epiphanist1248 Report post Posted September 29, 2017 Last month we bought a hatchet to take down a tree in the back yard. Between the two of us, it only took about half an hour, with us alternating taking swings and watching our son splash in his pool. For being little, this is a really nice hatchet. (I'm not surprised; Fiskar's is a great brand; I've had a pair of their scissors since elementary school and they still work great.) Anyway, Fiskar's is usually really good about putting these nice hard plastic covers with toggle locks on their bigger axes, but for this one they just put on a cheap, softer plastic cover that feels like it will probably crack and be ruined after a while. This is a good tool that deserves better. So I made a proper leather cover for it, dyed it, carved and painted the leaf decoration, put a snap on to keep it shut, and tied it all together with two-loop Spanish edge lacing. For those who want to know, I used veggie tanned leather (I think 7-8oz.) from SLC, Eco-Flow Antique Gel (it's either Dark Brown or Briar Brown - sorry, it was a month ago and I can't remember for sure), Angelus paint for the leaf, and some finished lace I got from the dreaded Hobby Lobby. I probably got the snap from SLC. The pictures aren't great but my phone only takes selfies anymore so I make due. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjartist Report post Posted September 29, 2017 Looks real good, but can you get it off of the head with the way that blade tapers? I have one of those hatchets myself and think you may have just led me into a new project of my own. Thanks for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
resqman Report post Posted September 29, 2017 Seems the lacing is in danger of being cut by the edge of the blade. Did you put is an extra layer of leather along the side to protect the lacing from the edge? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
epiphanist1248 Report post Posted September 30, 2017 @resqman I did not, if I make another one of these covers that's something I will definitely do. One of the laces got cut the first time I put the cover on the hatchet; the rest are fine. @cjartist It took a little wiggling the first time, but now it goes on and off pretty easily. That's part of why I laced it instead of stitching it - to give it a little more flex. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cjartist Report post Posted October 2, 2017 Cool. That's awesome and you don't have to worry about it falling off. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites