Sealing the axe eye

Is anyone willing to share the process they use to combine the beeswax, BLO, and turpentine? Do you warm it all up together?
 
I use the same ratio as Fmont, 1:1:1. Combine over low heat in a pot on the stove. When fully liquid and well-blended I transfer it to a glass jar. I use glass because it's good in the microwave for reheating later. A little last a long time.

I like to apply it to a freshly cleaned axe head. Sometimes there's residual heat in an axe head just from aggressive use of a wire cup brush. But others times I'll warm the head slightly
with a propane torch. I use it on the head and the eye (after hanging) but not on the haft.

Residual wax can be wiped up easily with naptha or charcoal lighter fluid.
 
I prefer beeswax and mineral oil because it is rather food safe, a bit safer to mix and I can use it for many things. I have been buying sacks of several 1oz bars of organic beeswax on that big South American river site and laxative mineral oil from the drug store and mix it in a 1 cup wide mouthed mason jar. Beeswax has a fairly low flashpoint, so I use an electric hotplate with a pan of water. Place the jar in the water and bring it to a simmer. Add 3 bars of beeswax to the jar and melt to a liquid. Slowly add mineral oil until the level is just under the threads of the jar (mix will become cloudy). Use a chopstick to stir the mix until clear again. Remove from heat and let it cool. This makes a paste right in the jar (less mess) that is about the consistency of paste auto wax. No need to reheat (but you could) to apply. Just wipe a finger wrapped in a rag across the surface and apply.
 
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I use a double boiler setup outside to melt the beeswax. I pour it right into a half gallon Mason jar with the blo and turps already in it and stir for a good while.

I use whatever beeswax is on hand or can be had easiest, as long as it's filtered. I'm not usually paying for it with I-don't-even-know how many beekeeper/apiologist friends. My undergrad degree was entomology, so I'm hooked up in that regard. I've used those little balls that candle makers use before and they worked well.
 
I like the idea of beeswax and mineral oil and being food safe. It also means your palms are not absorbing chemicals when using your axe.
 
I don't think you need to worry much about BLO once it is cured. While I wouldn't use it on a butcher block, etc. for food prep (you don't want BLO in your digestive tract), I don't think you'll be absorbing much in the way of nasties through skin contact (again, once it has cured).
 
I tend to render
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and for particular application, bleach
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the difference is apparent
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Maybe the hair is part of the juju imparted to the mix by the camp Shaman. Adds to the charm!
 
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