All About Pocket Knives

I started whittling out a replacement handle for a ball peen hammer that my father-in-law gave me around 35 years ago. My wife and I were only dating at the time. I have kept the hammer put up and have not used it for almost 20 years, then made the mistake of trying it last month.
The handle broke on the first strike. The wood was rotted through.
Upon inspection it was a cheap import handle, not a good hardwood at all, and had had a hidden crack for a long time.
I think that this new piece is white oak, but am not sure. I do know that it almost burned up my saw trying to cut it, and makes for some DIFFICULT whittling!

Yes, I will use a spoke shave and a belt sander before I am finished with it. Right now, I just enjoy whiling away one of these rare, cool, Alabama Sunday afternoons.

Reverend that is a great project and the hammer will be extra special when you're finished.

Looks like a fun and purposeful project! Something to be proud of when it’s completed.

Done! I finished it with a couple coats of oil.
If you held it in your hand you might urge me to keep my day job, but it is solid and tight, and fits my hand well enough.
The original handle outlasted my Father-in-law, and this one should outlast me.

Great work, I really like the shape by the head

Very nice work! Merry Christmas!

Great job .

Mike

Great save Rev!
I made a hatchet handle from a piece of hickory firewood that Wade sent me. He sent me the piece of wood so I could use it to read handle one of his knives. He said "keep what's left over if you can use it."
It was the first handle I had built from a chunk of unshaped would. I was happy with the results, but I think you did a little bit better on your first handle and I did.
That's what I like about heirloom tools, put you in connection with the memories of someone special in your life.

Amen to all the compliments. Love it.