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Wonderful approach.

My needs wouldn’t allow me to go too far in the “rustic” direction, but I really enjoy how you regularly highlight for us how beauty and functionality can be brought together to our advantage without having to rely on powered equipment.

Thanks.

Those are really nice handles. The idea of burning is good. The use of reclaimed nails is the climax! Give us some more ideas.

Sharad

-- “If someone feels that they had never made a mistake in their life, then it means they have never tried a new thing in their life”.-Albert Einstein

Nice handles, I do the same, but Ash or Maple is usually my available wood. Not much Hickory around here anymore. Too bad too, I love the look of Hickory.

-- (You just have to please the man in the Mirror) Mike from Michigan -

Use what you’ve got.
If hickory doesn’t grow were you live then use something local.
I make the rustic-style handles both as part of my Appalachian heritage and as part of my commitment to Japanese ascetics, particularly the Zen principle of impermanence.

Do what you know.
I don’t turn wood. Therefore, I don’t make turned handles. If you are a turner then you would, of course, want to extend your craft into your tools.

There are many ways to go. Your choice is personal, as it should be.

-- 温故知新

Nice handles. I agree with you hobomonk. I use what i have close at hand. have made a few handles from diamond willow for some files and such. Even made rake handle out of a birch sapling. Never got got fancy tho. But after seeing your handles i just might get creative and spruce mine up a little.