Restoring axe head. Suggestions?

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Hello all.

I found an old axe head in my Dad’s shed and decided to clean it up. It had a deep layer of rust which I was able to remove with a vinegar bath. However, I’m curious if anyone has suggestions for removing the residual rust damage and restoring a nice shine. Photos are after vinegar bath.

I look forward to hearing from you.

john

Featured Answer

jemdandy

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

It is a combination adze / axe. Most adzes were made as a single tool and not in combination with another blade. An adze is easier to use without other blades attached. A common adze blade is flat, but there are other curved shapes for hollowing out round shaped depressions. An adze was a common tool for early log cabin constructors. One use would have been to flatten the top surface of log joists in preparation for rough flooring. Also, the addition of the adze blade to the axe makes the axe more awkward for splitting fire wood. Incorporating the two blades provides 2 tools in one and is a space and weight saving.

the link below shows a modern hatchet/adze combination that, among other things, could be a camp tool.

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Elegant-Bearded-Hatchet-Combined/dp/B01538ASOG/ref=sr_1_34?dchild=1&hvadid=77996658832863&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&keywords=adze+axe&qid=1605572029&sr=8-34&tag=mh0b-20

As for restoring your piece, I'd leave the pits alone. These were caused by corrosion and may indicate a long period use and existence. That tool head likely laid in the dirt for many years. Clean the head the best you can and remove any loose debris in the pits. The black oxide of iron can be left in place, if it is tightly adhered, as it is fairly tough and will not promote further 'rusting' underneath it. Once the head is cleaned, a coating of lacquer will keep it 'shiny' appearing. If you think that a coating would not be appropriate, then rub in oil as you would a gun barrel. Oil is not permanent and will need to be reapplied on a regular basis. Whatever the case, that iron based alloy will need protection from the atmosphere to keep it from rusting.

If you want to add a handle, you might be temped to use a standard axe handle. However, an axe handle is curved at its grip end and curved in the wrong direction for the adze blade, thus an appropriate handle might be a straight one. If the adze blade would be rarely used, then an axe handle is the best choice.

On second thought, if the color of your posted photo is accurate, that does not look like a steel, but may be bronze (or did your scrubber rub off to color the piece).

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

krnuttle
5 years ago
I am looking forward to the comments on this thread, I have an old axe head. I found it about 60 years ago in the field between our house and a neighbor.

It was probably in the ground for at least 50 years when, I found it and have never tried to clean it as I did not want to do any further damage.

The neighbor's house was probably built on a recently cleared lot some time between 1870 and 1890, so the axe is well over 100 years old. It is a squaring axe, the type that you would use to square up a beam from a tree trunk.
mcbmd3
5 years ago
I personally like it with the signs of wear. It gives it authenticity.
Related Professionals
Flagstaff Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Chicago Landscape Contractors · Providence Landscape Contractors · Sanford Landscape Contractors · Vidalia Architects & Building Designers · Wichita Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Spring Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · South Bend Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Portland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Bangor Landscape Contractors · San Bernardino Landscape Contractors · Miami Furniture & Accessories · York Furniture & Accessories · Fort Dodge Interior Designers & Decorators · Redding Carpenters
John (Sacramento Valley, CA 9B)
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Thanks for the comments! I agree with the signs of wear, mcbmd3, I just want to get it a little cleaner. But certainly don’t want it to look brand new.

This particular axe head was used by US Forest Service ground crews in the Pacific Northwest, circa 1940s-1960s.
lindac92
5 years ago
It appears pitted.....which you will never remove. I would use an SOS pad.....and a gentle hand....perhaps maybe try Barkeepers friend on a sponge first. it removes rust.
John (Sacramento Valley, CA 9B) thanked lindac92
upup_and_away
5 years ago
John, have you tried Evapo-rust? I soak the part in it and the rust comes off. it won't hurt the chrome plating. I used this on some rusted Craftsman sockets with good results.
John (Sacramento Valley, CA 9B) thanked upup_and_away
John (Sacramento Valley, CA 9B)
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi @jemdandy, thanks for the wonderful feedback. I opted for a straight hickory handle. I gave the blade a basic sharpen and also applied a couple layers of light sandpaper to clean the surface of the blade. I’ve left the pits alone, as I’ve learned, they aren’t going anywhere. I’ll post some updated photos.

As for the type of metal, the vinegar bath and scrub didn’t remove any color except for the thick layer of rust. The color of the photos does indicate bronze, but perhaps better photos will help. Given the stamp of “FS” on the blade (“US Forest Service”), I assumed it was steel. Either way, a fun find.

Thanks again.
krnuttle
5 years ago
It may be bronze coated but for a tool that is to be used for productive work it would not be bronze, Bronze is softer than iron, and does not hold up as well. Working tools have not been made out of pure bronze for a couple of thousand years. . The tool is probably made our of steel, especially if it is less than 100 years old.
John (Sacramento Valley, CA 9B) thanked krnuttle
Michael Hilber
4 years ago
If you search for "Forrest Service Axe" you find new versions of this.

It uses the same type of handle as a double bit axe.

I'd like to buy one. They are $65.
wprice23
4 years ago
An old joke: I owned Abraham Lincoln's axe, though the head had been replaced once and the handle twice.