Random Refinishing Questions:

[steve-in-kville]

I want to reassemble my Norse Hawk that I stripped about a month ago. Is there a general all-around coating that can be rubbed onto both the head and handle? I did not coat my steel with anything and you can guess what happened....

And the handle is really blonde, what could I use on it to darken it up a bit? I've heard of using various oils, but its all very confusing.

 

[BenjaminRush]

I just did a Frontier Hawk yesterday...

There are a number of YouTube videos and threads regarding Cold Steel tomahawk mods. The easiest answers to your questions (what I've seen the most at least) is to patina the head to help protect from corrosion. It seems that bluing the head will develop a nice dark patina that protects the head reasonably well from corrosion. I have had good luck with soaking the head in vinegar (white or apple cider), which seems to develop a more mild patina than what I've seen with bluing. Be sure to follow the bluing directions of the product you use, but if using vinegar, make sure to rinse with water afterward, dry the head completely, then apply a thin coat of mineral oil (or other protective oil).

As for the handles-- I've found that the light coating comes off quickly with a light sanding, after which you can stain the handles and then refinish the wood. Poly or penetrating oils should work fine to protect the wood. You should come up with a nice hawk in the end!