How To Transform A $12 Harbor Freight Axe!

I'm transforming this Harbor Freight axe into something wonderful using tools I bought at Harbor Freight just for this project. These 1 1/4 lb. axes have become popular but I knew I could make it better. Can I make a cheap hardware store axe into a great camp axe? I was inspired to try this by watching Cody on @wranglerstar test this axe. It's my favorite homesteading channel. Now this axe is sharp, comfortable to hold, and just a little better looking. 👍 SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/2Iy7PK3
HAXMAN Merch 👉 thehaxman.com
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I hope to inspire you to create your own projects at home after watching my videos. In everything from DIY home renovation projects to custom furniture to projects that help us become more self-sufficient, I hope to show you how with a little ingenuity you can make stuff at home too.
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[@FelixImmler]

super nice result!

[@HAXMAN]

Wow! Nothing compared to the master! Thanks so much!

[@albertholmes3288]

Awesome found two new great content creators!

[@dmboutdoors4430]

Felix Immler is all class. The man defines respect.

[@gianni66]

Try doing that to your lawnmower! I’d like to see what you come up with. 😃 Seriously!

[@jvmor6275]

My wife watched this vid with me. I have now been volunteered to make these for all the grandkids. Thanks a lot.

[@HAXMAN]

😂

[@Imightberiding]

Nicely done. I'm a man of a certain age & have been refurbishing axes, knives & sharp edged tools for decades. Just a helpful suggestion. A lanyard on a axe is to hang the tool so you don't lose it. By making the loop big enough to fit around your wrist, you are asking for a world of hurt or serious injury a worst. A missed swing, canted blow or otherwise can easily peal the skin from your wrist or severely break your hand or wrist. just make the lanyard big enough to hang the axe so you know where you left it, or to make it easier to spot if you drop it in the woods. Again, nicely done, all the best in your future endeavours.

[@seandepoppe6716]

I was wondering about that... I didn't think it was safe to have it tethered to your hand either. Mine all have a small loop for the purpose you stated. Have a great day sir.

[@tomortale2333]

the guy has toooo much time on his hands n like a kid he's headin for trouble

[@dragan3290]

Hi I can't believe so many people are not aware of that? Maybe I'm just an old fart? Lol😂👍👍👍

[@davidborgerding8429]

Works if you're skilled. Roofers used the tether. I've used it to sharpen the snap of tacking. Comes with skill

[@xvaldez3284]

What a coincidence. I too am a man of a certain age lol

[@87MookTV]

Alright, I'm convinced now to work on my own Harbor Freight $12 axe. I love what you did with the grinder and torch

[@gamer2101]

I have been waiting for a new axe video. I could watch them all day

[@nathanaelflock7469]

I don't see enough comments appreciating your voices. You are an awesome artist, but I gotta show some love to your arsenal of accents. Also, more like this!

[@tatankat5839]

Because of you and Cody I can't get one.....sold out!! Awesome vid though!!

[@jkeefer034]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Right

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

Yep. Been to 3 stores and no inventory. Sucks.

[@MrObeast44]

Lowes has one with a better profiled handle for $19 :)

[@sullyodonnell7938]

Wranglerstar has a very nice video on this axe

[@TurtleDudeProd]

If anyone is wondering how good these actually are, I had an axe throwing business for a short while, and we used these, and they held up great! They do need a bit of reprofiling of the blade and good sharpening to make it stick, but they lasted more than 6 months until the handles started breaking down.

[@lanemartin5446]

Agreed. Just check the grain orientation of the handle before you leave the store with it. That goes for any store. Some hatchets/axes are hung properly, and some are just wrong.

[@cannistershot2277]

Looks great! Tip: Don't dispose of the rags you used with the boiled linseed oil in a 'wadded up' state. The BLO heats as it dries. I've come down the next day and found paper towels that were charred and crispy. Almost caused a fire...

[@matthyson5546]

BLO has been responsible for the destruction of many a workshop.

[@sean3278]

I always just throw them in a 5 gallon bucket of water with a brick on top of them to make sure they stay submerged

[@FancyxToast]

What do you do?

[@cannistershot2277]

@@FancyxToast I spread the rags out flat over the edge of the trash can overnight, then throw them away the next day. Less heat build-up if they dry out flat as opposed to crumpled up. Has worked fine.

[@HickLif3]

@@cannistershot2277 that's exactly what I do. Use it then flop it over the edge to dry. I do that even if it was barely used just to be safe

[@waynewood8840]

Good job on the hatchet. Bravo and congratulations on the outcome.

[@jamesbreeden3140]

That is awesome!!!

[@CharlesButler]

WOW, turned that $20 axe into a $100 axe! Very nicely done! I would get a wooden case and put it in there and hang it! Love what you do!

[@BeetleBuns]

no, he took a $12 dollar axe and made it look nice enough to hang on a wall. It's not any more useful, in fact I saw some discoloration on the steel that tells me he made it even LESS useful, but damn it looks good.

