Restore: black walnut hatchet

This video covers the process of restoring an old fiberglass handled hatchet. The handle was replaced with a piece of black walnut. The main focus here is on making a new wooden handle from scratch, but there is also some info on grinding, shaping, and sanding a rusty axe head. Also shown is how to make a wedge, and finally, setting the hatchet head to the handle.
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Most anything you peek into will look simple at first, but it's not true! Unless we can keep looking for long enough, it's just the surface that we see. Sometimes, when I do manage to hold my concentration for long enough, I get to briefly realize how much more complicated something was than I was thinking: complexity seems to have a tendency to surprise me every single time. Design is the classic case of this feeling. And in this case, it's hatchet (and axe) handle design that I find so downright interesting. There are different approaches and reasonings to every single curve and edge that you're likely to find on an axe. In this example, my hatchet handle emulates the consumer market's expectations of beauty: it's shiny, and tough-looking, with an exotic wood. Its curves seem soft and deliberate, as though it must have an unparalleled comfort. You might find it surprising to read that I don't even like the finished product! It's not that I did anything wrong- I made exactly what I set out to. However, I think its handle is too thick to be elegant, and walnut is just too soft to be long durable. In a way, it just doesn't matter to me; it's just another sketch. It's only an idea that I had, and I briefly indulged it. It's not perfect. But it retains a different type of beauty for me. It was made to appear both organic and shiny, like a cross between science and nature. A cyborg, like us. We are thinking, moving, eating, breathing biological bags of consciousness that have now been adapted to our own technological advance. We are married to our creation in a way that makes the two of us now inseparable. Climate control lets us take domicile in places where our much thicker-skinned ancestors would have surely died. Our homes have curves and edges that reflect our needs (both real and imagined), and we have shed our past adaptations to make ourselves more adept at accepting our present condition of comfort. All so that we may go forward, into our uncertain future design. The tool must reflect its maker, and the maker is shaped by the tools used. Curves and edges are all transitory, just as are the intentions of any creatures who can define them. As such, this design was only one of an infinite number of possible moods that I might have been in. I might have made it more utility-driven, but I didn't. I allowed a more novel idea to take partial expression. And why not? That idea is as old as tool use itself. Man was demonstrating his skill through embellishment only soon after the first hand-axes took their almond shapes, and we have been doing it ever since. Tools without uses! Waste of resources! At first glance, it might seem silly, unnecessary, or just downright self-indulgent to chase after an idea in this way. Art, for the sake of display, like an impulsive fit of noise making, right? But an idea well-expressed is a source of pride for a reason; it tells us that we have become well-fit to our environment- and with that, it is the very beginning to all of our improvements. So whether it be an idea based on evidence, rigor, and utility, or just the speculative dream of a possibility, let it take shape. We have to use our resources for something!
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pocket83 hatchet axe handle ax black walnut epoxy splitter log wood wedge chainsaw repair restore replace rebuild fix make shop pocket83^2

[@Rouverius]

"Please suspend judgment" Yeah, sure, no problem... You know what? I'm gonna say it anyway... Great job.

[@MultiPets.]

Great piece of handmade toolery. Shortcomings aside it's still a beautiful axe. Also the video quality is pristine, not once did I get bored the entire video.

[@pocket83squared]

That's really great to hear. Thanks a bunch. 32.5 minutes is (and was) tough to sit through. No commercials, so this is far longer than a sitcom. That was quite a compliment.

[@Nomaran]

MultiPets basically what they said. Incredible looking end product.

[@jaymsstewart1462]

Despite this being another axe video I'm always happy to see a 30 minute pocket video!

[@hixomdido]

"In a different life, I was what you might call an artist." Bro, you're an artist still. No doubt about that.

[@Cadwaladr]

Coffee, corn flakes and Pocket83: a good way to start the day. Thanks for the video.

[@daryooshfatemi]

Just Wowww. I’m a self made and good at understanding geometry and sharpening. Always do the same on axe heads. But when it comes to handle, you are like a galaxy further.

