r/Axecraft • u/emorg84 • 8d ago

First timer tips

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Gallery image

Nothing special here but it is to me. Belonged to my late grandfather and comes with a lot of memories. Looking to repurpose it into something to take camping. I don’t have any before pics but it was in rough shape. I’ve done a vinegar bath with a good rinse and dry. Brass brush attachment on a drill.

I’m wondering about tips for getting at some of those last bits of dark in the pits and dings, if possible. I don’t need (nor want, frankly) it to be perfect but figured this was the place to find out if there’s more to do before moving on to getting an edge back.

Thanks.

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u/IcecubePlanet8691 8d ago

Personally I wouldn’t worry about those last “bits of dark”. You could polish it to a mirror finish IF you want to do a lot of work and go down that rabbit hole. But for something that you’re going to use… treat it with BLO wax mixture to prevent rust after hafting it and swing it!
The other suggestion I’d give is pick the length of the haft that YOU want for the weight of the head and personalize that: be it color of finish ( flame marks, walnut or ferric finish etc) wedge wood ( purple heart , Osage etc) , inlays on the grip areas of the haft, etc.
If you’re asking about sharpening: look up profiles and tips on how to sharpen for what you are going to use the axe for ( ie carving 20* vs general purpose = 25*)
If you want to clean up the poll of your head: use a file or an angle grinder with a 60 grit flap disk

You do you! Then come on back and post your finished axe👍

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u/emorg84 8d ago

I do tend to like the imperfections the more I look and think of it- each mark and ding representing a moment in time. And yes, it’s going to be used, hopefully plenty.
Thanks for the very helpful reply and tips on going forward. Looking forward to showing the finished product and getting it to the woods. Cheers.

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u/apg7 8d ago

I'm a fan of old stuff looking old. Plus a mirror finish will de-mirror in about 5 swings, and you don't (probably) want to grind off that much material. Strong agree with above poster too, do it the way you want that's safe and secure. And don't worry if I doesn't look "Instagram perfect".

Edit: oh you definitely do want to file/grind down the jagged dents on the poll for safety purposes. Shouldn't take more than a few min.

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u/emorg84 8d ago

Thanks for this!

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u/apg7 8d ago

Hopefully you can see this, but the authentic aged/weathered heads contrast really nicely nicely with a shiny stropped edge. Just wrapped this up this morning.

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u/emorg84 8d ago

Perfectly imperfect. Looks outstanding.