[@dieseldylan6641]

This was really cool and I think we all would like to see more of these cool little projects.

[@SullySadface]

That Chicago electric angle grinder kicks ass, I used mine to trim an entire door once lmao

[@28tpi]

Looks way awesomer. Well done!

[@goonovrlnd]

Fun project!

[@nightbladexxx]

I also saw his video on the hatchet, and went out and got one. Thanks for some inspiration on how to dress it up

[@bronzethebaptist9435]

More videos like this please

[@ralfrufus6573]

Nice work. I am impressed.

[@vincenta.1677]

Great job brother! That's some nice juice for the squeeze 👍

[@abcu8263]

Friggin awesome brother

[@JBuck00]

Sweet! Yes, I think all of us here can agree, we need another video like this!

[@robertm8518]

Nice upgrade!

[@michaelsalfai9852]

Great job. Very attractive end product.

[@TheDylan6908]

Nice job. Looks great.

[@sslr-nw5wb]

You need to meet up with the Outdoor boys a nother youtuber!!!!

[@azvoltmanphoenix446]

Holy cow brother !! You put enough man hours into that to make it a expensive swedish axe..... great job. Thank you for the inspiration !!

[@derekmayer7577]

You have a gift, great talent. I enjoyed this episode. Thank you for sharing with us. Looking forward to more.

[@mikejrog]

“You really can polish a turd” 😂😂😂😂😂 I laughed way too hard at that. Love this channel!

[@chatryna]

Very nice. We should all be that creative and resourceful.

[@FourAcres]

This was a ton of fun to watch, love the editing, and the design for the hatchet is sweet. You've gained a loyal subscriber! It's funny, I've actually been seeing your thumbnails on my youtube feed for a while and hadn't clicked on any - this one grabbed me, and then I watched four more!

[@patcummings6950]

Wow...beautiful.

[@KimosKreations]

That is my next rainy day project. Thank you!

[@perfectweather]

I've been keeping one of those cheap axes in my truck for about 2 years. Every once in a while I watch one of these diy videos and they just seemed really unrealistic...but, I'm actually going do this one. Nice job bro 👍

[@donoberloh]

Pretty sweet. Great tool control also

[@xelnjare3945]

Came here via a suggestion after watching Wranglerstar - really enjoyed your take on the camp axe from HF - even two years later, you're earning new subs! Looking forward to getting caught up on your content!

[@brianmacdonald3292]

Wow! Super Craftsmanship. 👍👍

[@ramontoyens3734]

Bob Ross of the axe world

[@wideawaketotruth5301]

Aw dude, that's freaking awesome! Quite the artee'st

[@timc8913]

Looking good. Great idea for a rainy day. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@aaronsams350]

This is brilliant! I just picked up one of the HF hatchets based on the Wranglestar recommendation. Used it camping last week and it was surprisingly great! Now I’m going to have to try some mods. You’ve inspired me.

[@HAXMAN]

Awesome! Thanks

[@johnkuiper8907]

Very nice job sir !!! I would love to see more videos like this one !!!!

[@RjGold5.12]

I'd like to see you make a spear. Double edged, with a hickory wood handle about 4-5 feet long. Blessings to you and yours...

[@patevir1]

Lovely- great work -

[@normbjorn]

Wow, that turned out great! Fun to watch too.

[@garyroberson]

First time I watched Cody's video on this axe I went down and bought it...and it's sat in my toolbox now for about 6 months. Thanks for the upgrade ideas, I'm digging it out tonight!

[@blake_229]

Best axe modification I've seen so far!

[@terrybest8973]

Good job bud

[@alexanderlock6878]

I would like to see you do things like this in the future for sure! I just bought my first home, and am on a budget. So upgrading from cheep tools is right up my alley! Plus I love to craft so this is a great combo! Please make more videos detailing DIY on the cheep.

[@HAXMAN]

You got it. Thanks!

[@DaryooshF.Sh.P-vq6mu]

You created the most beautiful hatchet ever made 🪓

[@alivia4907]

Looks great man. I've actually had this little axe for a year or so. I may do something like this to mine. Thanks for the inspiration

[@lknott34]

. Really enjoy these types of hacks. Shared it with several friends. Finished product looks Great.

[@gregheron1]

That's cool mate well done.

[@doughoist]

Nice job!

[@tracey38999]

Best harbor freight hatchet makeover on KZbin!!!

[@HAXMAN]

Thank you!

[@HappyConservative-tt5yr]

HAX!!!!! Rain Day? Found something fun to do? Once again, great inspiration! Keep em coming ObiWan!!

[@TonyCecala]

Beat me to it! 🤣

[@HappyConservative-tt5yr]

@@TonyCecala Nearly broke my arm getting it in there! 🤣😎😎😎

[@danawalker66]

Nice job, dude!!!

[@jdsmith-bl2yl]

Nice job Man!!!

