Seymour Link Handles 65274 Hatchet Handle for No 2 Shingling, Half-Hatchet, Claw and No 1 Broad Hatchets, 14" Length, Wax Finish, Contractor Grade

I bought this to re-hang an old Warren half hatchet, which was fine after some expected fitting . Once hung, I proceeded to sand and treat with some linseed oil. This is when the issue came up... apparently the linseed oil raised the grain like crazy and left me with a handle that would impale you with tiny splinters as you slid your hand along the handle. This issue was remedied with more sanding of the shaft and more linseed oil.The reasons I did not rate this higher is that of the three grades available ( C- "Homeowner", B- "Contractor" and A - "Industrial") , I ordered the more expensive Industrial grade, assuming I would get a better product. The kerf was cut with a surgical laser, or something, I had to pry it open at the top to get a saw in to widen it enough to accept the wedge The grain is not aligned very well with the bit and the splintering make me think this one missed inspection in QC, or was mislabeled. The grain alignment is really not a major issue for a hatchet of this weight, but I feel the splintering is.It has been hung now, so I am not sending it back, but I would be leery of buying another "Industrial" grade from Link. On the bright side, the wedge provided appears to be walnut and once the thickness was reduced by about 50%, worked well and looks good.EDIT:Gave it a couple more coats of linseed oil and it smoothed right out, then I gave it a "little character" with a torch to match better with the old head,

Awesome for the price. I bought this handle to bring and old Plumb roofing hatchet back into service. The handle is very solid and perfect length in my opinion. The wedge is included however it's worth noting that it will need to be trimmed to fit and it is wood not metal. Neither of these things bothered me especially considering after trimming to fit I still had enough of the wedge to use for another hatchet. The shape of the 'head end' was not a perfect match to my hatchet but it fit up nicely and is very snug, I use it regularly and it has not come loose at all. I did soak the end with linseed oil after I had the head seated. The only thing I don't like about this handle is the finish, it's somewhat waxy and leaves a strange feel on the hand. It's completely personal preference, it feels like it would be very durable, I just don't care for it. Anyhow, I will not hesitate to buy more of these for my next hatchets to be rehandled.

Ordering an axe handle from Amazon shows one of the clear drawbacks of internet shopping. I kinda feel bad since I've sent back so many bad handles, but maybe Amazon will put pressure on Seymour and the other manufacturers to provide better handles in the first place. It's clear handles are made on a machine, where wood waste is prioritized over quality handles and proper grain orientation. Look...I'm not going to simply install your handle because that's what came off your production line. It makes no sense for me to invest an hour or two of my time in hanging an axe is you can't spend 3 minutes on your line doing proper quality control checks. I ordered from another company who specializes in making wood handles for all types of tools and got nothing but straight good axes. Sure, I paid them $1 more per handle to send me "selected" handles, but it was still cheaper and less frustrating than constantly ordering new ones from Amazon.That being said, when I did finally get a good one, it was a great handle. Fit nicely, great tight grain and finished as it should. Took me 15 minutes to hang. Bought another Seymour handle at local hardware store that was exceptionally nice as well. But I need some better consistency from the QC department.

Replaced handle to hammer hatch that belonged to grandfather.Had to sand a little to get fit.Immediate reply from seller as to handle finish so could match.Better than the original handle.Fair price.

Perfect fit for the True Temper No. R2S carpenter hatchet. It is the correct size of the eye. Exact fit. Part# LK-330-08 I haven’t had a chance to use yet.

When i purchased it no dimensions were given on the head so when it arrived it didn't quite fit right (a little small). Not their fault i bought it for a 1-1/2 pound head and should probably on be purchased for bits that are 1 pound or under. Otherwise its perfect and if you get a good fit it will last a long time. It came with a wood wedge but no metal clips which is fine it should still hold very well if handled correctly.

It's not terrible; the grain pattern isn't ideal. If grain pattern for a short handle tool is super important to you then go buy one at a store. If this was a full length axe or Sledge I wouldn't use it. Pretty sure it'll be just fine for a small hatchet.Certainly not "premium" quality. prob wouldn't buy again but it will fit my purpose.3stars for not having metal wedge as stated and pictured also NOT stained and wedge slot is not centered.

Hammer and hatchet have been handled and now begin another term of dedicated service to mankind . I will look forward to getting a new grip on these handy utensils and handeling them with the same dexterity my father used prior to his handing down to me . Life is great , man marches on , I start anew with rehandled hatchet and hammer . What could go wrong now ?Yatahey ! D.E.K.