cold steel tomahawk mods question

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obnepec

Joined
Mar 25, 2010
Messages
23
Hello all,

I am shortly going to be getting a cold steel pipe hawk. I have been looking through the multiple mod pages but have 2 questions I didn't find answered. The final look I am going for is more of an antique looking head which is smooth.

1) I have access to a sand blaster. Can I just use that to take off the paint that comes on it and then use my sander to smooth the outer metal of the head? It seems like most everyone was using a liquid/gel paint stripper but if I have access to the sand blaster why not use it?

2) Anyone have a good suggestion for getting the antique looking finish on the metal?

Thanks for any help!
Obnepec
 
The sand blaster will create minute divots in the metal where moisture can get in and cause deep pitting. The chemical strippers won't do that. As for getting that antiquated look, there are so many different ways it's ridiculous. Hot vinegar, lemon juice, you name it. Used sulfuric acid in high school art class to etch bronze/brass/copper and give it an aged look, maybe you could use that if you can get ahold of some.
 
Sticky on the forum may have some answers for you also. I like to cold blue mine, but that is preference. I would give the sandblaster a try, just make sure you seal it well afterwards. I hate stripping them so would blast some if I could!
 
Use a wire wheel to take the paint off then use it. When it gets worn from you enjoying using it then it will look like it has been for a trip or two around the block. If you want antique you could use a browning treatment to give it some appearance of age, ferric chloride. Still it will look like new unless you get it some wear from use.
 
I use a sandblaster to strip mine, the blasted finish smooths out pretty quick with sandpaper.
It looks pretty cool when it's blasted though, clean and uniform, but it won't take a patina like a smooth finish does, just looks rusty.
 
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