Designed for all single bits

Our universal-fit strike guards are handcrafted from 7 oz. vegetable-tanned leather, 3 oz. tongue leather, and a rubber grip layer for added cushion and a secure hold on the handle. Each kit arrives pre-laced and includes a needle and thread. The only additional tools required are needle nose pliers, scissors and a bench vise.

Our strike guards come in sizes small, medium and large. Use the chart below to determine which size fits your handle. Your strike guard will include paper instructions for installation on your axe handle. It is imperative that the top of the strike guard wraps over the top shoulder of your handle for a secure fit. The instructions can also be downloaded here or watch our instructional video here.  

Please note - our strike guards will not fit double bit axe handles.

Universal Attachment

Our 3 size design fits nearly any axe handle geometry, including octagonal handles. The rubber liner ensures a firm hold to your handle.

Mis-strikes Happen

Don't let it ruin your handle. Adding an extra layer of leather and rubber protection can save the cost of a new handle and hours of work.

FAQs

How can I be sure I’m choosing the right size? 

Use a cloth measuring tape or a string to measure the upper circumference of your axe handle just below the lugs. If your axe doesn’t have lugs, measure where it meets the bottom of your axe head. From that point mark the distance based on the length of your handle to find the lower circumference. Choose the size based on your measurements within the range shown on the table.

What if my axe handle doesn’t have a shoulder below the eye? 

We’ve designed these strike guards to work on all single bit axes. However they do require at least ½” of shoulder below the eye to ensure they will not slip during use. You may have to fit the strike guard over the lugs to get the best fit.

What if I don’t have a bench vise? 

For your safety we recommend using a bench vise. You could bury the blade in a stump but be aware that the process of tightening the paracord lacing requires leverage.

Is there a guarantee that my handle will be protected from breaking if I use your strike guard? 

If installed correctly, the strike guard will protect your axe handle from being damaged. We’re unable to guarantee the possibility of breakage but the thick buffalo leather is incredibly tough and decreases the chance of damage.

Can I trim the leather tongue if it extends below the strike guard? 

Yes, it is easily trimmed with scissors if you want it to line up with the bottom of the strike guard.

Just got another order of handles…

Just got another order of handles….absolutely outstanding!!! I couldn’t be happier!!!!

Amazing

First off id like to start by saying I own alot of axes, like a metric ton. Usa axes, German, swedish, Italian, Austrian. I have alot of different axes from around the world and one thing im very picky about is the handles and the quality and care put into the handle. I just recently bought a 32 inch handle from here and ( my fault) I cracked the eye so I bought another, by the way the customer service was phenomenal and I have to say with no exaggeration im not getting paid or influenced to say this, these handles are the absolute best ive ever seen, used, come across in my life from anywhere. I genuinely believe these are the best axe handles in the world. I actually now look forward to handles breaking if they do in the future so I can hang them on a hoffman. If youre thinking about buying these my advice is just do it, you won't regret it.

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Hoffman Handles
Connor Tipping
Didn’t think handles could be this nice

Received a 24 inch Osage orange handle in a grade 3 random pack.. suited up with a worn down and beat up Kelly perfect. Two misfits that came together to bond forever ( until I break it happily in the woods ) Wonderful quality as always !

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Hoffman Handles
Dwayne wright
32" curvy handel

Love everything about this handel I'll be purchasing others

J
Hoffman Handles
John Banks
Warranty replacement handle.

Thank you for the replacement handle. Highest quality and best customer service anybody could wish for. This is a brand that is at the top of the line for axes and their warranty and first class customer service back that claim up.

Perfect brush axe handle

Restored a Collins Brush Axe and used the 32" Curvy Handle. It came out perfect, and works great.

19" handle

Great fit and finish looks and works great

G
Hoffman Handles
Gsturdevant
34" single bit PERFECT

Not only was this the cost of a tennessee hickory handle, it was PERFECT out of the box! all that with 2 day shipping??? (i live in virginia) WONDERFUL product. I cant believe it was made on a copy lathe
10/10 will buy again

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Hoffman Handles
Anonymous
Nice handle

Nice ergonomic handle. Palm swell cracked while hanging the head.

Grade 3 looks like a A+ from my house!

