A friend gave me an older Spalt Fix splitting axe/hatchet a while back. Made by Ochsenkopf in Germany. I had never heard of the maker but they are apparently a premier manufacturer of axes and such. This one had a split 20 in. handle so I removed it and I am trying to find a new one. The head is very heavy (3 lbs.) and very beefy. The eye of the axe is larger than most and oddly shaped. There are no local sources. I assume that restoring it is worthwhile so does anyone know a good place online that might have a handle. I would even be happy with a longer handle. Thanks
I think the Stihl axes are made by Ochsenkopf. You should be able to find one of those. Or making your own isnt too hard if you have a piece of ash.
Good excuse to buy a draw shave. But then you'd need a horse too. (something I've wanted to get into) If all else fails, check with a local cabinet maker/wood worker and see if they can turn you down a bolt of wood and get it close for you to finish.
The proper handle is available from Ochsenkopf. Might cost a bit to ship from Germany though. Maybe a US distributor might have one? Worth contacting them to check. Splitting Axe SPALT-FIX®
I have the small Stihl Maul that is made by them. I use it all the time , I find it perfect for splitting up smaller straight stuff for kindling.
I actually have the tools, band saw, draw knives and such but finding the raw wood materials is another matter. I think I have found a handle through Amazon. I may order it shortly. I'll post when I do! I also need a handle for another pickaroon head I made for a friend but those are locally available.
Found a correct handle through Amazon to the Ochsenkopf store with dealers in the US. $27 shipped to me. Good deal if it is of good quality. We will see.
Got my Ochsenkopf handle today for the splitting hatchet. Looks like a nice handle made of Ash. Easiest fit up I have done. The handle closely matched the eye and only required a few light passes with the grinder flap disc to fit. Drove it on and then wood wedged, then used the round metal wedges I had salvaged from the original handle. I used a porta-band to saw off any extra handle above the eye before wood wedging. Flap disc the top before and after metal wedging. It is amazing how large and robust the splitting hatchet is compared to a 1.5 lb chopping hatchet. All in all very pleased with how this turned out!
