Going to try my hand at an axe restoration

DadWearsGlasses

DadWearsGlasses

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Dec 1, 2014
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Found an old axe I inherited from the previous owner of my house. This axe is a product of the Mann Edge Tool Company of Lewiston, PA.

I'm going to try to restore it. My plan is to start by soaking the head in linseed oil for a week. I'll start that process tomorrow morning.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. I'll try to include lots of pictures and step by step comments as I proceed. Thanks.
 

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Your Mann Edge Tool Company axe is a Connecticut pattern. Mann made quality axes. The Connecticut is one of my favorite single bit patterns. I think lots of the guys here like that pattern also.

It would be nice if you could save and re-hang that handle. It sure looks like an older one with a nice thin or slender curves.

If you have any questions as you go along, just ask them here. There are always guys here who would be willing to offer sound advise. Wishing you the best of luck with your restoration.

Tom
 
Thanks Tom. I live in CT, so it seems somewhat fitting that this is the Connecticut pattern. Thanks for that identification.

My plan was to follow the steps for restoration I read in an Art of Manliness article. It was the first result from the Google search "how to restore an axe".

The article recommends starting with a weeklong linseed bath. I've seen a few people on here mention vinegar. Not sure where I should start.

Are there any guides that you would recommend other than the Art of Manliness article?

Thanks.
 
Don't do the vinegar. It is useful in removing excessive layers of rust, but it looks like your head is pretty clean. The vinegar can change the color of the outer layer of metal somewhat, and sometimes dissolve the paint. I only use it with excessive amounts of rust. One like yours I would simply try cleaning with a brush and some spray cleaner, or lightly steel wool if there are minor blemishes. The linseed oil wont really do anything unless the handle is good and you are trying to swell the wood in the eye. If the handle is good and tight just coat the handle and the eye with the oil. If the handle is loose but otherwise good we can talk about ways to tighten it up. I love a good restore, and some start from worse off that others. It looks like you might be starting from a pretty good place.

How long is that handle? It looks like a nice one, shorter that full sized. I'm in MA btw, howdy neighbor.
 
Great looking axe. A Mann Connecticut is a fine axe.

I agree with the suggestion to save that handle. It has a much finer shape than anything you can buy today and it looks in OK shape. There are tricks to help you remove it for re-hanging. We're happy to help.
 
The handle feels rock solid. I will take some more pictures and measurements today. Thanks for all of the helpful feedback.
 
Did some cleanup today. Sanded and hand sharpened the head. Sanded the handle.

Question 1: when filing the edge, how important is it to get all nicks out? I got the axe nice and sharp but I still have one small nick.

Question 2: I sanded the entire handle. It is rock solid in the head. Now that I sanded it should I rub it down with the linseed oil?
 
BTW: I split for about two hours with it after cleaning it up. Like a hot knife through butter. My modern axe will probably end up out by the road with a "free" sign on it.
 
I wasn't sure if I should file down the damage on the back side of the head. I didn't want to file over the maker's stamp. Any suggestions?

 
I like what you've done. Filing off the mushrooming, to me, is blasphemy and reminds you forever not to use the head as a hammer. How did you fare with cleaning up the grab bag of wedges in the eye?
 
Thanks! Not too well on the wedges. I basically just sanded them flat. They don't look to good but the head is rock solid so I don't really want to mess with it. Any suggestions? I'll try to get a picture.
 
You can hammer out some of that damage to the poll. A little heat would help as would an anvil but neither is required.
 
I like it. On the mushrooming, personal preference but I leave it if it isn't major. If it's bad I think that it has to be taken down somewhat. This head looks good, I think that you did as good a job as needed and them some for a good user. If you want to do more and really shine it up, it will look great but is not needed. As for the handle, I would personally sand once more with a finer grit, but that is just me, not needed at all for function. Definitely oil it 2-3 times. When I scrape and sand a dried old handle it is amazing how much it will suck up. It will also make it look wonderful. I agree on the wedges, even if I don't like the way it looks, I leave it as long as it is tight knowing that I can do it right when the time is right.

BTW, around here I have found that linseed oil is usually around $10 a can at ACE and local stores, more like $7 or so at Home Depot if that matters to you. They also carry dirt cheap Bag 'O Rags.
 
Nice axe, and good job on the refurb! I'm on the lookout for a CT pattern myself. If the head is truly solid, I say oil it the handle and head (especially the wedges) a few times and leave it as is, just keep an eye on if for a bit. I take mushrooming on a case-by-case basis, but I usually end up at least taking it down somewhat with a file so it isn't much wider than the head.
 
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