Military Axe Update - Pics

[nickzdon]

Here are just a couple of the military heads I'm working on. The plan is to remove the hafts and vinegar soak them, and let the workshop attendees decide if they want to spiff 'em up any more than that. I should mention that they're all 4# daytons, and I don't believe them to be terribly old.

Council, OD Green, pre-vinegar

Woodings-Verona, Coyote(?) I think these are the newest of the lot. Plastic wedges, and the least wear and tear.

True-Temper, creosote soaked. These were a bitch to remove. The creosote would seep out of as I was trying to pry out the aluminum wedges. The stamps on these are all but impossible to see. Once they become visible I'll share them, and will be able to get a better idea on dating these.

Here's what they look like after a vinegar bath and dose of WD-40. Still pretty gnarly looking.

 

[Double Ott]

Nick, Those look like a good candidates for course twisted wire cup on an angle grinder to clean them up. I've tackled some really ruff looking heads with one and I've been amazed at how nice they came out. The wire cup leaves what looks like a natural patina on the head when your done. Just thought I'd share my 2 cents.

Tom [URL=http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz21/doubleott/?action=view&current=axe_to_grind.gif][/URL]

EDIT: here's what I'm talking about:

 

[coreboy]

looks pretty sweet. i'd be down to purchase one of the Councils from you, if you're interested. i live "close"