Making a Bushcraft Axe Mask

Today I’m making a leather mask for a recently finished camp hatchet that I modified from a Plumb half hatchet. It’s made from 8-9oz veg tanned leather with rivets to secure the front and a snap closure. This is a reactively simple project that you can do with minimal tools, but it’s an indispensable piece of equipment when carrying your hatchet out into the bush.
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[@JimRodgers]

As others have suggested it'd be good to incorporate a welt into the edge side of the mask. I've made axe masks both with and without a welt. If I plan to carry the axe in hand or on my belt I add the welt for safety. If it's just going to go in my camp tote and get use while car camping, maybe not. I like your pattern making method and your thought process. It's enjoyable to watch how others figure out projects.

[@billr4283]

I am sharpening and cleaning up my son’s axe … plus he doesn’t have a sheath / mask…so, I am making him one. Since it has been decades since I have worked with leather, I have been looking a KZbins for design ideas. I have found many good videos; however, you are the only one that gently set the snap with a circular motion. Today, I was in a Tandy store when this old guy (like me) suggested I gently set the snap with a circular motion. I thanked him…now I’m thanking you! Great video!!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Bill. I appreciate the story. Good luck. Glad I could help.

[@russelltyler9363]

YAY! Another video! Keep em coming!

[@geemac7267]

Another great outcome!

[@noyb72]

I enjoyed that, thank you. Have you ever considered incorporating a welt and belt loop? It would make for a great project and it's always nice to have your axe attached to you.

[@farhadtorkaman6553]

Bravo man , simple way for made a beautiful Axe mask👍🙏🍎🌷

[@coachgb]

This was really informative... kinda like all the other awesome stuff you put out! I've been picking and searching for axe heads while I'm in MD visiting my Mum. That way I have fun projects when I get back to Maui!

[@csabahalasz6815]

Love it! Thanks!

[@StubProductions]

Well done! Thank you

[@TheRealDrJSquared]

I appreciate your videos and this was good on burnishing and rivets. However, you should always put a welt in a sheath for an axe. Some knuckle head will toss it while in the sheath and the way you made it, the blade will hit the rivets and put nicks in the blade. If there is a welt, the blade hits leather and the axe is still good as well as the sheath. I’d like to see you remake this with a welt in the sheath.

[@unclefuddelmer9224]

TheRealDrJSquared ... the rivets are made of Brass so, can’t we assume the blade will be much harder Steel therefore, Not affected by any contact ?

[@TheRealDrJSquared]

@@unclefuddelmer9224 Absolutely not. Just because brass is softer than steel doesn't mean the steel is unaffected. If your ax is truly sharp, and the edge hits the rivets, it'll have several pretty severe nicks that will take some work getting the edge back. You put a welt on a sheath on anything sharp to keep the edge from cutting the stitching or from getting nicked by rivets.

[@wyzurd]

@@unclefuddelmer9224 my hairs are much softer than my razor and yet they dull fairly quickly

[@tommyboy71]

Very nicely done.

[@beaverstuff]

As a Boy Scout axe-yard trainer, I have acquired a couple of axes at yard sales to supplement training; they usually do not have sheaths. I make my own sheaths, not as gorgeous as yours, but, functional. The easiest thing for a scout to do is cleave skin & tissue while handling a hand axe. Sheaths are a must. Also, when removing the sheath in preparation to using the axe, put the sheath in one's pocket. One of my sheaths is somewhere on the AT, 'cause a sheath on the ground looks very much like a leaf on the ground.

[@OUTDOORS55]

Awesome work! I get intimidated just my looking at a leather making tools. Made it look easy 👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

OUTDOORS55 Thanks for the compliment. Leather is definitely not my favorite thing to work on in the shop, but it’s necessary in our world of making sharp shinny things. 😉

[@jime9305]

Thanks...I do have several hand and full size axes that definitely need those. And best of all, no sewing with that method

[@tigerjongreen]

Thanks very helpful.

[@magnusjohansson1720]

The wave at 10.22 , a kid hehehe

[@genefoster9770]

thanks for the video I have a couple of those hatchets laying around the shop never liked the look of them but the mods you did to that one makes me look at it a little different cant wait to start cutting thanks again see you on the next one

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

gene foster I feel the same way for the majority of the half hatchets I find. You gotta love a good axe mod. Good luck and thanks for the watching and the compliment.

[@mariolopez-ri8wd]

Very nice I think I try to make one for mind thanks again ex video

[@abigirltv5188]

Took me two tries but I found our little woodshop elf! Shes getting sneakier every video.

[@woolval1793]

You made me go back and look. I spotted her! LOL, very cute...

[@johnjude2677]

Use the cardboard ceral box for paper for patern. Thanks

[@nathantalkington9944]

Awesome video beautiful mask and I seen someone sneak into the video lol

[@damasydia]

The edge @7:20 is amazing

[@redspoonredspoon1298]

Schönes Video zu einem schönen und liebevollen Leder-Design. Aaaaaaber: Ich würde an dieser Beilscheide für die Frontpartie (also die mit den Messingnieten) unbedingt einen Keder empfehlen. Das ist eine Zwischenlage, welche die Beilschneide und die Nieten schützt.

