Staining on my puma hatchet

[john dinunno]

I have some staining on the 1960's puma hatchet was wondering if anyone has any ideas on how to get it out? Used flitz didnt even touch it. Thanks

 

[john dinunno]

Any insight would be appreciated

 

[Bill DeShivs]

My suggestion is to leave it alone. I have been repairing/collecting/studying knives for over 50 years, and I have never seen a Puma hatchet.

 

[john dinunno]

Well heres the whole hatchet don't have the sheath for it.

 

[000Robert]

That's a gorgeous hatchet!

 

[scdub]

Next step for me would be to use some “Bar Keepers Friend” and a damp clean sponge. If that’s not enough then buffing lightly with some oily 000 steel wool, however even that might mar the original finish depending upon how polished it is.

Actual refinishing would involve many grits of sand paper and a buffing wheel.

If you plan to use it then I would just keep it clean and not worry about the staining. On the other hand, if you want to preserve the value to sell one day, you should either just leave it alone and keep it oiled, or consider a complete refinish. Just “fixing” this finish will likely devalue the hatchet.

 

[john dinunno]

That's a gorgeous hatchet!

Thanks!! Apparently not common either.

 

[john dinunno]

Next step for me would be to use some “Bar Keepers Friend” and a damp clean sponge. If that’s not enough then buffing lightly with some oily 000 steel wool, however even that might mar the original finish depending upon how polished it is.

Actual refinishing would involve many grits of sand paper and a buffing wheel.

If you plan to use it then I would just keep it clean and not worry about the staining. On the other hand, if you want to preserve the value to sell one day, you should either just leave it alone and keep it oiled, or consider a complete refinish. Just “fixing” this finish will likely devalue the hatchet.

Its highly polished so I don't want to use anything abrasive. Guess I'll leave it be.

 

[000Robert]

Thanks!! Apparently not common either.

I would say so especially since Bill has never seen one.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I'd wondered if the hatchet had been used(?) at some time, and if the staining might be some old remains of pitch/sap embedded in pits in the steel. If it were sap, I know something like Goo Gone, WD-40 or mineral spirits can clean up tree sap without altering the finish. I use Goo Gone, applied and left to soak for maybe ~20 minutes - then wipe off the sap. Or, the 'staining' might just be etched pitting of the steel itself, for which only some abrasive method can remove that.

As others have said though, probably better to leave it be. That looks like a nice find, just as it is.

 

[john dinunno]

I'd wondered if the hatchet had been used(?) at some time, and if the staining might be some old remains of pitch/sap embedded in pits in the steel. If it were sap, I know something like Goo Gone, WD-40 or mineral spirits can clean up tree sap without altering the finish. I use Goo Gone, applied and left to soak for maybe ~20 minutes - then wipe off the sap. Or, the 'staining' might just be etched pitting of the steel itself, for which only some abrasive method can remove that.

As others have said though, probably better to leave it be. That looks like a nice find, just as it is.

Its been used the edge isn't perfect and its either very old staining or someone used something to clean it that stained it not sure but its still holds it mirror finish with no pitting or real scratches.

 

[kwackster]

Pretty rare model, and worth several hundred dollars.
If it were mine i would first try an electrolytic process, and if that didn't work my second option would be fine diamond compounds on thin cardboard.