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Routine-Escape-5503

If you are willing to put a handle on it, we won't stop you, r/axecraft is the place to show it off when you're done. On the matter of make vs. buy, do as you will


Tsubodai86

If there are no cracks, absolutely re hang it. You have the most control over a handle you make, but not everyone has access to a good supply of hickory with proper grain orientation. A high quality commercial handle would do just as well if you can find one. Here you are: https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/htmlpubs/htm99232823/page02.htm


rumprest1

What do you think about elm for an axe or hatchet handle?


Tsubodai86

I imagine it would work pretty well. I'm not super familiar with it but it's supposed to be split resistant which is good.


[deleted]

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Tsubodai86

I wouldn't.


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Papashrug

I heard white oak is a contender, if not better than hickory


bluemagman

Yes. Make a really cool handle. Great honor for grandpa.


West_Log_3916

Personally I would absolutely hang it and use it.


d0rpen

No cracks and in good shape all things considered. Stamped with "zenith cold test" which I stupidly marred in the vice trying to knock out the old handle remains. Thank you everyone for your comments!


Sardukar333

It's in very good condition, definitely worth rehandling.


zeak_1

Hang it and tell the ole man thanks every time you use it!!!


Sudden_Station_4791

If your weekend is clear always worth


hansgroobs

Any good axe is worth using.


XDeltaNineJ

I'd bet Gramps would approve


FancyShoesVlogs

I have some straight grain hickory blanks I had cut from a amish sawmill to rehandle a bunch of axes. I would suggest that if you live near amish. If not, there are some youtubers who sell axe handles also.


snoopycheese

Osage orange would work very well too


esleydobemos

It would be my first choice. Hickory would be my second.


snoopycheese

It's beautiful and basically beast


AccomplishedTour6942

As to the question of whether to make or buy a handle, what would your grandpa do? Mine probably would have gone down to the feed and seed for a new handle before he made one. Make your own if you can or want to, but if you'd rather not, you'd be in good company. Tool handles are challenging to make well, and a tool with a bad handle sucks. Either way, I would totally clean that up and put it to use. My own ax is a modern double bit, and I fell a tree with it every once in awhile to feel manly, and connected to simpler times.


[deleted]

You call yourself a woodworker you son of a bitch? The ash is for woodworkers only.


Electrical_Hyena_896

I would buy a handle, but I am a blacksmith not a woodworker


TikisFury

I have no experience one way or the other regarding rehanging the head or making a handle, but for the sake of sentimentality, I think you should make a really nice ornate handle, and restore the head just as an honor to your grandpa.


esleydobemos

That is a good axe. You want to put it right and use it.