[@timlabarr6131]

Awesome awesome work I really like how you modified the riggers axes. But why no welt on you sheath/mask?

[@climatechangelumber5480]

ive seen folks carve out some bit of the leather at the crease, to help it fold better, and: use a hammer to tap that fold, to help it along. see

[@indianatone218]

what sise rivets did you use great vid very interestin

[@nickpinder3047]

Such a helpful video thank you. The trick with water to mould the leather is a neat one - so it doesn’t mark the leather??

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Not typically. If you get any water marks, you can wet the entire sheath and it will all dry evenly.

[@dennismeko]

What grit sandpaper do you use? Thanks nice video.

[@lancemillward2462]

make an belt hanger next time please

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks a damn good idea.

[@Angela-Ruby]

Would the inside shanks of the grommets cause any damage to the blade edge if it was accidentally dropped on that side? I’m guessing if they are tight enough and installed correctly, the blade would hit leather first? I’m just curious. Thank you.

[@joegiotta7580]

What prevents the bit from coming into contact with the rivets? Wouldn't that dull the bit?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

The rivets are holding the leather tight together, so the bit is squeezed pretty tight. This keeps the blade away from them. And over time, if it loosens up, then the brass is softer than the steel, and shouldn’t affect it. If found over the years, that a welt isn’t super necessary because your not pulling it in and out of the mask, like you would a knife.

[@MansterBear]

What was the last thing you put on at 14:44 ? I couldn't hear. Also, I plan on making a similar cover for my hatchet, this will be my first time making anything out of leather. Would any of the steps change if I was doing it black? I plan to just dip dye it, but would I still put neatsfoot oil on, then whatever the second oil/wax was?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

The last thing I applied was Carnuba Cream. You don’t have to change any steps using the dyed leather. I usually dye my projects first thing, then follow all the steps after. Good luck!

[@stevehill8153]

Excellent work. Where did you but the small hatchet handle?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks. I made it from a broken full size handle.

[@DozeyDragoN]

Such a great video! Exactly what I am looking for! Because I want to start a very simmilar project I have some questions: 1) How thick was your leather? 2) What did you use to darken the leather? 3) What kind of glue do you have used? 4) in 14:27 min.: was it linseed oil? 5) after all you used a wax? Which one? Would be GREAT if you can answer my questions. My selfmade axes needs a sheath !!! Best Regards from Germany, Jan 🌳⛺️🌲

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for the compliment. 1. I used 7-8oz leather. 2. I used a Bison Brown leather dye from Tandy leather factory. 3. I use contact cement. 4. I use neatsfoot oil, which is specifically designed for leather. 5. I use Carnuba Cream, which is a wax based conditioner. I hope this info helps. Good luck.

[@DozeyDragoN]

The Art of Craftsmanship Wow, this brings me closer! Many thanks for your answers Dustin! Best Regards, Jan 🌳⛺️🌲

[@DozeyDragoN]

Seen your vid again, something funny, I have also a Plumb axe head here what needs a sheath. Different pattern, only 529 gr. = 1 lb 2.6 oz ... Your modification goes a little bit like Gränsfors? Best Regards, Jan 🌳⛺️🌲

[@Smoke2Jays]

What is the color and brand of dye you used? I love that color! Great work!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Bison Brown Eco-Flow dye.

[@JosephWolf]

Were you applying the dye with a paper towel? And did you not allow the dye to dry before you started burnishing or was the burnishing almost immediate.

[@salvotrecarichi4299]

How thick should be the leather?

[@ivanshiek]

Where can I purchase leather like that?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Tandy leather factory. Thanks for watching.

[@ramkrishnamanna4672]

I want a camping axe For scouting . Can you help me? For a campingaxe

[@joshottinger6380]

MASK! DO YOU MEAN SHEATH?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Nope 😁👍🏼

[@taewankim6283]

You mean a Sheath?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Yes, they are commonly interchangeable names. I prefer to call them masks for axes, and sheaths for knives. The mask to me is used to cover the edge, and the sheath is more of a pouch to put the blade into. Again, same thing, but it’s just what I prefer. Most places that sell them put then in the category of mask/sheath/cover. 😉😂

[@user-uh7sx2vb3p]

Отличная работа! Проще видела только тут kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4nTYa2Naaabedk но у Вас аккуратнее

[@Mj-CWO4]

No welt

[@spencerdavid2615]

Cool video but sort of disgraceful to rune beautiful vintage plumb axe head They don’t make those anymore

[@MiloKolb]

I don't like when people do it for decoration but in this situation he's giving it a new life and function

[@emanuil1046]

Please don't say champfer or whatever the spelling is... I know you watch wranglastar but just call it what it is- a bevel

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Chamfer: noun noun: chamfer; plural noun: chamfers a symmetrical sloping surface at an edge or corner.

[@mjbailey404]

@@TheArtofCraftsmanship The tool used in leathercraft is called an edge beveler. The cut is called a bevel. The two words have different applications, despite being synonyms.

[@unclefuddelmer9224]

The Art of Craftsmanship ...Exactly correct, no matter the material be it leather, wood, plastic a beveled edge is also a chamfered edge!😤👍