[JCT]

I'd love to know how to make tomahawk handles, ( I use 19" ones for throwing hawks ) I'll buy a lathe this winter if it seems feasible. It gets expensive buying ash and hickory handles online and lately I get warped, over klin dried and knotted ones that break too easy.
It seems like a basic shape, but I'm unsure how the oval/bevel is created. I'm assuming you take some square stock down to round and then go from there.
Also, I have plenty of Hornbeam, Cherry and Elm, I'm thinking they'll be great woods to try this with.

[Isaac's Grandpa]

Have you checked with Track of the Wolf in Elk River, MN? A friend is heavily into historical re-enacting, I'll ask him.

[StrawHat]

I've made handles for a couple of of tomahawks. I don't have a lathe but I was able to do a good job with a draw knife and spokeshave. Start with a block longer than you need, fit the head and then cut to length. I tend to go low tech with most of my projects.

[7X57chilmau]

I wouldn't even consider using a lathe for hawk, hammer or axe handles... They're saw and knife fodder for me...

Have made a few. One tip: Be sure the wood you use is VERY dry before fitting, or it'll shrink and loosen the head (not a big problem on a hawk handle, I'd imagine, as it's taper fit, but definately on a hammer or axe handle, which is wedged). I dry mine in my oven at about 150F for overnight before fitting.

J

[BHP FAN]

broken garden tool handles make good handle stock.

[JCT]

I'll give it a try....thinking of getting a drift now and trying to make my own tomahawk, that'd be fun!

[wheelgunslinger]

I use drawknife and spokeshave as well. I'm currently building a new shaving horse since I just moved to a new spot with plenty of yard and basement.

Consider a horse for your tool handle and wood shaping needs. It's very basic and easy to build from wood stock you can find at your local box store or even from axe shaped wood materials.

http://www.bloodandsawdust.com/sca/horses.html

'hawk handles vary, but you can put an ad in your local classifieds for wood, make friends with local tree service people, and even offer to remove trees in exchange for the wood. There are a number of varieties of hardwood you can use from your local area that will give your stuff "local" flavor.

[JCT]

I have hornbeam nearby and black cherry, elm, ash. I'll start with hornbeam if it's not too hard to work with.

[7X57chilmau]

Start with ash. Hornbeam is brutal to work with. Not called ironwood for nothin!

Ash will give you all the strenght and impact resistance you need.

J

[wheelgunslinger]

Remember that you need to cure whatever woods you're sourcing from nearby trees as greenwood.

If you want to start immediately, then cut some locals and get them started with the drying process, but maybe order some woods or find someone with seasoned hickory, ash, or ironwood firewood that you can trade for or buy. Firewood size pieces can be the perfect length for hawk and hatchet handles and will be cured if they were cut last spring or autumn.