Okay, is this normal for a GB?.....PICS!!

d.weglarz13 · Jul 21, 2012

Pics of my first use of my new GB AFA. Okay, so i got really busy collecting firewood today, and i will post some pics, but i need to clean her up too.But, I really put her to use today, for the first time EVER! and now she doesnt look at all as pretty as she did this morning....so, any advice on cleaning her up? I know she looks good beat up (no pun intended) but I like to keep my valuable tools in the best shape. There is a lot of whiteish spots all over the used to be beautiful black forged finish. Maybe it's because of the tree residue? Or maybe it's dry and needs oil, as the wax is definitely off now?
It was raining today as I was gathering firewood, and as I was using it, it started to look like a small bit of surface rust was starting. So I dried it off, and stopped chopping.... But, it could very well also be dirt marks and stuff from the wood, but either way, what should I use to clean it up and get that beautiful "out of the forge" finish nice and clean and new again? Thanks, Tell me what you guys think....
It's night here so sorry for the bad pics. Towards the top of the head is the rust looking stuff, and you can see the white speckles everywhere around the middle of the head.

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Thanks guys.

Dave

Storm Crow · Jul 21, 2012

Looks like you just abraded off the forge scale by using it.

You're just seeing the oxidation closer to the actual metal and maybe some of the steel itself peeking through.

catalytic · Jul 21, 2012

It looks great. Wipe the dirt/pitch off and put something to impede rust on it after each use (linseed oil, wax, boeshield T9 are great...just about anything works).

shortwinger · Jul 21, 2012

Looks like the beginning of a great relationship! I WD-40 them while in the woods and then use Mineral Oil when I get home and wait for the next round of use. I used veg oil the other day because it was the closest thing to me.

I'm not one of those "metal guys" so I don't know how/if you can get back that raw look that is there when you get it out of the box?

Square_peg · Jul 21, 2012

Storm Crow said:
Looks like you just abraded off the forge scale by using it.

Exactly.

ljcsov · Jul 21, 2012

:applouse:

Wow! you got that thing quickly!

Looks great to me! They do shown some wear like that, but it is just fine. Like others have said, make sure to oil it prevent rust with linseed oil, WD40, vasoline, etc. Anything that will keep water from affecting the steel works just fine.

d.weglarz13 · Jul 21, 2012

Ok great! Is this normal for the scale to come off? Only really by the edge it seems to have pushed the scale back from the edge a bit....but, I guess it could be my imaginiation and might be fine once I clean her up.... Thanks
I will post a review with pics when I get home!
Should I use a cloth? A scotch rite pad? What do you guys as a cleaner before you oil it?
Dave

ljcsov · Jul 21, 2012

d.weglarz13 said:
Ok great! Is this normal for the scale to come off? Only really by the edge it seems to have pushed the scale back from the edge a bit....but, I guess it could be my imaginiation and might be fine once I clean her up.... Thanks
I will post a review with pics when I get home!
Should I use a cloth? A scotch rite pad? What do you guys as a cleaner before you oil it?
Dave

I wipe mine off with a damp cloth, then make sure it is dry with a dry cloth, and finally I oil it.

jwaj · Jul 21, 2012

Dave, it just looks like you've been using it, which is a beautiful look in my eyes. Keep it sharp, oiled and enjoy it.

d.weglarz13 · Jul 21, 2012

Will do. Thanks!!!! I love this thing!

Storm Crow · Jul 22, 2012

d.weglarz13 said:
Is this normal for the scale to come off?
Dave

It's just a form of oxidation that forms when the steel is heated to forging temperatures. It can be pretty tough stuff, but yes, it is normal for it to wear and flake away. I make forge-finished blades and soak mine in vinegar overnight to eat the scale off, leaving a black sludge that washes off to reveal the forge texture in the steel underneath. But the scale will also abrade away with elbow grease and some sandpaper. No worries with wood knocking a bit off.

Square_peg · Jul 22, 2012

d.weglarz13 said:
Is this normal for the scale to come off?

No, it's not normal. Normally quality axe forgers remove the forge scale before it ever gets to the customer. The best forgers remove the scale while the axe is still red hot from the forge so that the scale isn't hammered into the finish. It's easily brushed off of hot steel. And it's easy to clean off of a finished product with a wire wheel.

But forge scale is in fashion now and sloppy blacksmithing is rewarded with premium prices.

But all that aside, it's normal for your axe. After your camping trip you should wipe it down with some WD-40 or BLO or something to prevent rust.

d.weglarz13 · Jul 22, 2012

Thanks guys. Btw, I got it cleaned up pretty good, and i was able to hike back down the mountain and find a hardware store that sold linseed oil! but there is still some surface rust on the scale part where the steel is peeking thru. Again, I really love it looking like it is used, but only 1 day and surface rust? I never even got a chance to remove the factory wax!, I just really want to get rid of that rust....the rest is beautiful..
What can I use to take off the rust without harming the scale at all? And a plastic brush and the wd40 and oil is not releasing the rust.
Again, thanks for any and all so far

Ravaillac · Jul 22, 2012

d.weglarz13 said:
but only 1 day and surface rust?

Yeah axes can rust pretty fast. I've axes forgotten outside cover in rust overnight. But it is generally not a real problem.

Square_peg · Jul 22, 2012

d.weglarz13 said:
What can I use to take off the rust without harming the scale at all?

Ospho will convert rust to a hard black coating that will match the forged look of your axe.

Blunt Forged Edge · Jul 22, 2012

Square_peg said:
. . .After your camping trip you should wipe it down with some WD-40 or BLO or something to prevent rust.

This.

Storm Crow · Jul 22, 2012

Chop some more wood and the rust will come right off.

coloradowildman · Jul 22, 2012

Square_peg said:
No, it's not normal. Normally quality axe forgers remove the forge scale before it ever gets to the customer. The best forgers remove the scale while the axe is still red hot from the forge so that the scale isn't hammered into the finish. It's easily brushed off of hot steel. And it's easy to clean off of a finished product with a wire wheel.

But forge scale is in fashion now and sloppy blacksmithing is rewarded with premium prices.

But all that aside, it's normal for your axe. After your camping trip you should wipe it down with some WD-40 or BLO or something to prevent rust.

Actually, forge scale resists rust, so I consider it an asset. Leaving the scale on really has nothing to do with the quality of an axe.

d.weglarz13 · Jul 22, 2012

Yes. Again, I LOVE the look of the hammer forge finish. But on a few spots with steel exposed a bit, it has some brown surface rust and it is really bothering me. Would a Brillo pad or brass brush mark it up? I need to get this crap off so it doesn't look old anymore...it's only 2 days old, and I planned on oiling it every time I use her, JUST SO THIS DON'T HAPPEN! I know I am very obsessive, but I like my blades without rust or patina!
Please give me some ideas...
Dave

Square_peg · Jul 23, 2012

coloradowildman said:
Leaving the scale on really has nothing to do with the quality of an axe.

Nope. Just the quality of the smith & the judgment of the buyer. To each they're own. Back in the day forge scale was a sign of sloppy smithing. A skilled smith can create a nearly flawless surface with hammer and anvil - no grinding necessary. I'm not such a smith.