[@maxximumb]

Very entertaining. I was going to say I'd give you $4 for it any day, till I saw you drop it in the out take. I'll give you $3.50 seeing as it's been dropped. With making anything there really isn't a right or wrong way to do anything. Just a safe way or a dangerous way. Thanks for a great video.

[@gizanked]

I decided to try my hand at making some spoons this year as Christmas gifts. The idea of shaping completely before refining is a good lesson. I got faster with each one as I knew how far I could go roughing out with my spokeshave before smoothing with my card scraper and sandpaper.

[@Quasar0406]

This video has a lot of quotes that I'll carry with me through life

[@mr.mickles]

The few cuts right after you say "potter's wheel" made one of my favorite sounds. ASMR

[@scottdunbar4898]

Let's see, I dug up a sweet old axe head, I have a beautiful slab of black walnut...but no one makes axe handles out of walnut, do they? But wait here's a video. Can/should it be done? Absolutely! Thanks for the inspiration brother.

[@Z_Rodriguez13]

This man took an axe restoration video and made it a life lesson lecture without even taking away from the axe restoration, congrats sir you have just gained a subscriber

[@markharris5771]

My recently bought hatchet has a fibre glass shaft with a rubber handle. Which, admittedly makes things easier with my arthritic hands and fingers, but I was considering changing for a wooden handle as it looks more organic. I’m really glad I saw this video as it stopped me doing something silly, thank you.

[@brandonwilliams8003]

Mark Harris what is silly about what he did

[@markharris5771]

Brandon Williams Nothing at all, but he knows what he is doing. Now I’d I’d tried it with the thinner neck to the shaft and after the trouble he had getting the old shaft out that would have been very silly. He does actually warn people off doing a wooden restore where there was a fibre glass handle, and that’s what I was thanking him for.

[@nickmozol8741]

Been watching you since your "Return to sender" build bede and went back to watch a lot of old videos. Once I understood what your channel was truly about I fell in love with it.

[@bigpicturethinking5620]

I once used teak oil on an outdoor piece of teak furniture. Never again. It was moldy and disguating in a year. Pressure washed it off, no problems since. Great video and glad to see you enjoying your new place.

[@pocket83squared]

There at lots of different types. Some are very oily, and penetrate well. Those are great for boat stuff. The one I use is more like something between polyurethane and boiled linseed oil. I love it, but it's not for outside. Most finishes aren't, unless they really are a penetrating oil. Drying oils (like this one) rely much on a surface bond that might flake off.

[@ryancook6452]

I used teak oil for a time, didn't really like the feel of it and went back to boiled linseed oil. Although ì found you can get a better texture if you heat it first. All personal preference though

[@crazy4and1crazy4and1]

So much wisdom. You are beautiful. Keep on keeping on.

[@NP-rh3dt]

I've never been able to quite explain why I love your videos, but I think it's because you always take a different approach. To everything, that is. Your reasoning might not always seem apparent but once the project wraps up, you always teach me to think outside the box.

[@endrawes0]

It's a documentary, not an instructional

[@orsini444]

i've enjoyed a number of your videos and appreciated the accompanying monologue. you are talented.

[@davidsalsman7190]

As a retired mechanical engineer it was amazing to see all the engineering that went in to the original design. It would be great to see how the ogigional builders made some of the parts without some of the modern tools that you have in your shop? No large hydraulikepress, no power hand drills. I guess a lot of strong hands and big hammers. Great work and craftsmanship. From both shops old and new. Extremely interesting to watch, thanks for the video!

[@geraldspratley4637]

There is a satisfactory feeling about the fine work. Gotta love it.

[@jamesgame8573]

I enjoyed this video and your musings in so many different ways, a real joy to see this quality of content on KZbin, well done Sir

[@baggothree]

Beautiful video! I could watch wood chiseling forever. The Walnut shavings look really nice. If you're not going to use the hatchet for wood chopping, I think it would look lovely over a mantle!

