Part #2: My favorite handle guard and splitting with the Michigan axe

My favorite handle guard for axes that see rough use it jute twine, and wood Titebond 3. The axe is holding up very well! The tempter and heat treatment are unaffected by the amount of grinding it took to reprofile the axe.

[@MattKeevil]

Good to see the Michigan swinging. I've done paracord wraps but I should try the jute; it's a lot cheaper!

[@urbanlumberjack]

It definitely is cheaper, and it’s basically wood so glues really well

[@mikenormandy9250]

It is imperative to gaurd the over strike area!, I def have a few wrapped with para-cord and any axe I use (which is all but my Norlund and Geandfather’s 1/2 hatchet I have hung) I use grip/friction electrical tape for the grip, esp if I am choking up for carving and 3M liner less Rubber Splicing Tape for the guard. It can get pricey but if you can figure out what I do for a living I get my hands on quite a lot - was thinking of using Hockey tape as well.
I have had my eye on a pickeroon lately - you just solidified my next purchase, great vid! Keep ‘em coming!

[@urbanlumberjack]

That’s a good process for an oversteick guard. I use hockey tape on axes occasionally and it’s very comfortable. The pickaroon is awesome! I’ve really put it though the paces even dragged some telephone poles, and it’s holding up

[@bsenalaska]

Great tutorial

[@urbanlumberjack]

Thank you!

[@MountainMenMilitia]

I actually really like the look of some Michigan pattern axes. Stanley has a good looking one and so does Craftsman. Most likely MANN edge tools made both but I'm not sure.

[@urbanlumberjack]

That seems like a good bet. I have a few mann era Collins they’re good stuff! I like a good Michigan too.

[@brettbrown9814]

Great handle guard idea! Titebond 3 is is good stuff. I considered trying a similar design using copper wire.

[@urbanlumberjack]

Copper would be cool to see!

[@ItalskeSekery]

I sometimes use paracord to protect the handle, I'll also try your method with pva glue, which is really interesting!! The axe works very well, congratulations!! ;)

[@urbanlumberjack]

Thank you! I really like the jute, it holds up very well especially in splitting

[@MsLori62]

Your boy is adorable.

[@urbanlumberjack]

Haha thank you! He’s never far off, and a ton of fun

[@kurts64]

Good job. What was that Tracker-style knife you had there?

[@urbanlumberjack]

It’s the warivo tracker in D2 steel. Got it for about $20. Kind of interesting, the curve is a bit of a pain to sharpen though!

[@MsLori62]

Is that a Council Tool axe?

[@urbanlumberjack]

I think it’s an older woodings Verona