Mountainman's Mantra: REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe - A New Blade Cover & Belt Drop Loop

25 October 2025

REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe - A New Blade Cover & Belt Drop Loop

Autumn Reflections (photo by V.A. McMillan 2025)

Title: REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe - A New Blade Cover & Belt Drop Loop

Date: 25 October 2025

Howdy Folks,

It has been too long since I posted a project. Hopefully, wildfires and world politics will take a breather for the Winter. To get you ready for your next trip to the woods or to your favourite campsite, I will be showing you how to improve a REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe carrying case into something you can actually carry on your belt.

REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe - Original Case

First caveat, the original REAPR carrying case will not be used. It will be replaced by a simple axe blade cover and a belt axe loop. This combo will allow you to use the hammer face of the REAPR Sparrow Axe, without removing the blade cover.

Paracord Wrapped Handle & New Blade Cover

Second observation, I wrapped my REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe with paracord to increase the shaft diameter and provide some cushion when chopping or hammering...I also created a wrist-lanyard to prevent dropping my axe when swinging.

The axe cover is made from a piece of scrap Cordura 1000d fabric, an outer layer and an inner layer; which sandwich an inner padding core. Exposed raw edges where finished with binding tape. The longest edge is about 4 ½” by about 3”. The fabric is contour cut to reduce unnecessary fabric and bulk. To this padded blade cover is added a simple webbing strap in ¾” polypropylene webbing with double snaps. Starting with double snaps means if one fails while on an adventure you still have one to hold the blade cover in place until you can return to the shop and repair or replace the faulty snap.

New Blade Cover on REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe

The belt axe loop was constructed using 2” webbing. The bottom loop is double thickness and uses hook & loop tape to make it adjustable. The drop loop, is single thickness and a sewn loop. If I make a second version, I would be inclined to use double thickness for the drop loop and make it adjustable with hook & loop tape. As for materials used:

2” Webbing – 16” (x1 for drop loop & x1 for the bottom loop)
2” Loop tape – 3”
2” Hook tape – 2”

New Blade Cover and the Belt Axe Loop

Here is the finished project showing the REAPR Sparrow Hammer Axe being carried. I can say the drop loop length at 8”, was the correct length for me. The axe is not hanging at an awkward angle if the drop loop was too short. As the drop loop is flexible, it is able to contour the profile of the body. Furthermore, the drop is low enough, that the axe will not interfere with a waist belt of your rucksack when backpacking or hunting.