[@zacharypeterson5252]

I would never say this is overly hard, but rather time consuming instead. It's also an amazing way to learn a new skill. Also, nothing wrong with wittling. Anyone who can't just sit outside on a nice day or near a fire and just wittle for awhile is missing out.

[@sturdybiscuit3324]

This guy is like the Bob Ross of carpentry.

[@paulkevinkoehler9490]

Teak oil: My dad was a (great) carpenter and loved the stuff. Hell, he probably used it for cooking when our backs were turned. Another solid video, thank you.

[@jacktrent5648]

You sir, are an excellent cinematographer.

[@mr.mickles]

The hatchet came out fantastic. Great pack axe or carving hatchet. Really dig it.

[@eschel2155]

Hey pocket, you've inspired me to restore an axe myself. With my own crappy tools. Its going well so far!

[@babylonfive]

I love watching these.

[@DBYNOE]

Me to, I just can't believe this my third half hour watching one of his axe restores, it's kinda Zen like.

[@CanonWoof]

This was satisfying to watch because I can relate to most of you describe. Sometimes just the experience of doing something is worth more than the end product.

[@bulkhead]

Vary cathartic listening to your philosophy. I really liked this. It does look too nice to use.

[@logan101988]

Always love watching what you do, keep it up you little rebel you.

[@iCONAN1]

Getting closer and closer to a face reveal💪👌

[@iCONAN1]

Nick Mozol I wanna see the creator of the content. But that’s just me.

[@illuzion2876]

I wanna know is age, he sounds 35 at the most

[@nickmozol8741]

@@illuzion2876 he said he was in his 40s at some point

[@nickmozol8741]

@@illuzion2876 I beleive it was in his earlier video about him going caving in his 20s

[@MaxPowerCrafts]

I've been making knives over the last year, and I really enjoy making smaller(ish) whittling knives, great for pencil sharpening and oddly enough decent for whittling, still new at it. And that's exactly how I showed people how to whittle. Two thumbs, lots of leverage, sharp sturdy knife lots of torque without going too far. The axe is cool!

[@PixelatedAwesome]

At 21:45 I thought you were putting the hatchet handle into the fire.

[@KainYusanagi]

But I didn't take either red or blue pill...

[@lordvengerx]

Noooo! That's not fair Mister Yusanagi

[@danfarser2880]

I really hate to tell you this but as an axe handle maker you don't suck. It looks great.

[@willmontgomery79]

Your videos are a constant reminder that I need to acquire some teak oil.

[@moechano]

Even with all the somewhat annoying uses of words sometimes, I'm kinda surprised I can sit through all that in one go and actually be entertained and learn some new things. Thanks, Pocket. Also, I saw a small glimpse of that face, you sure got me there. You always sound much much younger for some reason.

[@FinkPloyd504]

"Youre sometimes annoying, surprised i like this, you look old." Thats basically what you just said lol. Thats why no likes, just sayin.

[@HybelFever]

27:39 You can drill a small hole at the bottom to spred the pressure evenly so the splinter dose not make it crack longer down. I know you talked about no gaps but i used it on a pickaxe and it holds up very well

[@BenBrinkley]

I love this shoot from the hip style of video. Thanks!

[@sophiarose03]

Beautiful work! Your videos are always entertaining. Also that was a perfect face reveal. 👌🏻

[@itsreal3825]

Great work man 👍

[@tangoarcher7393]

I am 12 and I enjoyed this keep up the good work

[@butre.]

walnut ain't the best choice in the world, but the grain orientation there is dead on perfect. that thing will handle some chopping just fine

[@mrc2205]

A beautiful job.

[@JustinTopp]

I use palm sanders for metal all the time. They work lovely and leave a nice even finish

[@DarknessLPs]

Thanks for the video Pocket!

[@DarknessLPs]

Just finished watching, holy cow, you took a $2 purchased axe and made it look like (functionality aside) a $30 axe.

