOL...then ask why...???...I "like" traditional. but hands down the strongest (and I break lots of handles over the last 40 years of traditional woodworking) are laminated because you have complete control over getting proper wood grain orientation...These "laminated" handles have also been made traditionally as well...then I like putting"leather braided wrap" on them for a positive and cushioned grip...You did great with this handle thanks for sharing it...

[mujinmakes]

A perfect handle for that hatchet - but also digging that perfect-handle screwdriver!

[behzad]

I just love the way you do the woodworking. I love that neat working bench and the great tool cabinet that you made. Thank you for making these videos.

[DonsWoodies]

Beautiful Job, Dave. You're gonna look stylish while chopping stuff up. Sneaky sneak with the glue. Love it.

[robertbartman]

Grand dad 'whittled' many an Axe handle, many were perfectly balanced works of art & function.

[guentherkoffler]

A nice built video and not this rubbish of shorts. Many thanks for sharing

[dukeengine]

Nice! And the sequence of the wedge is genial 😄😄😄

[Pandemos]

One thing I'd suggest when working with an axe head is putting tape over the live edge until you reshape and sharpen so you don't risk cutting yourself. Axe heads should be shaving sharp with a convex edge (I use a belt, just easier than stones).

[mrmarcdee]

Sweet! Great craftsmanship, and great video!

[MCsCreations]

Beautiful, man! Really fantastic work! 😃
My father was watching with me here and kept talking that we need to buy one as well... 😂
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[bradleytuckwell]

I appreciate nice hand tool work. It turned out great

[matterbe]

Always enjoy doing smaller tasks with no power tools. The handle came out great! You should look into getting a draw knife down the road, it opens up a lot of interesting shapes without using the bandsaw.

[Lutzboater]

Turned out very nice. Liked this style of video presentation.

[gibranmorales]

As always, it's great to see your videos. One suggestion for you. Next time, you should smooth/round the "shoulders" because a square shoulder will definitely create leverage forces that will become in a loose joint. Greetings from Mexico!

[LonghornWorkshop]

Love that, I have a same project that I need to do.

[asimpson]

I was wondering, if a person wanted to make a composite handle like this would there be a way to use shorter slats so that the outside is multiple different woods? It seems like the handle would only be as strong as the adhesive but some of the magic I've seen carpenters do with layering and joints that maybe there is a simple way to make a handle of many smaller pieces just as strong as a single piece of wood that I have just never seen.

I'm asking because I have an old Bell Systems 4lb sledge that I am restoring and I wanted to make a completely unconventional looking handle that still has adequate function. Not quite checker but patchwork looking maybe.

[garynelles]

That wedge will never come out…..Ever!
Good video DK! When do you plan on using it besides for spoons?

[noahfreeman]

need to make a handle for my axe — never thought about laminating so i’ll have to give it a try!

[luigicetraro]

Anche se non lascio quasi mai commenti, devo dire che è bello vedere i tuoi lavori e la serenità con cui li fai. Volevo chiederti, quali sono le pialle di base che bisogna avere per fare la maggior parte dei lavori? Oltre alla Stanley, che vedo che adoperi, altre marche che consigli?