Wood burning designs in haft...how?

There are a lot of different ways to burn wood.

Wood burning tool...similar to a soldering iron

Metal stencil and a propane torch.

Magnifying lens and welding goggles. I watched a guy do some very nice work with this method once.
 
A common practice would be to heat up a rasp or file till it was red-hot and then to press it in to the haft to provide a rough surface to grip.
 
I wrapped my handle in masking tape where I didn't want it to get burned. I then used a propane torch to burn in between the tape. The tape will kinda melt/burn on the edges but will go out quick. You are left with a burnt handle and melted goo tape that needs scraped off. [/I]
 
Buy a gas Wella soldering iron,it comes with a few tips you can use for engraving wood and leather .
Richard
 
I like to burn a spiral pattern on my blackpowder ramrods. I also do this with my axes. I use a propane torch. I also have used a small pencil thin butane torch to work a pattern in. I have heard of cordage soaked in kerosene and lit after being wrapped around the handle. Don't know about that one. Seems uncontrolled to me. Better do it outside. I like the heated hasp idea. I have made patterns on a hawk handle with a wood burning electric tool. The hasp would be more uniform if you can match the patterns between heatings. I just finished an army axe painted green. Took paint off, spiral burn, dyed with dark brown leather dye, tacked with small brass tacks around base of handle, patina on blade with mustard then two different cold blue solutions. I like it. Need to learn to post pics. Regards, Loosearrow
 
i've done it with a propane torch and nails.
I just filed nail heads to the desired shape (triangles, squares) and heated them up and branded the wood in a pattern.
 
I have considered the idea of taking a torch to a haft by just moving back and forth across the wood until the burning (light burning) darkens the wood and grain in a way I like... I would just experiment. This is where Cold Steel hawks shine, you can buy several spare hafts and experiment...
 
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Heres my one attempt at haft burning. Just moved the torch quickly.
IMG_1132.jpg
 
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