Hi Chuck, I had a watch strap project in mind but I’ve never worked with leather before. I started researching leather craft last weekend and came across your videos. I spent the weekend learning as much as I could from you (little bits from other creators but mostly you) by Tuesday I had enough confidence to buy my tools and materials. I cut, skived, punched, dyed, glued, edged and sewed until I had I finished wearable piece this morning. It’s not perfect by any means but it’s so much better for all the wisdom you imparted in these videos. Thank you so much!
Another great video, I never thought of doing a saddle stich on a wrap. Now I a going to have to do this on my hiking staff. Can't wait. Thanks again for sharing. God bless.
How would you wrap a grip without stitching. Would you take the ends in place and use adhesive on the wood underneath the wrap or how would you do it? I'm asking this because I'm mostly blind so stitching the others probably not going to happen
I have the same ax and I’m gonna watch this video again when I tackle this project, I do need a starter kit and few other things , I did Sadle stitch the sheath that it comes last time I sharpened the axe basically shave with and I did cut the factory stitches, that was it I’m hooked I wanna stitch and work with leather my next tackle is a handle wrap
I love my Woods Chogan axe and completely agree, the slick finish on the handle dose make it difficult to use at times. This will make it so much better!
Thank you for an amazing video again. I have been thinking about something like this for a while I have the same problem. I am going to wait to see what you do on the next axe. Thank you so much!
Hey! Absolutely great video and fantastic result. I would be a bit worried about gluing the leather to the handle though. If you are using it outdoors then you run the risk of getting moisture trapped under there. I was once advised to coat the area in bees wax, and tie the leather in place instead. The wax gives great friction and keep the handle in place, while also giving some protection for the wood. I also give you the option to still remove the leather and maintain your handle.
Excellent presentation on a useful subject! Was just looking to do this same thing on an antique Japanese camp hatchet and was curious about what glue to use, and other materials. Thanks so much! Enjoyed the serious Bob Ross vibes too! Will recommend this channel to anyone.
nice! a really good video on how to make the grip! easy to follow and every step is clear and explained. love all your videos, chuck I can't wait for the decorative one though, that will be fun
I bought hockey tape to to my wood hammer handle, but after seeing this I'm for sure gonna try it, love the idea to put the rings in there for your fingers
I don't like handles like that BUT I do soak a piece of leather and lace it tight around the top where the handle meets the head and then bake harden it for protection.
Chuck, Good day. I realize this is an older post and hope you will still answer a question. How do you compensate for a curved handle? The one you did here is straight but most axe handles are curved. I did a leather wrap but where the leather curved there was a lot of play. should I wet it before or after and try and do a wet mold or is there some sort of way to deign it. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. ~Frank
Haha. I've left my axe at camp. I'm always out and about in that area, but never found it. Until a year later. I went back to the camp that I had lost it in and decided to move the fire pit I had made. I guess during winter it got buried under all the pine needles and trash that falls to the forest floor. It was sitting there next to the fire pit under it all.
Instead of the suede, how about using top grain, but use the flesh side out? Use a scrap piece of veg tan instead of buying a side of suede?? Would this be as durable???
Hi! I have created some prototypes of leather items and it is too time consuming and difficult or me to make them. I’d like to find a leather manufacturer who can make these items, even in bulk, but am having a hard time. Any suggestions?
Hint to everyone: I am going to do this tomorrow...but on a selfie stick. Think it will be great, especially when we are sweating or it is very cold. What do you think?
Can or will "Weaver" (Chuck?) do any videos on authentic leather handle work (and related) at true historic restoration level? The "modern materials level" (as shown in this video) just won't satisfy those standards at all as they must follow the ethos of "like for like" in means, method, and materials... which is required to meet museum and/or historic restoration standards... Thank you in advance!
Hi Chuck, I had a watch strap project in mind but I’ve never worked with leather before. I started researching leather craft last weekend and came across your videos. I spent the weekend learning as much as I could from you (little bits from other creators but mostly you) by Tuesday I had enough confidence to buy my tools and materials. I cut, skived, punched, dyed, glued, edged and sewed until I had I finished wearable piece this morning. It’s not perfect by any means but it’s so much better for all the wisdom you imparted in these videos. Thank you so much!
Thank you for your comment, so glad we could help you learn about leather.
Thanks Chuck. Great project
You hit another one out of the park Chuck! Thanks for another great video!
I'm actually making 2 walking sticks. One for me and one for my mom, so this video became very useful for me!
Another great video, I never thought of doing a saddle stich on a wrap. Now I a going to have to do this on my hiking staff. Can't wait. Thanks again for sharing. God bless.
I have the exact same tomahawk. I have been wanting to do this also. Thanks Chuck!
