Gränsfors Bruks

Do not soak wood in kerosene. That is insane.

The traditional treatment for wood is linseed oil, whether boiled or raw.
 
I too would prefer linseed oil but I don't know whether I'd go so far as to call kerosene "insane". In the book entitled Pete Culler on Wooden Boats, the noted authority talks about soaking wood in kerosene to aid in certain aspects of boatbuilding. I'm not sure an axe owner needs whatever characteristics kerosene treatment might impart to boat building wood but I think "insane" is a bit harsh.

DancesWithKnives
 
Celt_Ginger said:
To me, marks and stains on an axe handle are all part of the character of the axe. Each little nick has it's own story to tell. When I get a new axe ( I have a few) I can't wait until the handle begins to take on it's own colouration. I really don't worry about breaking the handle every time I swing the axe. if I break it, I'll simply re-handle it. I haven't managed to break one yet though. I maintain the handle with linseed oil (brush on the linseed oil and then wrap the handle in cling film for a couple of days, then remove the film and wipe off the excess oil with a rag) and I maintain the head with fine wet and dry paper and wire wool, and keep it with a coating of gun oil.
I've had 5 or 6 Gransfors axes over the years (I still have a couple knocking about) but more recently, I've developed a liking for Swedish custom maker "Cegga". but Gransfors axes are really good tools.
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I have no qualms about adding character to my axe or other gear; I USE everything I own. Will definitely toss some linseed oil on the handle.
 
redpoint said:
Very interesting! Actually, all Gransfors' splitting axes have that "cuff". Makes sense I think, at least for those of us [like me] who have zero experience with axes.
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I too thought it was part of the splitter series (see Post #13) but I'm told I was wrong and that it's a new concept axe. There's a parallel thread running on it in the Wilderness & Survival Skills forum.

DancesWithKnives
 
This kero-wood treatment keeps cropping up. I think I'll take a sound scrap of old axe handle and soak it in kero, to see what happens. Kero is definately not a "preferred" wood treatment. More like a redneck make-do for when the correct stuff is not readily to hand.

No one puts it on walnut gunstocks, I wonder why?
 
As I noted, I too prefer linseed oil because I've had positive experiences with it. When you test kerosene, remember that Bushman5 advocated a 75/25 blend with tung oil.

Thanks,

DancesWithKnives
 
oh hey, regarding the Kerosene/tung oil (or kero/linseed) oil treatment. The Kerosene THINS the linseed oil so it pentrates better (and faster). Its an old farm tool treatment. Every fall, gramps or Pa would gather all the wood handled gardening tools and sand them, then soak em in Kerosene and linseed oil for a week or so. Then a wipe down, biff with steel wool and hang em up on their hooks on the wall over the winter.

there is a (OLD) school of thought that kerosene penetrates the wood cells and makes them "supple" and not rigid (as in when they dry out).

technically, with modern tung oils, one does not need kero........but some of us enjoy the time spent caring for tools.....

DKW2 emailed me about this, hope this clarifies it a bit.

sand and oil your wooden handled tools yearly, and your great great great grandchildren will enjoy them.
 
Bushman5 said:
oh hey, regarding the Kerosene/tung oil (or kero/linseed) oil treatment. The Kerosene THINS the linseed oil so it pentrates better (and faster). Its an old farm tool treatment. Every fall, gramps or Pa would gather all the wood handled gardening tools and sand them, then soak em in Kerosene and linseed oil for a week or so. Then a wipe down, biff with steel wool and hang em up on their hooks on the wall over the winter.

there is a (OLD) school of thought that kerosene penetrates the wood cells and makes them "supple" and not rigid (as in when they dry out).

technically, with modern tung oils, one does not need kero........but some of us enjoy the time spent caring for tools.....

DKW2 emailed me about this, hope this clarifies it a bit.

sand and oil your wooden handled tools yearly, and your great great great grandchildren will enjoy them.
Click to expand...

Ahh cool - very interesting, thank you. Never heard of that before. I'm all for buying things once and leaving them in my will ... I hope my daughter develops a penchant for axes!:D

Great advice everyone, thank you.
 
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