Threads like this get ironically interesting when you get old. My grandfather worked in the woods and when an axe handle broke he didn't buy a new one he made it. Really nice work, other loggers asked him to make them. I have his draw knife with which he could work miracles. Unfortunately any magic in it went with him.
Today many wouldn't even consider replacing a handle. So if you're a manufacturer having to maintain a supply chain in balance there's not much money in replacement handles, more in selling replacement shovels. But for brand loyalty you still sell handles to the old farts that still think that way and mark up to maintain a profit margin.
