Wrapping leather around an axe handle has become quite popular for several reasons. For starters, it can work as an excellent protector of the haft. It’s also popular because of its aesthetic purposes.
In today’s article, I’ll be describing how to wrap an axe handle with leather. So, if you have been trying to find out the best method of doing it, stay tuned.
How to Wrap an Axe Handle with Leather – Step by Step
You can use several ways to leather wrap wood handle. However, I won’t get into complex methods. You will find the easiest way here with a step-by-step tutorial.
Step 1: Gather Everything Needed
Before getting into how to leather wrap a handle, you need to ask what are tools required for the process. If you’re prepared, you will make the process smooth and error-free. Not to mention, you will enjoy making an axe handle wrapped with leather. So, let’s see what you need.
- Your axe
- A large piece of leather
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- Scissors
- Nails
- Hammer
- Needle and yarn
- Lighter
Step 2: Measure Your Axe Handle
You will have to take measurements of both the length and width of the axe handle. However, it’s not essential to measure the entire handle length. Only measure the part you would like to cover with leather.
Use a measuring tape to make sure that the readings are precise. Then, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Measure the Leather
As you can imagine, the next step is to measure the leather. You will have to take a piece of leather and use a marker to outline it. Next, take the axe handle measurements and mark the leather using those measurements.
Make sure to keep the leather a bit larger from the axe handle measurements.
Step 3: Cut the Leather
Now, take a good-quality pair of scissors and cut the outlined area of the leather. Again, it’s essential to use a proper tool for this part because no scissors can cut leather with precision.
Using low-quality or blunt scissors will result in damaging both the leather and the scissors.
Step 4: Check if the Cover Fits
Now, take the leather piece and place it on the handle where you want the wrap to be. Check if it fits properly. If not, make necessary adjustments by cutting.
Note that you can cut short the leather but can’t make it longer. That’s why I recommended keeping the piece a bit larger than necessary.
Step 5: Make Dots on the Leather
Now, take the marker again and make dots on the edge of the wraps where you will unite them. Again, it’s essential to keep the distance even, both horizontally and vertically. If it helps, use a ruler or a measuring tape.
The leather wrap should look like a sneaker top part. This binding procedure works similarly.
Step 6: Make Holes
The next step will require you to use your nails and hammer. Take a nail and place it on top of a hole. Use the hammer to slam the nail and make a hole there. It’s crucial to put enough pressure so that the nail can make a visible hole in the leather.
Repeat the process with all the dots and then proceed to the next step.
Step 7: Knit the Leather Ends
Take the needle and insert the yarn inside it. Place the leather on the axe handle and knit it together to close the gap. Start with the bottom and keep going upwards.
Using cross knitting will be most effective in this method because the leather will be tightly knit together. Keep knitting until you reach the end.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
The final step is to cut the yarn. Use the lighter to burn the ends. It will create little knobs to make sure that the knitting doesn’t get opened. You can also use a knot if you want.
That’s the entire process of how to make a leather axe handle guard.
Safety Warnings
- Use an even working surface for the entire procedure.
- Wear gloves because you will be dealing with tools like the finishing nail and hammer.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Don’t do this in a crowded place.
- Use sharp and high-quality scissors.
Benefits of a Leather Wrap
A lot of people ask why they should bother wrapping their axe handles with leather at all. Well, certainly there are some benefits. So, let’s take a look at the major perks of using a leather wrap for your axe handle.
- When you’re using the axe, your hands can get sweaty. A leather wrap prevents slipping to ensure safety.
- Leather can provide your axe with a classy look, unlike other wrapping methods.
- You will feel a more powerful grip on the handle when shaping or cutting objects with your axe.
- A leather wrap reduces the chance of accidental moves of your axe.
- You can expect a leather wrap to last for years, unlike other methods that require frequent replacing.
Alternatives of Leather Wrapping Your Axe Handle
You might be wondering whether there are any other ways you can wrap your axe handle or not. There absolutely are. So, if you can’t find a piece of leather to wrap your axe handle, use the following method for wrapping your axe handle.
Paracord
Using a paracord is a cheap and popular method of wrapping your axe handle. However, there are upsides and downsides to using this method. Let’s talk about the upsides first.
Paracord comes in different colors, so you get to customize your axe handle. Besides, if you’re wrapping the entire axe handle, paracord will be comparatively more suitable than leather.
The function of a paracord wrap is similar to a leather wrap. It serves aesthetic purposes, but the primary function is to protect the axe handle.
On the downside, paracord isn’t as long-lasting as leather. So, you will have to do the wrapping more frequently. Besides, if you don’t dry your axe handle when it gets wet, the handle can get damaged by the water paracord holds.
Twine
If you are looking for a temporary solution, twine can be cheap and convenient. In addition, it will do a great job providing a strong grip on the handle. However, when it comes to protecting the handle, twine will not be as effective as paracord or leather.
Twine also doesn’t do a great job making the axe better-looking. So, if it’s just the grip that you are after, go for twine.
FAQ
Local stores may have loose leather pieces that you can use for your axe handle. You can also get them online if you want. However, it will be best if you can find a reliable cobbler shop to get different varieties of leather pieces.
It’s not mandatory to purchase expensive leather to wrap the handle. Any leather piece that can provide you with superior grip and comfort on your hands will work wonderfully on an axe handle.
If we are talking about popularity, paracord is more popular due to its availability and price. However, if you are asking about the best material considering every aspect, leather will certainly win over anything else.
Final Verdict
I hope that this guide on how to wrap an axe handle with leather has been helpful to you. It may seem a bit intimidating in the beginning. But once you get started with the process, you will enjoy it without a doubt.
The end result will also make you feel that the method was well worth your time. Because as you can imagine, a leather wrap looks good on an axe handle too.
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