Axe handle guard = Rope + Epoxy

This process uses Nylon rope and epoxy to make a tough handle wrap for your axe. It's easy to do and inexpensive, and it will take you far less time and money than it does to replace a handle. It also looks bad-ass.

Note to axe 'experts': yes, I realize that I'm using it as a maul. I also know that you shouldn't swing at a piece that's behind another- I did that for the demonstration, and luckily my handle guard proved as tough as I was hoping it would.

Consider that the video footage was mostly close-up in this video, but MATT is actually a pretty heavy axe with a long handle. I use it for splitting medium logs and dead wood.

And about the mushrooming: that abuse came from the axe's last owner. The mushroomed steel poses no threat, because I don't hit this axe with a sledge.