-Hafting Techniques

--Rawhide-Wrapped Axe

    When rawhide is soaked in water, it becomes soft and pliable.  But as it dries, it shrinks slightly and becomes very stiff. Because of these characteristics, rawhide strips are ideal for hafting axes and hammers.  The manufacture of rawhide is an involved process that takes several days.  If you would like to make your own, you will find complete directions in Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Olsen.  It should be possible, however, to secure a supply of ready-to-use rawhide.

    Many leather supply houses can provide you with pieces of rawhide.  Other possible sources include Indian curio shops, a "mountain ma" rendezvous, or your friendly neighborhood survival student.  But the surest source of all is a pet store -- small pieces of rawhide are sold there as "doggie chews".

    To haft with rawhide, you will first need to carve a suitable handle.  This can be made from a willow banch about 12-14" long and 1 1/2-2" thick.  Thin the bottom for a comfortable grip for your hand, but leave the top wide enough to support the axe.  Finally, the top should be carved to perfectly fit the axe head (this may require a bit of ingenuity).

    Soak your rawhide for 12-20 hours, or until thoroughly pliable.  Then cut it into a long strip about 1/4" wide.  If you are using small pieces of rawhide (the "doggie chews"), you will probably only be able to get three feet of thong from each piece __ in which case you will need several  While the rawhide is still wet and pliable, use it to secure the axe head in place.  Be sure to stretch the rawhide tight and tie off securely.  Finally, allow the rawhide to dry slowly and thoroughly.  It will dry very hard and will grip the axehead firmly.

    A final comment on rawhide:  It has the same disadvantage as sinew; that is, it will not hold when wet.  Therefore, to finish you rawhide-wrapped axe, brush a light coating of hot pine pitch over the rawhide thongs..