The next thing I know to try is burn the wood out. I don't want to burn the wood out. For one thing I want to use the existing tight fitting handle as a pattern for making a new handle. For the other it is an hour one way to my blacksmith to have the thing re tempered.
It is a 2 inch Witherby with a little bit of belly to it. My first picture was after I had it somewhat cleaned up with 100 grit. I ended up at the grinder squaring the edge back up, then some belt sander time. I have the edge as far as I want to take it - 300 grit stone on the back side, 220 grit belt on the bevel - until after I know the temper is staying.
I tried drilling the handle, twisted in a 5/16 bolt, hung that from a couple pegs in my workbench leg, got the trusty hammer - and bent the bolt.
So I am stuck. Any suggestions for getting that handle out without changing the temper?
100grit.jpgbolt.jpgbent.jpg