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refinishing axe handle

M

master_blaster

Joined
Nov 25, 2009
Messages
57
i just bought a new Wetterlings LHA, but the handle is a bit lighter than i like...Do i sand the handle first, stain it (multiple layers for a darker color,) and then finish with a boiled linseed oil bath? Any advice would be appreciated.
 
I'd sand it down to about 150-200ish and then hit it with the stain. Once you achieve the color you want, let it dry for a couple of days and then rub some boiled linseed oil on that sucker. You don't need to drench it, just a light coat will do. If you put too much, the handle with start to get sticky.
 
When I got my axes new, I immediately started to apply linseed oil to the point where it wouldn't soak in anymore. Once you reach that point you know the wood has soaked up enough. Now, I just reapply a thin film every time I get back from using them. The linseed oil is just to keep the wood from drying out, so not a whole lot is needed once you've made the initial application.
 
Well, I have done a few to my liking. I sand the old or new finish off, smooth it down using finer paper. You may even want to lightly dampen the wood to raise the grain and dewisker it like redoing a gunstock. The raw wood allows the new stain and finish to penetrate deeper into the wood. You may not want to do this but I will take a small butane pencil torch and begin to burn an interesting pattern into the wood, not too deep of course, just flame back and forth gently. You can also use a larger torch with those small disposable tanks used for soldering pipes together. Gently sand after the burning to smooth the wood. If you don't want to put the torch heat to your wood, you can take a feather and paint in some marks to your liking with leather dye. By using darker and lighter leather stains you can made a simple axe look great. After the dye staining to my liking, I use the linseed oil and kerosene, sometimes use that Kramers antique wood finishing, it has bees wax it it. Warm the wood and put it on heavy on the first coat to really soak in. It won't soak in as well after repeated coats. When done, I will sometimes put in some brass tacks or brass brads into the handle to decorate it up for a nice contrast. I just nip the shanks short and drill a pilot hole and tap in, don't want to split the wood or weaken it. Then the axe head gets worked on with different gun blues, mustard etc for more interesting patterns and to keep the rust down. A poor man damascus so to speak. Then comes the sheath for the blade. They sure are fun to do. Everyone wants to grab your axe and chop some wood, or their foot, or some rocks in the dirt. I keep my eye on it and say NO. It's my personal gear. Have fun. Make an heirloom. Come up with a mark and burn it into the handle to identify it. Good memories for a friend or your children down the road. Nice gift for a friend that means something. Didn't mean to ramble, but it is an interesting path. Regards, Loosearrow
 
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