Looks like you solved it, but some advice on getting rank pins (or in my case, Distinctive Unit Insignias-DUIs) into the axe handle, Drill a pilot hole a tad smaller than the pin. I don't have my tools or my handle, so I can't tell you the size I used. I then used a rubber mallet to tap in the DUIs. I put a bit of epoxy on the back before tapping it, with liberal amount of paper towels to mop up the residue. Works very well and I have no concerns about them falling out. I have about 5 DUIs from past units in already, but I need to add 3 more now? I also used 550 cord to wrap "grip" of the handle, depending on the quality of the tape you might want to consider that... you could also use it to buff up the size of the handle.
And you can get Pioneer kit axe handles on the civilian market, or stop by DRMO/ DLA Dispo and pick one up...