Leather Axe Handle Guard/Collar (Wetterlings Bushman by Les Stroud, Tan/Natural Leather)

So, this piece is all looks and no function.I purchased this guard to protect the handle on my Gransfors Bruk Swedish Forrest Axe, as I actually use the axe for trail maintenance. Overstrikes can happen, and with the cost of the are, I figured this would be a great addition for some extra assurance.I was wrong. The guard slips when the axe is actually used. The leather lace is very weak, dry, and a royal pain to thread. This could have been fixed if they used slightly better leather, and dipped the ends in a resin to make them harder for threading.I tried the first time to follow their instructional video, and tied as tightly as I could, but the guard slipped down while felling a tree. I then soaked the leather in warm water to stretch it, tied it as tightly as possible, and it still slips... unfortunately, the leather they've used is just very soft and stretches too easily. And, now my handle is stained, and will need to be sanded to bring back to factory color.Unfortunately, I wasted my money. If you are looking for a guard for looks only, this is a great piece, but it is not functional at all.

This is a well-made product. It covers and protects the upper handle of my GB Small Forest Axe pretty well. The fit on one side perfectly matches the shape of the axe head, while on the other side, not so well. With this stated, it is more esthetics, and does it's job, overall.My issue is that a product, costing as much as this does, should have better lacing instructions.The only option they give you is to watch some marketing video, and after 5 minutes, watch video images of somebody lacing this on. The problem is that there is no narration stating details of how to do this, whatsoever, and any shots showing the project at various stages, are quick, elusive shots, instantly blocked by a hand, that move on to the next step.Guys: Its nice that somebody can make a nice video of your product, but is it really too much to ask to just show the process a little better. Pause the shot long enough for one of us non-experts to see which pattern the laces should be. Maybe a little narration?The person in the video likes to talk about the product when showing it off. How about a little instruction?Workmanship is great, -1 for the fit of the guard against the axe head, and -1 for no real value in what they call a 'how to lace' video.

For aesthetic purposes only. The guard looks attractive on the axe, but as others have said, it doesn’t protect the handle from missed strikes. The leather lace included for lashing cannot be pulled tight enough for proper binding, so the guard slips down the handle when in use. This was corrected with para cord and some clever placement of adhesive. The leather does cause permanent staining of the handle, which is a shame. The American Hickory is so beautiful and is the reason for the need for protection, as this guard is meant to provide. It fails to do so. If you display your axe or just bought to impress your buddies, you will be pleased. If you use the axe for actual work, then expect some disappointment and frustration. I am not returning the guard. It is as described. In theory it was a good investment. Practically, it was a waste of money.

Normally I'd make this myself, but I wanted something that looked extra nice; this certainly does. I agree with some other reviews that the included leather string is useless. I used paracord, which works and looks good. I got the lighter color, which will darken with use and oiling to have lots of character as the years go by. Totally satisfied and a fair price, works for me. Mine fits nice and tight with the paracord, not moving around at all.If yours is loose, oil the handle up really well (I use boiled linseed oil), put the leather sleeve on, lace as tight as you can, and then pour boiling water on the leather (carefully of course, also this will darken the leather); set it out in the sun to dry. That should tighten up the leather. Or, you can wrap paracord around the handle underneath the leather sleeve. I do this on some of my larger axes, which adds a second layer of protection.(Also pictured is the Husqvarna Small Splitting Axe with a guard I made with some scrap leather) these two axes cover quite a lot of bases between the two of them. The one I made is tearing a bit at the holes, because it's not as thick. This one I bought here is very thick leather, so no issues like that with it.

I was hesitant to spend this much on a piece of leather, but am glad I did. The leather is nice and thick and it fits this axe very well, as you can see in the pic. I immediately pulled the included leather string off and grabbed a coffee colored piece of paracord to lace it up. Didn't think the leather string would be tough enough IF I could get it tight without snapping it. Yes, I know I did not do a traditional lace job, but it is holding the cover VERY tight. It will not slip down. I put as much downward force on it as I could and it did not budge. I think the dark brown paracord looks pretty good too. Before I installed it I put 2 coats of Sno-Seal on the outside of it to condition and protect it. Melted it in with a hair dryer. I think it will reduce damage to it when I miss... Everyone misses sometime! If I left the leather dry, I think a good hit might damage it pretty bad. I was actually hoping the Sno-Seal would darken the natural leather version I got, but it's still pretty tan. That's fine, still looks good. And I'm sure it will darken with age and use and take on a nice rustic look. I thought about trying to make one myself, but I'm happy I got this one and supported an American small family business.