[@kennymysak2079]

You did a good job and like you said it's yours so it's what you wanted to use I do the same thing sometimes. Keep up the great videos

[@deathnightANIMATED]

Hatchet83?

[@voievod7541]

Hatchet83²

[@tuckera1879]

Your videos always teach me something new! I use a rasp for most of my shaping, but I use a lot of hardwood. there's about a bajillion ways to shape a piece of wood so use what works. Btw that rhing is BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@arjen4120]

This video makes me want to buy some hatchets at the flea market.

[@thomaswhitten2537]

I think it looks wonderful! I didn't think the video was too long at all. I'd say do things the way you like...maybe stop worrying about what people say in the comments. :) Great video!

[@dallasluchini1184]

Don't mess with Pocket. He'll exercise his personal liberty to kick your ass.

[@olddog3474]

Close up photography is excellent little Zen included at no extra charge

[@JoeAuerbach]

The lesson I learned in the first five minutes of this video is: you probably could have just used that old handle like forever. that thing was basically immortal.

[@robertmeadows1657]

Really enjoying your channel(s)

[@Wolf-un3lb]

Nice work!

[@ranger175a2w]

My Name is Not Mr. Anderson ....... It's NEO!!!

[@TheLoxxxton]

Zen and the art of handle making😳

[@LassetUnsSpielen]

i used a dollar store kitchen knife to replace the handle of a dollar store saw. that was fun :D

[@virtualfather4117]

So I also thought at first it was a little beefy up near the head ... while a part of me was listening to you babble on ... I thought that might be a high quaility design ... It may actually making the Axe structurally sound ... I can see you just having the best of times sitting there putzing around ... while creating valuable resource especially for extreme beginners ... I can see the negative commentors just seething ... while you sit there chuckling at them under your breath ... well done

[@zaxonov]

The 32 minutes were really not too long. I really enjoy to see much of the process :) But that's right, it looks more like a « ceremonial hatchet » than a one to really use and like you said, that's fine :D The result is really nice anyway :)

[@pavski]

Really enjoy your videos.

[@jsboyle3459]

Very helpful😬👍🏻

[@dynamicequilibrium5322]

If you have an air compressor, I highly recommend a die grinder. It'll work way better than a drill with that carbide burr. They only cost a few bucks if you want to go the harbor freight route.

[@pocket83squared]

I have one. Honestly, I just never use it because of how cold and noisy it is.

[@semi-coreprocessor8645]

dis guy could give me a lecture and id listen

[@slackjaw703]

Black walnut is such a beautiful wood, it’s worth it even if it snaps some day. If it does snap, you’ve gotta make a video of exactly how you managed it with that tiny hatchet. BTW - Loved your video style. Sub’d.

[@zachmeyer2718]

Hey when you were using the utility knife you did a lot of cutting against the grain, that can make you take a out a much bigger strip than you intended, and it’s also harder to do. I use a utility knife al the time and it’s really quite effective.

[@pocket83squared]

Agreed. I had lots of room when I was just starting out. I was talking, so I wasn't really thinking much. Whittling is simply a skill that has to be self-learnt.

[@Otis010707]

SPECTACULAR!

[@jljmonky]

I've done similar "pretty" things that are very capable of their intended purpose... Axe with hardwood floor scraps laminated to make the handle, another with hard maple, thin aluminum and purple heart laminate with mosaic pins and a third with a beautiful hard maple handle and nice leather work on a walnut display, but all of them are razor sharp and choppy choppy really well... Good work, your way isn't my way and neither of them are considered "the right way"... I cut the rough shape and the bad saw and use 60 and 80 grit flap wheels, rasps, files and my random orbital sander... It's not stupid if it works...

[@emrefifty5281]

Why dont you record it and upload it here on youtube?

[@jljmonky]

@@emrefifty5281 they are already made and being used... I've got several to do yet, time being the Crux. I need to do a few videos restoring them. I have learned loads about what works efficiently for me to make handles and bring life to an axe in the last couple years.

