I’m not super knowledgeable to all of this but this is one of the coolest and most interesting (and relaxing) threads I’ve read in some time. Thank all of you for your contributions to it!
I’m not super knowledgeable to all of this but this is one of the coolest and most interesting (and relaxing) threads I’ve read in some time. Thank all of you for your contributions to it!
@cornstalker
Just found this while moving my brother. I don’t have an axe but DO have a haft. Any suggestions on how to start? This would 100% be a camping/ wood for sitting around the fire axe. I thought of just leaving the rust and start filing an edge. Or painting it with a rust inhibitor to fill the pits and then sanding it down and sharpening.
I would at least try to file the bit to see if it’s even worth restoring. If the file bites too much, then it’s probably lost its temper like a lot of vintage axe heads.
@TOTS
It's a beauty! I would clean it up and see what you got. Are there any original stamps visible on it?
No cornstalker but I have done a few axes. That looks like a nice Jersey pattern.
I would get some evaporust from the hardware store as a first run on it, overnight or a day or two. https://www.evapo-rust.com/ - you can find it at most hardware stores.
For additional clean-up, I use these on a angle grinder - https://www.combatabrasives.com/coll...disc-hook-loop but you can also just use a scotchbrite pad by hand as well.
I am thinking it is a 3 to 4 pound full size axe head -
My first choice for a handle would be:
https://whiskeyrivertrading.com/coll...8nec-28-handle
Better for using the poll as a hammer:
https://whiskeyrivertrading.com/coll...premium-select
For a straight kindling or chicken head chopper:
https://whiskeyrivertrading.com/coll...-20s-handle-20
Good luck, show us an end result.
@TOTS
I do apologize for not answering your question. Cookie Monster covered it very well. Using Evaporust and an angle grinder is the easiest way I have found to bring one to a clean functional state. (I have only done a few) If you decide you want to seek a mirror finish additional steps will be required, but for a handsome fireside tool, doing it as CM described will look great.
I ordered my Evaporust on Amazon. Who has time to go to the hardware store?