Modding a Nordland Axe

[etf]

I recently added my first axe to my collection. The handle and head seem to be of good quality for the price, but aesthetically it's a bit boring. It seems like a good first project.

I have an idea for a finished product in mind, but come to you guys for the technical know how.

I want to stain the handle and give it some kind of protective coating that will also give a slight gloss.

I want to get the paint off the head and distress it with some black/gray pitting, then clean it back up for a nice contrast between restored metal and pitting.

Beyond that I have no clue, so any advice about methodology, what and where to buy to do this, etc. I am starting from a blank slate materials-wise.

Thanks guys.

 

[Loosearrow]

There is a wedge in the handle so I don't know how hard it is to remove the head. The paint could be removed with paint stripper, but if the wood handle can't be removed, I would sand the paint off and then use steel wool. Degrease and use gun blue or mustard with different patters to patina the head. After the patina is achieved, I wax the head. If you want "pits" for some reason, maybe wipe bleach on it and let the head weather, keep an eye on it. I scrape off any varnish on the handle to get to the bare wood. Sometimes I scrape the wood with a piece of glass. It pulls nice curls of finish off quickly. I like to flame my handles with a torch. You could use a candle to scorch it. Lightly steel wool the handle to your preference. I then use leather dye as my stain. Oil and buff the handle. Tack, wrap, or leave it plain. Have fun. Look at some of my posts to see if that is something you want to do. It's not for everyone.

 

[Pipeman]

I use fiebings leather dye on my hafts, light over dark stripes if you want a "curly maple" look. I finish it with a few very thin coaks of linseed. You could easily strip the paint off with the haft still on the head. Use a small paint brush to get around the haft then steel wool the paint off..
Nice looking axe.

Best regards

Robin

 

[Loosearrow]

I use fiebings leather dye on my hafts, light over dark stripes if you want a "curly maple" look. I finish it with a few very thin coaks of linseed. You could easily strip the paint off with the haft still on the head. Use a small paint brush to get around the haft then steel wool the paint off..
Nice looking axe.

Best regards

Robin

Robin,
Do you use a feather to do the stripes or a dauber? Thin or thick stripes?

 

[Blue Sky]

Sounds like you have a good plan to start. Some people carve runes or other symbols into the handle before finishing it. That can add a nice period touch if you're interested in that sort of thing.

 

[etf]

Progress:
Took the head off with some hammer taps and hitting the base on cement.
Sanded handle to get it super smooth and remove any treatment.
Stained, dried, wiped off and super fine steel wooled, stained again, currently drying. Will linseed it if I like how the stain comes out this time.
Wet sanded the paint off the axehead and sprayed it with a mix of vinegar/salt/water, currently sitting outside. Didn't quite get all the paint off due to imperfections in the axe cast, hope the rust will deal with that for me. Planning to clean it off with steel wool sometime tomorrow.

I actually like how the dark stain + rust patina look, but I don't want the active corrosion on there when I'm done, and I'm going more for a restored museum piece look, so I think I'm going to wind up cleaning the axehead up.

Edit: Pic of handle with first Linseed added.