Creating a patina...

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d.weglarz13

Joined
Jun 4, 2008
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So, just got my CT Boys Axe, that I ordered along with my GB AFA, but didn't mention it yet....And, the paint on the head needs to come off, and I have seen some nice looking mods to axes recently, of beautiful patinas on the heads, and maybe some stain on the handle.

Can anyone post some links, or tell me some ideas that can get me on the right path? I may just leave the handle natural color, as I like it very much, but I gotta do something cool with the head. So, vinegar? Ketchup? What do you guys use or know of that can get me a beautiful patina, and how to go about it. Thanks for any ideas. I am waiting to finish this axe up nice to post pics of both axes.

Dave
 
for a really hot head use Louisiana hot sauce.
my mom doesn't like ketchup so i use mustard on knives and such
tomatoes are coming in season now so i use peelings and damaged tomatoes to make crazy quilt designs on steel

in the old days working tools were made from carbon steel (blue steel), the patina was a natural rust inhibitor:D


buzz
 
The best patina is the result of sweat, dirt, oil and honest use. My grandpa would have had no idea why anyone would do more than sharpen, brush the dirt off and wipe it down with used motor oil once in a while. I am inclined to agree but if you need to use mustard or wipe potato juice over it.....but for sure use it and don't be afraid to get it dirty.
 
mustard and potatoes, huh? now im getting hungry....how about vinegar? I want a uniform color in the whole head, just a bit darker. Would vinegar or mustard or tomatoes actually stop the rust? If not, i guess theres no point. I just don't care for paint on my blades, and I don't want to strip it and have a nice hickory handle on a piece of metal that is 2 lbs of rust..... thanks
 
How about fried potatoes and malt vinegar? Sorry, it is close to supper time. To keep rust off just use a stiff bristle brush after you use it and wipe it down with some kind of non drying oil like mineral oil, used motor oil, 3 in 1...you don't have to use anything expensive. If you have good steel just go use it and have fun then when you are done clean it and oil lightly just like you would a shotgun, pocket knife or a shovel. If it makes you feel good or satisfies an obsessive need to keep it mirror like go ahead and use fine steel wool with mineral spirits after you use it then wipe it with a light coat of petroleum jelly. Just don't baby a nice axe by not using it, they are meant to be used and to get your heart, lungs and muscles going while you do something useful.
 
Maybe try some cold gun blue? It may be darker than you want, but I think it makes it look very nice especially after you put the edge back on.
 
I would agree with the post that stated you can't make patina - patina makes itself. Take this for what you will, I have a ton of axes that I have cleaned, scrubbed, etc, but the ones I cherish are old school with age, grime, nicks, and natural patina. These are the
best, and will always be. I appreciate the fact that you want to keep your axe clean and spic and span, but ask yourself - when the loggers of yesteryear had these tools - were they concerned about patina or getting the job done?? Was the axe worried about patina?

Don't force the issue, it will come. Concern yourself with proper use and safety first.
 
What ever patina you choose,one thing is for certain it will rust over time unless you keep a contant vigil over it.Sand blast it and dip it in water a couple of time's a day for a few day's to accelerate the rust process then give it a coat of linseed oil.Instant OLD with a nice even age patina ;)
 
COAL CREEK FORGE said:
Maybe I oughta do a WIP on the process
Click to expand...

jump.gif
 
Make sure the steel is very clean. Hot water and soap will do, just rinse it well. Immerse in vinegar for an hour or two. Wash off the black stuff. You'll get something like this.

2012-07-30_10-39-28_900.jpg


I'm not sure what the soak would do to the haft.
 
never too sharp said:
Make sure the steel is very clean. Hot water and soap will do, just rinse it well.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Even the oils from your skin/hands will make for "unevenness" in your patina. Good tip.

never too sharp said:
I'm not sure what the soak would do to the haft.
Click to expand...

If you're going to soak the whole head to do the patina, you're going to have to remove the haft.

Be sure to post up your results!

Take care,

Matt
 
M3mphis
hey man thanks for posting the link to the blue & bleach thread.
i think the bleach wash will work the same as an acid dip.
all good

buzz
 
I used a mixture of vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and salt. I let the head sit in it for about an hour and a half and it turned out pretty good. No pictures yet, but will post on the big trail hawk thread soon!
 
I like that bleach technique kentucky uses. Lots of options when it comes to personalizing equipment.

M3mphis, that axe looked great. I would have had a hard time giving it away as well.
 
Why would i need to remove the haft? Can't i just put on the blue while the handle is on her?
thanks for the link too!
 
d.weglarz13 said:
Why would i need to remove the haft? Can't i just put on the blue while the handle is on her?
thanks for the link too!
Click to expand...

Sure, but I wouldn't dunk it in bleach for an hour with the haft on. By the way, the bleach does create pitting, in case you won't like that.
 
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