I love the tomahawk spin at the end! I have the exact same as that and going to add that very soon.
You are the best teacher , love from India ❤
Great idea and video!!! You always make it look simple and effortless. ✌
How would you wrap a grip without stitching. Would you take the ends in place and use adhesive on the wood underneath the wrap or how would you do it? I'm asking this because I'm mostly blind so stitching the others probably not going to happen
I loved that little axe twirl there at the end. Great project, keep up the good work.
I have the same ax and I’m gonna watch this video again when I tackle this project, I do need a starter kit and few other things , I did Sadle stitch the sheath that it comes last time I sharpened the axe basically shave with and I did cut the factory stitches, that was it I’m hooked I wanna stitch and work with leather my next tackle is a handle wrap
Great point about using bright colors on woodsmen tools!
I love my Woods Chogan axe and completely agree, the slick finish on the handle dose make it difficult to use at times. This will make it so much better!
Thank you for an amazing video again. I have been thinking about something like this for a while I have the same problem.
I am going to wait to see what you do on the next axe. Thank you so much!
Chuck, nonchalantly flips around his axe like a Viking.
Hey! Absolutely great video and fantastic result.
I would be a bit worried about gluing the leather to the handle though. If you are using it outdoors then you run the risk of getting moisture trapped under there.
I was once advised to coat the area in bees wax, and tie the leather in place instead. The wax gives great friction and keep the handle in place, while also giving some protection for the wood. I also give you the option to still remove the leather and maintain your handle.
Excellent presentation on a useful subject! Was just looking to do this same thing on an antique Japanese camp hatchet and was curious about what glue to use, and other materials. Thanks so much! Enjoyed the serious Bob Ross vibes too! Will recommend this channel to anyone.
Very nice chuck, but how would u do a traditional ax handle with the curve and inconsistent diameter?
Great video. Great job. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.
nice! a really good video on how to make the grip! easy to follow and every step is clear and explained. love all your videos, chuck
I can't wait for the decorative one though, that will be fun
I bought hockey tape to to my wood hammer handle, but after seeing this I'm for sure gonna try it, love the idea to put the rings in there for your fingers
I’m literally getting ready to do this soon. Great timing!!
Good video, was thinking of doing this just the other day. Greatings from Sweden
Great video Chuck, very inspiring. Usually I cover handles with knotworks, but I'll definitely use this method on a few pieces. 🤝👍🏻
OLD LEATHER SMITH here. VERY Nice Chuck, thanks. GOD'S BLESSINGS ✝️⚾🙃
Excellent, as always!
I don't like handles like that BUT I do soak a piece of leather and lace it tight around the top where the handle meets the head and then bake harden it for protection.
Hey Chuck how´d you approach a Swordhandle wich isn´t straight? Would you take each circumference and eyeball it? Keep up the great work!
Hi chuck can explain ho to do a quilted leather pattern?
Thanks
Nice work, but needs a turkshead either end of the grip.
Is it possible to do the same grip but with a slightly thicker piece of leather with a top grain that has been tooled?
Chuck, Good day. I realize this is an older post and hope you will still answer a question. How do you compensate for a curved handle? The one you did here is straight but most axe handles are curved. I did a leather wrap but where the leather curved there was a lot of play. should I wet it before or after and try and do a wet mold or is there some sort of way to deign it. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. ~Frank
Do you treat the handle before wrapping it?
Haha. I've left my axe at camp. I'm always out and about in that area, but never found it. Until a year later. I went back to the camp that I had lost it in and decided to move the fire pit I had made. I guess during winter it got buried under all the pine needles and trash that falls to the forest floor. It was sitting there next to the fire pit under it all.
Instead of the suede, how about using top grain, but use the flesh side out? Use a scrap piece of veg tan instead of buying a side of suede?? Would this be as durable???
Hi! I have created some prototypes of leather items and it is too time consuming and difficult or me to make them.
I’d like to find a leather manufacturer who can make these items, even in bulk, but am having a hard time. Any suggestions?
Seems like a beginning of a great adventure.
Chuck: We've got an axe
everyone: And my awl, shears, mallet
So now what?
HIDE!
My tomahawks could use some nice leather handles. Right now they're just wrapped in leather boot laces.
Hint to everyone: I am going to do this tomorrow...but on a selfie stick. Think it will be great, especially when we are sweating or it is very cold. What do you think?
Can or will "Weaver" (Chuck?) do any videos on authentic leather handle work (and related) at true historic restoration level?
The "modern materials level" (as shown in this video) just won't satisfy those standards at all as they must follow the ethos of "like for like" in means, method, and materials... which is required to meet museum and/or historic restoration standards... Thank you in advance!
Can you make me one?