I just purchased 2 log the grade 3 practice axes and I can’t find anything bot one knot on either handle. The grain is perfect, they sent me one flag ship handle and one straight handle both 34in long which I’m super stoked about be I’m 6,4 and short handles don’t feel comfortable to me. Will definitely be back for more. I want one of those purple heartwood handles!

I’m an idiot but the handles are great

I’ve bought 3 Hoffman handles so far, all of different lengths and varieties (Unique Hickory 19” oval, 15” octagonal and 15” oval) and I’ve been very impressed with the quality of all 3 of them. If I weren’t so very bad at hanging an axe I would’ve only bought one but since I’m in the unique position of being exceptionally inept, I’ve had the unique opportunity to own 3 beautiful axe handles. Even if I utterly destroyed 2 out of the 3 of them. 3rd time was indeed the charm. Would and will buy again.

31” Osage Orange handle

The Osage orange is beautiful and the handle is the perfect contour. No issues hanging the axe, quality is exceptional.

First hand, first leather sheath

Started two new hobbies, Axe hanging and leather working. First project came out great.

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Hoffman Handles
Brad Ritonya (RAW Axes)
32" straight double bit!

I put this handle in my 5lb 6oz 1924 Sager Chemical Axe! I hung it full handle length of 34.25"! Great quality! Handles that big head very well!

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Hoffman Handles
Axed-n-Answered
The 12” hand ax handles are perfect!

The 12” hand ax handles are perfect. Love the way they fill my hand, love the eloquent design of the pattern. Anyone wondering if too big, too chunky? No! Worry over dimensions given two 2-handed ax hafts has no benefit on 1-handed tools. Check hatchet and hammer handles. Hoffman has it perfect.

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Hoffman Handles
Mike Oriet
Perfect for our kindling buddy....

Beautiful handle. Needed something a little longer that the typical hatchet handle. This was perfect.

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Hoffman Handles
Fowler- TwinGrainsWoodcraft
Unmatched Customer Service

After ordering a curly hickory handle I received a call from Shelley who explained her own disappointment in the grading of the handle that was the last available. Although still a beautiful handle for my carving/hewing axe, it does have little curl. She offered and came through with a refund to bring the cost to their standard handle price. Can’t brag about this experience enough!

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Hoffman Handles
David Johnson
Unique hickory

I just received 3 of the finest handles I've seen yet. It will make it very hard to part with the finished product.

Amazing Handle

This handle looks and feels amazing. Completely changed the feel and performance of a Stihl camp axe. It was also super easy to hang, medium single bit.

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Hoffman Handles
Mel Pippitt
28” Straight Grade 2 Handle

Love the look of this handle and the quality. This handle checks all the boxes for me. Hung an old 3.2 lb single bit head on it, the head is unmarked and was purchased new sometime in the early 70’s.
I’m not sure if this is a Jersey or a Rockaway, can anyone help?

Z
Hoffman Handles
Zach Vogt
28” Curvy Handle Grade 1

I am completely blown away with the unbelievable quality of this handle. I am speechless. I will be rehanging all of my vintage axes with Hoffman Handles. Every aspect of the handle is perfect. I would give 10 stars if I could.

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Hoffman Handles
Gary L Hammond
Just WOW!!!

I received my grade 3 axe handle last night about 9:15. I unpacked it, a beautiful 28" octagon straight handle. I studied it for an hour, my axe head being pretty good sized I feared the handle might look too short. Giving it the floor test the length looks great for my display purposes, just great for a hewing head. I want to thank Mr. Hoffman for his devotion to quality. Great product, fast fast shipping and you receive really great handles. After owning this broadaxe head for 37 years I'm so glad I ran across Hoffman Handles!

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Hoffman Handles
Ron, the Mountaineer.
Buck stops here!

I've bought about 10 different axe handles lately from different manufacturers and sent many of them back. Some were from big-name makers, specializing in axe handles. Up until now, it's been disappointing. Hoffman handles are the best I've seen, hands down! I will be a repeat customer!

31" wood Bullet Handle

Excellent quality and craftsmanship, comfortable to use and enjoyable to look at.

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Hoffman Handles
Mike Redepenning
My hang

Awesome wood handle!