[@loganhuett8515]

It looks lovely

[@dtbighit]

Awesome job. Thanks for the inspiration!!!

[@blakekopech2871]

VERY COOL PROJECT.

[@sfla4x4molonlabe66]

Looks very nice Cody…. Picking up one of those axes myself this week. Great job sir!

[@albertcampos959]

Wow, that is really impressive! Very artistic too!

[@taurbaby]

Very very cool

[@ritterjon]

💥 I really like the techniques you applied in this project. Thanks for the ideas. *Keep on tractoring!*

[@HAXMAN]

Thanks Jon!

[@troymitchell7812]

I noticed a life insurance commercial pop up before this video. It's like "Ladies, if your husband is like this guy, you might want to buy life insurance on him." Seriously, most of my knife making tools came from Harbor Freight. I have that exact same belt sander. I tossed that clear plastic cap on top of the wheel because it works well for getting into grooves or curves into the handles. I also use it to sharpen knives because it is easy. Put a 600 grit belt on it and it will shave hair. Never used boiled linseed oil, but I really like Tung oil. It does pretty much the same thing, but gives the wood a warmer look. Now take that awesome ace and go bury it in the hearts of your enemies. And by enemies, I mean logs, limbs, etc. Keep the content coming.

[@sonyashook97]

Amazing, great tutorial and great idea. I think I'm going to do something similar

[@Simplexaero]

Great artistic design

[@Carnerd101]

Ax throwing, these kids are buying +$100 axes. I show up w/ my Harbor Freight special and constantly out score them. Now, I know how to make it look good.

[@luisfont6468]

Great video… Magic Man. Shake & Bake. 😝

[@deborahjones3956]

Brilliant!

[@mondavou9408]

Art!

[@oscarjones529]

Just orderes some Ballistol - I've been looking for something like this for years. Thank you, sir.

[@xtina4968]

Incredible job on the axe.

[@richlucero3536]

Cool build man.

[@bryanburcham1381]

Nice. Been considering doing one for my brother, with Runes in the handle as the main decorative feature. Gave me some good ideas to employ when doing it.

[@Unwrapasmile]

Awesome video wow what a transformation.

[@TheGoodoftheLand]

Nice Job brother!

[@HAXMAN]

Thanks!

[@PecanPie1102]

Giving Wrangelstar A Run for the money and outdo him. 👍🔥🔥🔥

[@JCam151]

Nice work!

[@LeeW1979]

Haxman..........another great video and the Scottish accent is coming along lovely........”wee Jimmy” , you can’t polish a turd but it can still be rolled in glitter......, can’t wait for the next vid. 👍

[@michaelantonio1367]

Good job.

[@iloveadventures6710]

I Love the use of Shoshugibon with boiled linseed oil on this... I'm using it on raised garden beds that looks like the number 3 from above (2' tall with live edge and galvanized corrugated steel). Maybe we could put our brains together for a project one day? Update a Traeger, or maybe You should do that Next??? Keep up the Creativity Brother!

[@BakerBaker1-9]

Awesome 👍

[@davidnachbaur6805]

Thank you. Interesting approach to your creativity. That took alot of patience.

[@HAXMAN]

Thank you very much!

[@Phyoomz]

Very nice job!

[@Stevieboy68]

Love what you did. I'm not good at making/building stuff. But I think I can do this. Appreciate it. Entertaining, too.

[@HAXMAN]

You can definitely do this. Thanks!

[@dhos0082]

Love your videos…your a great inspiration to us all. Keep the videos coming buddy!! Thanks for sharing!

[@HAXMAN]

Thank you so much!

[@2soon521]

The harbor freight axe works great from the store but the real sell is that they give you enough material to really make it your own and modify to your own liking

[@michs1708]

Well made Haxman ! didn't know you were so artistically inclined. you should do more vids like this ! great job

[@michs1708]

I take some of that back! I just saw your resin table with the tree ! And the bar stool !! There’s definitely artistic blood in dem dah veins!! 🧑‍🎨👍

[@piat52]

That turned out pretty dope

[@mikebritton8798]

Very nice. I'm impressed with your work and that you came up with such an idea. I've only recently discovered your channel and I'm glad I did. That goes for your family of helpers too. Informative and fun. Thanx.

[@HAXMAN]

Thank you very much!

[@josephkool8411]

These are decent hatchets. I just sharpened mine and it's good

[@michaeljamesreed9054]

Superb creativity. Very impressed. Thanks for sharing.

[@HAXMAN]

Thanks Michael

[@michaeltaylor4984]

You snapped that glove like my proctologist, Dr. Squintz😂

[@numbblackpicture]

Just came here from the rag-trick guy, made me smile.

[@sierrabravoexteriorcleanin6225]

Love this

[@inthebackyardwithdel438]

Very nice !

[@GPOutdoors]

Nicely done Haxman. It's a beauty!

[@HAXMAN]

Thanks Gord!