EXTREMELY rusty axe restoration and MAKEOVER to an hatchet - all by hand

This EXTREMELY rusty axe head is a ground find while metal detecting in Norway. I got it from my friend about 2 years ago. I was not sure for a long time what to do until this restoration video. I needed an axe/hatchet to use in the shop and trips into the woods. Carrying around 3.5 lb, was too much, therefore I reduced the weight to 1.65 lb by cutting the axe head by hand.

About The Axe Head

As I mentioned this axe was dug out from the ground in Norway. It looks really old and the shape indicated similarity with the well known Mustad axe. Unfortunately, it is not a Mustad axe. So, it is perfect in a way for this project. Other than that, I really don’t know much about this axe head. I haven’t found any markings.

The Restoration/Modification Process

I started by cutting the axe head by hand after marking the desired shape. The next step was to grind the rust and see what is under. Finding out that the pittings are quite deep was not what I was looking for. I wanted to make this axe head like a mirror finish, now that is impossible. Anyway, I continued grinding on a finer wet stone until I got a nice smooth surface.

To get even sides, I file and sand the axe head, chamfer the edges. And I was ready to start making the handle. For this project I used an accoya wood. I have never worked with it in this manner, so that was really interesting. It is very easy to cut, shape and it seems super rigid and lightweight.

After finishing the handle, I started making the leather sheath for the axe head. I used brown leather and made a very simple sheath. I didn’t want to complicate the design, since I am working with the leather for the first time.

Finally, I applied the Teak oil to the handle after carving the simple shape. I tested the axe outside to see performance. I am very satisfied, it is not too heavy or too light. Cuts the tree perfectly.

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Timestamps:
00:00 Before restoration
00:11 Restoration in progress
16:16 After restoration

Thank you for watching, see you in the next one!
Stay safe and ATB


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