[@promildprofessional8637]

I don't like about you make it shinny axe, just my personal opinion, but its your axe right.. ✌️ but, I cant belive I watching this video without skip it. in fact, I enjoyed every your opinions in your your video, giving me a lot of ideas, sometimes there are no rules. Great job 👍👍👍👍

[@DarkDraconX1]

I remember when I used to chop wood with my hammer as I pretended to be in the boyscouts. Good times.

[@blackskeletor]

Pocket83 has become a restoration Channel it's official

[@Rafael057]

Enjoy your visual ‘explanations’ like using the cut off from the side of the handle to form the pattern for the opposite side, or how much smaller the eye of the hatchet is than a hatchet that originally had a wooden handle

[@shanedavidson2971]

I drilled the same. then I found out if you boil thr the head the eye expands and tapping it out is way easier.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Pocket83 "Try not to think of what I'm doing as right or wrong" The internet: "Wrong!"

[@sakrashdufe]

nice, beautiful finish You've talked about pottery before (loved the story from a few months ago), are you planning to do a video about throwing ? I'm don't want to speak for everybody but I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to see that !

[@donaldlewis9734]

Great Video. Thanks. I will buy it.?

[@drportland8823]

Bummed by the lack of gasoline cans in the background as you were grinding off the mushrooming. Although I understand the refusal to reuse a joke. You did have the electrical sockets, though, so that was good.

[@literate-aside]

New to the channel, liked what I saw. Measurements in mm? Instant subscribe.

[@demonkey36]

Censoring the freshly drilled pink fiberglass gave me a good laugh

[@terryhatton3622]

The cheeks of the handle needs thined down narrower then the axe head but it's beautiful great videos hows max holding up?

[@randomguy93984]

Just under the head of the axe wrap with about 3-4 inches of stretched thick leather. In case you miss it will have a less likely chance of breaking the head off

[@Mikelectric]

soap stone = talcum powder = baby powder/nappy powder. i love the way soap stone feels so much

[@terapiu]

Awesome video, loved the editing, and you're quite likeable.We're also the same age :D

[@endrawes0]

At 11:45 you ate taking a low pass filter of the axe head... Signals processing was fun.

[@zero_gravity5861]

19:57 Wow Pocket, maybe you should put rubber on that knife... (look at your right fingers).

[@hansstellingsmanetherlands5548]

Hello Wranglestar, Can i ask You for some advice? I AM in Europe i have a small budget.. If i search for a small woodcarving axe, To make kuksa etcetera...What to look for on fleamarkets? I AM a bit lost in alle brands and types of axes... Greetings from Holland.

[@HybelFever]

24:56 i love this kinds of moments in your videos

[@davewood406]

I've found that putting the grinder/flap wheels on hand tight is sufficient. Especially when you've lost the stupid wrench again.

[@darfjono]

that is one shiny guy. and the axe is shiny too.

[@rivards1]

So now we know that Pocket83 is a clean-shaven bald man with dimples and abnormally stubby thumbnails. C'mon, sleuths... to the Mystery Machine!

[@pocket83squared]

Not bald. Blonde. I just buzz my head, because hair styling is for self-preoccupied chumps (and because I'm cheap).

[@greenlink6471]

Black walnut is a fine choice very closely related to hickory

[@andrewstoll4548]

So you're saying the left hand should know what the right hand is doing?

[@adeejames]

well, I really enjoyed this vid. subscribed.

[@LynxSnowCat]

I wonder how much of that surface smoothness that head would keep if it were needlessly blued.

[@warfox0977]

Hey so I have a huge chip in a small Hatchet that I have and I don't want to get rid of it. the chip is in the bottom edge of the hatchet and it's about probably an inch deep and I was wondering if you could show tips on how to fix that if I should fix that

[@jjtjp5761]

had a red hatchet like that we found somewhere... anyways the head broke and its "strange" looks like cast iron.....