restoring old hatchet

[kokoek9]

Hi I have an old leather handled hatchet. The handle has dirt and paint spatters alover it, my question is if I sand it off I will also sand of the shine. Is there a way to reseal the handle. any other suggestions

 

[Mahoney]

A lot of the finish is already gone from the handle, I don't think there's much harm in removing the rest by either sanding or scraping as long as you are careful not to remove leather. You might have better luck getting replies about what to re-seal the handle with in the "Axe, Tomahawk and Hatchet" forum

 

[kokoek9]

ok thanks

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Use a single cut mill bastard file, and file the outer surface off the handle. File around the handle-not lengthwise, and file in one direction only.
You can then wax the handle, and it will look close to new.

 

[kokoek9]

ok thanks that is what I had planed but i was not sure that was right

 

[Bill DeShivs]

You can also sand the leather, but again-go in one direction only.
Finish with neutral paste shoe polish.