Re-hardening a Re-profiled double bit axe

[weaponofchoice]

Hi there, extreme novice here so please forgive lack of lingo or knowledge. So basically I’m taking a few old Rusty double bit axes and re-profiling them into more of a bearded style. They are purely for fun for Xmas gifts for friends and family. I’ve already re-profiled them and through the process believe I sucked all the hardness out of the blade portion of the axe. I’m just wondering would an edge quench be appropriate to re-harden the edges if so, is the temp of non magnetic or melting point of salt an appropriate temp? Unsure since it was already an axe and had the original hardness sucked out. Thanks for any advice from knowledgeable smiths. Thanks


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[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Welcome weaponofchhoice. Fill out your profile so we know a bit about you and where you live.

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I reshape hatchets and axes for throwing all the time. You can reharden the edge, but unless it will be for chopping wood, I wouldn't bother. For fun throwing, a quick touch up of the edge before throwing is all that will be needed. The edges of an axe are not as hard as you would think.

If you still want to harden them:
Heat one edge with a torch to a light red and just after a magnet stops sticking to the edge, plunge it in a gallon of canola oil. You could use brine, but there is more chance of an edge crack. Repeat for the other side, trying to keep the heat away from the first hardened edge. Once both edges are hardened, temper in the oven at 450°F for two hours, cool off in water, and give it another two-hour temper.

Here is a video of me throwing a re-profiled double bit: