patina on tomakawk heads and handles

[MrSpudboy]

I have used various methods to patina steel. I really like the color of Birchwood Casey Plum Brown. Only problem is that you have to heat the metal up to 200 degrees or more, so the solution will flash off when applied. I usually use an oven set to 200 degrees, and leave the piece in there a while. I believe that this is not enough heat to alter temper, but I would like to hear some opinions on that.

And with the handles...I have tired a number of stains, but never tried fuming with ammonia. Anyone tried that?

and while on the handle issue..
how do those folks get a handle to have that very dirty look up around the head, and in other areas where the handle hasn't been worn from handling?

thanks for any info!

 

[A Visitor]

200 degrees will not affect the temper. Have never seen the results of ammonia fuming, have to research that .
I think some of the people who know the most about the subject of antiquing a tomahawk would not want to admit they are doing it lol.

 

[MrSpudboy]

yeah, or they have proprietary methods they don't want to share.
Seems like the reproduction stuff I like the best costs way too much for me. DIY would be good.

I am not going to foist anything off as an antique. A friend of mine bought what was supposed to be an antique chinese chalkline, and it was plastic LOL.