Norlund axe refurb

[elvy]

When my grandpa was moving out of his home a few years ago, he said I could take an axe. I didn't know anything about axes, just that I could use one to split some pieces of large firewood for my fireplace at home. I grabbed one and as I was walking out of the shop, he looked at it, said he'd grab me a better one, and handed me the Norlund you see below.

Flash forward to this last weekend, and I notice that the head is about to come off the handle. Its extremely dull as well. I saw the "Genuine Norlund" on the head and looked it up. It just looked like a rusty axe to me, but Norlund was apparently a pretty good brand.

Long story short, I'm going to rehandle it, sharpen it up, and I thought someone might appreciate some before and after photos. Also, if someone knows something about this, maybe they could tell me what model it is. The shape looks a cabin axe to me but I didn't think to weigh it before I put it in some vinegar to soak.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Man, the vinegar was not the way to go but I guess it's too late now.
You'll see for yourself but the head will look pretty ugly with a dull grey color when you take it out of that vinegar soak, and it will be more susceptible to rust with all of the patina gone.

All it needs is a wire wheel to remove the rust and you can sharpen it, and rehang it on its original handle which still looks in good shape.
Just a solid wedging and some boiled linseed oil.
Theres a good half inch or so of shoulder touching could bring the head down onto.
Mann did not make that many patterns under the norland brand ( they're considered a perfectly usable tool, but not actually anything too special ) so it is most likely the cabin axe.

 

[gben]

It does not matter what you do to the axe as long as it ends up usable. It's value is that it is a family heirloom, and it is your turn to take care of it, so as long as you don't destroy it's functionality just make sure the handle is tight and the edge moderately sharp and use it. That is what your grandfather and his father would have done, and they would have never once thought about if it was pretty or what sort of silly, minor collector value it had.