When restoring old axes?

[warman]

When restoring old axes what would be the most desireable finish to put on the head? Thanks RG

 

[rg598]

"Most desirable" depends on the person and what you mean by "restoring". What a collector looks for is very different from what someone who wants to take out the axe and use will find important. I like an acid patina to slow down rusting.

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/

 

[cckw]

I put oil on my restored heads. let it sit wet with oil letting it get into the pores. then wipe off later. gun oil, slick 50, synthetic motor oil etc. handles sanded bare wood with linseed oil. Stored inside so this is plenty of protection. If a working ax reapply the finishes a couple times a year.

 

[Operator1975]

I myself like WD40, reapplied monthly.

 

[Mossyhorn]

Cleanzoil on the head and Birchwood Casey Tru oil on a new handle.

 

[cbrown67]

Does any one paint them? Or do you guys perfer the polished look?

 

[Steve Tall]

Umm, we probably spend too much time trying to remove paint.

 

[cbrown67]

What do you guys typically use to remove paint?

 

[Operator1975]

What do you guys typically use to remove paint?

This.

 

[cbrown67]

That's what I figured!
Thanks guys!

 

[bearhunter]

to remove paint i just use the 'klean strip premium stripper', works great IMO..
for finish, i prefer the natural metal polish look. i did however, strip the paint on my cold steel TH and rust blue it. i have to say that i really did like the results and look of that, but i would never do it to a vintage tool.

 

[Sword and Shield]

Citristrip is cheap and will pull even a powdercoat off quite quickly- stripping my Ka-Bar down took about a half hour.