Axe mask alternatives question

[Hammock Hamster]

Hi all,

I have been playing about at butchering, err I mean modifying, some axe heads and want to make up some form of protective covers.

I don't have any experience at leather working and am not a fan of kydex or modern materials.

I saw a picture of a wooden axe mast a while back but my Google fu have failed me in finding something similar.
Anyone have any ideas on a wooden or traditional alternative to leather?

Cheers, Hamster


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[mick91]

I've used plywood in the past and still do. Nothing to say you couldn't use anything more ornate wood wise. Simple enough process really if you have a fret/scroll saw

 

[Mesquite]

Have a look at the mask Wayland recently made for his axe

 

[Dave Budd]

here are a couple that I've done in wood.

The first one is made by gluing and then riveting (3mm copper wire) three planks of beech together, basically the same as with leather. Then I made a peg from some oak to hold the axe in.

The second one was much simpler. It is a single block of beech that I carved a groove into for the blade to fit, then used a leather thong to tie in place. The groove was made by drilling a row of holes and then chiselling the wood out in between.

Wayland's axe is made the same way (i think) as the first, but sewn together with artificial sinew rather than rivets and then the thong as in the second. Though he made his all pretty with some lovely carvings

 

[Hammock Hamster]

Thanks guys that's exactly the type of thing I was thinking off.

I feel a little project coming on this weekend!!!

 

[tombear]

Looking at images from the 18th/19th/ fur trade period the most common protection you see on a hawks head is a rag or cloth thin piece of leather tied round it. I've always assumed they would have been oily/greasy to weather proof it some. Too messy for a tart like me, much prefer the wooden or leather ones most folk make.

atb

Tom

 

[Dave Budd]

funny you should say that. A number of the axes in my workshop have a rag or old sock wrapped around the edge to protect them/me

 

[Hoodoo]

When I was a kid it was common practice to cut the ends out of a tin can, flatten it, and slip it over the axe bit. Drill a hole in the can and use a leather shoelace to tie it fast.

 

[Hammock Hamster]

funny you should say that. A number of the axes in my workshop have a rag or old sock wrapped around the edge to protect them/me

Most of mine are also modelling this years trend of oily rag at the moment.
I keep buying old second hand heads to rehaft and mod don't have the patience or skill to make them pretty leather clothes.


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[Klenchblaize]

I like #1 and may now use this design to make a cover for a vintage Irish brush cutter I recently acquired.  

Thanks ‎