Old Axes

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ponywells

Joined
Aug 20, 2013
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Is it better to clean up old axe heads for restoring? Or are they more favorable when they had the used and aged look. Thanks
 
I suppose you mean should you shine up an old axe head so it looks brand new, or keep the patina? I think most would agree that's a purely aesthetic thing, and therefore very subjective. Some guys/collectors love the look of the original patina contrasted with the shiny, newly sharpened edge, while others go over the entire piece and take off all tarnish.

If it's a working axe, you do want the cutting bevels and cheeks to be clean to keep friction down, but that doesn't mean you can't keep the patina. Look around the forum at some of the project axes guys have rehung and sharpened, you'll see great variety.

John
 
I know a lot of folks like the vinegar bath to get the majority of the rust off while keeping the patina. Since I'm more in the "tools are made to be used" camp I will take a grinder to a mushroomed poll and polish down the blade until I have a functional axe. If I can still read the makers mark then that's just a bonus. If you're really concerned with removing material from an old blade go get some copper or bronze bristle brushes that won't scratch the steel while you scrape off the rust.
 
Hello Pony...Obviously if you want to use an axe it needs to be shaped correctly. And that may mean removing some steel. If 'doing-up' an old axe there is no reason you can't have a good functioning axe that still looks antique. I never ever put a grinder to an axe, but do remove mushrooming and rust with files, wire brush, steel-wool etc. I also try to leave as much original paint (if any) as I can.

regards...Frank
 
I have just gotten into hanging the handle on old axes and found it to be pretty enjoyable. Thank you all for the advice. I really appreciate it
Take care
Pony
 
I think this would be entirely personal preference whether to thoroughly 'shine up' an old axe or to do the bare minimum in order to render it fully serviceable. As time goes by (I've picked up 4-5 dozen axes over the past 38 years) I more and more find an original condition implement to be more desirable than one that is 'restored'. I routinely wire-wheel rusty heads though in order to expose faint or obscured stamps. A sound head with no markings doesn't get much attention (or purchase funds) from me except to get cleaned up, sharpened and re-hafted before being moved along to an appreciative hunt camp, cottage or novice camper.
There aren't very many folks out there with the patience, tools and skill to re-furbish wooden-handled implements! Long ago I lost count of how many spades, shovels, sledge hammers, mauls, hammers and axes I've re-done for friends/neighbours/customers over the years and I've also experienced just how much poorer the quality of hardwood handles has become over the past 20 years.
 
jpeeler said:
I suppose you mean should you shine up an old axe head so it looks brand new, or keep the patina? I think most would agree that's a purely aesthetic thing, and therefore very subjective. Some guys/collectors love the look of the original patina contrasted with the shiny, newly sharpened edge, while others go over the entire piece and take off all tarnish.

If it's a working axe, you do want the cutting bevels and cheeks to be clean to keep friction down, but that doesn't mean you can't keep the patina. Look around the forum at some of the project axes guys have rehung and sharpened, you'll see great variety.

John
Click to expand...

Good response from John. Get the edge profile right for the work you want to do and get the contact surfaces clean and smooth. The rest is aesthetic.

I like the look that a brass wire cup brush on an angle grinder lends to an old axe. This preserves the patina while removing the rust. A patinaed axe with a polished edge does it for me both functionally and aesthetically.

You'll be happiest with the look that pleases YOU. Search the forums and find that look. Then ask how to get it.
 
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