For those using maces and hand axes, the typical haft will measure somewhere between 18-30”. This is where such items are ordered.
Our standard lamination method should be all that is needed for single handed hafts. For hafts of less than 24” and maybe up to 30”, it is very unlikely (in combat) you can generate enough force to snap the haft. Of course, over time and hundreds (thousands) of blows, failures may happen.
As the haft gets longer than say 30” the amount of force you generate goes up immensely as does the opportunity to use the opponent’s helmet as a fulcrum with poorly aimed blows. This combination creates a much greater opportunity for breakage. Also, the weapon head is also usually significantly heavier with longer weapons.
The spread sheet above is to help you understand how our pricing options work.
The base length of a single handed haft is 18”. With no add ons, that haft costs $30.
Each inch of length you would like to add increases the price by $1.50. Thus a 23” shaft has a base price of $37.50 or a 28” haft would begin at $45. With your base price haft, jute wrapping is included in the lower six inches of the haft. There is a palm swell in the lower inch to assist in retention. The jute does not cover this area. This jute is single wound and anchored with PVA glue on the sides. This should keep the jute from ever unraveling.
An increase of width or thickness of the haft also increases the price. The standard is 1.25” from front to back and 1” wide. This will feel too narrow for people with larger hands and is less tough than a thicker / wider haft, but the main issue is hand grip and comfort. Depending on the dimension wanted, the price increases $4.00 or $6.00. If you have a size desire not listed, we are happy to accommodate. Nothing will be warrantied at smaller than 1.25” x 1.00”. Please remember the final dimension in the grip area is roughly 1/4” bigger due to the jute wrap.
Leather shock panel:
Depending on the length of the haft, this will be 8”, 10” or 12” in length and will be applied to both the front and back of the haft.
The leather begins 3” below the top of the haft to allow for easy mounting of the weapon head. If a different gap is needed, please NOTE this in the order.
Jute cover for Leather:
Some people have requested a Jute layer be applied over the leather shock panel area. This can also be ordered. This will begin at the top of the leather and extend approximately ¼” below the leather shock panel. This jute will also be glue secured on the side of the haft like the grip area jute.
Fiberglass reinforcement:
For the ultimate in strength and durability, two fiberglass mesh layers are inserted between the wood slats and epoxied into place. The order will vary depending on the final thickness of the haft, but typically it will be two layer of wood, a layer of fiberglass mat, a layer of wood, a layer of fiberglass matt and two layers of wood.
As noted elsewhere, this is likely overkill for hafts shorter than 30” and more so for less than 24”. It does however, increase the length of our warranty and should make for much longer durability of the haft.
Regarding authenticity. This fits in the same category as wearing a plastic athletic cup. The fiberglass / epoxy layer is roughly 1/3 mm thick and cannot be seen except under very close inspection. The leather shock panel / Jute wrap further hides any evidence. If you are deeply concerned, hitting the edge with a black sharpie will hide it quite well.