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Wood stains on new axe

S

SFW

Joined
Aug 15, 2014
Messages
395
I processed some oak with my new GB SFA and noticed that the edge now has a redish stain on the bevel. I have tried to rub it off with some gun oil, but not much of the stain has come off. What's the best way to remove wood stains from an axe?
 
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Was the oak green? I ran into the same issue when taking down a bunch of green oaks. I think it's light rust from all the tannins in the wood. Some light sanding or wire brushing was required to remove it.
 
No. This wood has been sitting in my backyard for over a year. I'll see if some 400 grit will take it off. Just found it interesting.
 
400 grit is fairly harsh on hardened steel. it will cause a lot of scratching. you might want to start with 400 and move up to 600 and 1500 if you like a smooth bit.

i personally would leave it. i like my axes to look like they work...
 
Twoinch said:
400 grit is fairly harsh on hardened steel. it will cause a lot of scratching. you might want to start with 400 and move up to 600 and 1500 if you like a smooth bit.

i personally would leave it. i like my axes to look like they work...
Click to expand...

Gotcha. I just found it interesting, as my old Plumb hatchet has never stained like this.
 
Twoinch said:
i personally would leave it. i like my axes to look like they work...
Click to expand...
Gotta agree here!
Find yourself a 'lively' pine tree full of branches and then after 'dropping and chopping' all day come back and expound on what happened. Betcha even the handle will be black with dirt and grime from being smeared with ever-present oozing resin that doesn't want to come off.
 
i will say though, that dry or not, the oak was the culprit. the tannins DO react with iron based metals, which include your carbon steel ax.

before jumping to the sandpaper or other abrasive methods, try a short soak in vinegar.. or even just a paper towel soaked in vinegar and wiping it for a few minutes. bet it comes off.
 
Thanks guys. This is my first "nice" axe. And I am really just getting back into wood craft since I was a Boy Scout over 20 years ago. lol. So I'm learning things all over again. :)
 
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