Axe Mask

[Airth]

Here's something I finished a few months ago after I refurbished a Craftsman boy's axe. Once I got it back up to par, of course it needed a proper "pair of pants". I added a rawhide scuff collar to the haft and began work on the mask itself. After drawing up a few designs, I settled on something reversible in that there was no "right" way to put it back on.

Because of a limited budget, I have only the most basic tools and cut everything out with a utility knife and an old cutting board, and hand-sew everything. One of these days I'll get something proper to cut with, as the uneven edges get on my nerves.

Anyway, here's the start...I cut the welts out of the blade shape since it's already set, and use the swivel knife to cut a stitching groove (I don't have a groover):

Here it is post-tooling. I'm rather proud of this one as it's the first thing I've ever done freehand.

Then finished and on the axe, front and back:

Thanks for looking, and for everyone's feedback!

[Rohn]

Airth, looks like you did an excellent job on dressing up that axe. I like the oak leaves, very nice.

[HollyNelson]

Very nice!

[FoamerAce]

Because of a limited budget, I have only the most basic tools and cut everything out with a utility knife and an old cutting board, and hand-sew everything. One of these days I'll get something proper to cut with, as the uneven edges get on my nerves.

Anyway, here's the start...I cut the welts out of the blade shape since it's already set, and use the swivel knife to cut a stitching groove (I don't have a groover):

Eeeeep! You cut the groove with a swivel knife? You've got a steadier hand than I sir.

A utility knife is a fine tool for cutting leather. I think a sharp blade and good technique will give you better results than a new knife.

It's very impressive work for limited tools. With that kind of talent you could go full hobo using only tools you fabricated yourself from scrap. Not that I there's any reason you'd actually want to do that.

[silverbullet]

Good job I like the handle protector too. Gary

[Airth]

Thanks, folks! That means a lot coming from the experts on here.