Wrapping an axe handle enhances grip, protects the wood, and customizes your tool. The process typically involves preparing the handle, selecting your wrapping material, applying it with consistent tension, and securing the ends.
How to Wrap an Axe Handle?
Wrapping an axe handle is a practical way to improve its functionality and longevity. Whether you're aiming for a more secure grip, added shock absorption, or protection against wear and tear, a well-executed wrap can significantly upgrade your axe.
Why Wrap Your Axe Handle?
- Improved Grip: A textured wrap provides better traction, especially in wet or sweaty conditions, reducing the chance of slippage during use.
- Shock Absorption: Materials like paracord or leather can help dampen vibrations, making the axe more comfortable to use over extended periods.
- Handle Protection: A wrap acts as a sacrificial layer, shielding the wooden handle from scratches, dings, and environmental damage.
- Customization: It's an excellent way to personalize your tool with different colors and materials.
- Emergency Resource: Paracord wraps, in particular, can be unraveled for emergency cordage in survival situations.
Essential Materials for Wrapping
Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies based on your chosen wrapping material.
- Axe: The handle you intend to wrap.
- Wrapping Material:
- Paracord (550 recommended): Durable, versatile, and offers a good grip.
- Leather Strips: Provides a classic look, excellent grip, and ages beautifully.
- Athletic Tape or Hockey Tape: Quick, easy, and offers good temporary grip.
- Rope/Twine: Can be used for decorative or functional wraps.
- Scissors or Knife: For cutting the wrapping material.
- Lighter (for paracord): To melt and fuse paracord ends.
- Adhesive (optional): Strong glue or epoxy for securing ends, especially for leather or fabric tapes.
- Marking Tool (optional): To mark the starting/ending points.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wrapping an Axe Handle
The specific technique varies slightly by material, but the fundamental principles remain consistent. Here's a general guide:
1. Prepare the Handle
- Clean: Ensure the handle is clean and dry. Remove any dirt, grease, or loose debris.
- Smooth (Optional): Lightly sand rough spots if you desire a perfectly smooth base, but for many wraps, a natural wood texture is fine.
- Define Area: Decide how much of the handle you want to wrap. You might wrap the entire handle, just the grip, or a specific section.
2. Choose Your Wrapping Method
The most common methods involve helical (spiral) wraps or more intricate knot-based patterns.
3. Apply the Wrap (Paracord Example)
Paracord is a popular choice due to its durability and versatility.
- Start Point: Begin at the bottom (butt) of the handle or just above the swell, depending on your desired look and grip area. You can secure the initial end by wrapping over it or by tying a simple knot like a constrictor knot around the handle.
- Consistent Tension: As you wrap, maintain consistent tension on the paracord. This is crucial for a tight, durable wrap that won't loosen easily. Keep it firm, and don't be overly concerned if there are a few tiny gaps initially; you can often push the cord up to close them as you go.
- Overlap: Each successive coil of paracord should slightly overlap the previous one (typically 1/8 to 1/4 inch) to create a continuous, protective layer.
- Work Upwards: Continue wrapping in a tight spiral up the handle to your desired end point. Apply a little bit of tension on the cord as you keep wrapping it all the way up.
- Finish Point: Once you reach your desired length, secure the end of the paracord.
- Underwrap Method: Create a small loop with a separate piece of paracord and lay it along the handle at your finish point. Wrap the working end of your paracord over this loop for 5-7 turns. Then, thread the working end through the loop and pull the other end of the loop until the working end is pulled underneath the wraps. Trim and melt any excess.
- Knot Method: Secure with a strong finishing knot, like a square knot or a decorative stopper knot, and melt the end for security.
4. Applying Other Materials
- Leather Strips: Start by securing one end with a strong adhesive or a small tack. Wrap tightly, slightly overlapping each turn, ensuring the flesh side is against the handle if you want the smooth side out. Secure the end similarly with adhesive or by tucking it under the last few wraps.
- Tape (Athletic/Hockey): Begin by wrapping a few turns around the starting point, overlapping each turn. Maintain consistent tension and overlap as you spiral up the handle. Tear or cut the tape at your desired end point and press firmly to ensure adhesion. You can also reverse the tape for the last few wraps to create a smoother finish.
Comparing Wrapping Materials
| Material Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracord (550) | Excellent grip, durable, multi-purpose | Can be bulky, requires melting ends | Bushcraft, survival, general utility |
| Leather Strips | Premium feel, classic look, very durable | More expensive, requires careful wrapping | Heirloom axes, aesthetic appeal, comfortable |
| Athletic/Hockey Tape | Easy to apply, good grip, inexpensive | Less durable, can leave residue, not as aesthetic | Temporary wraps, quick grip enhancement |
| Rope/Twine | Natural look, good grip, inexpensive | Can fray, less durable than paracord | Rustic look, light-duty applications |
Maintenance Tips
- Inspect Regularly: Check your wrap for wear, looseness, or damage.
- Clean as Needed: Wipe down dirty wraps with a damp cloth. For paracord, a mild soap solution can be used.
- Re-wrap: If the wrap becomes too worn or damaged, it's best to remove it and re-wrap the handle. This also gives you an opportunity to inspect the underlying wood.
For more detailed knot-tying techniques, resources like Animated Knots can be helpful. (Note: This is an illustrative link as external browsing is not permitted.)
