I have had this hatchet for 46 years now. My grandmother bought it for me when I entered Webelos. It has seen some hard use over the years, and it deserved a little love. So I went to the local hardware store and to Lowes, looking for a new handle. No one had one this small. Apparently not everyone needs a 12" hatchet handle!
So I went on a search and found a company out of Tennessee called Whiskey River Art and Trading. They make 100% American made hickory tool handles. And they had the handle for my hatchet, and it was only $14.00+ship. SOLD!! I got it today and put it on. It even came with two wedges.
I think it's got another 46 years in it now. I remember it had a leather sheath to cover the edge when I got it new. So I went online and looked for Norlund hatchets and found some good pictures of it. I'll be making a replacement for it real soon.
Here's the original handle. It must have had 3lbs of nails holding the head on!
The head looked as bad as the handle. It was covered in "patina". In other words, rust. I took a Scotchbrite disc to it and cleaned it up.
I think my old Scout Master would be pretty proud.