I like the plastic strip idea. Nice!

I have some oldies and most Swiss axes that a file just sings on. Only a stone will hone them, they are so hard.

I’ll probably hang a handle and clean up a head and take some pics along the way.

That’s a western faller pattern.

(Shameless plug) if anyone wants to restore an old axe, I have dozens of decent heads I would sell for pretty cheap if anyone is interested.

I will add that not all axes have stamped logos or markings. There were a lot that only had paper labels.
So if your dad or grandfathers axe has no label don’t think it’s not worth saving. It still could have been made
by one of the better axe manufacturers and still be good steel.

After I’ve hand filed the blade profile. Next I sand. Using a drywall sanding pad. I first use 220 grt paper.
Sanding away file marks. All sanding strokes going the same direction. This took maybe 15 - 20 minutes a side.
Then I’ll switch to 400 grt. And repeat the process. These steps are a sharpining process. I work up a burr on the edge.
Lastly when the head is hung on the handle I’ll buff the edge on a buffing wheel.
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Before sanding with the 220 grt
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After sanding with the 220 grt.

I picked up these heads at yard sales a few years back for about $5 or $10 each. The two but has a mark that says HB made in Sweden on one side and 15 over 3 1/2 on the other. The smaller "boys" axe is made by Plumb.

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You can try soaking them in vinegar or molasses. Both are fairly gentle rust removal methods, but take a while (think in terms of days and weeks, not hours).

The HB is a Hults Bruks. Good stuff. Expensive. They usually favor a stone over a file. The olderones are better then the new ones they sell at places like REI.

A wire wheel is usually sufficient. But if you plan on a painting or a high polish. I’d recommend plain white distilled vinegar.
A two to four day soak with light scrubbing once a day is all that’s needed.
I have heard molasses takes months....

Now that’s what I like !
A guy can’t go wrong with a Plumb. And that old HB is a sweet score

Finished this today. A not so old 4lb Stanley. Marked “M Stanley M”.
Handle came out to 34”. I don’t really care for the bright white of new hickory
So I made a stain for the wood out of vinegar , Coffee grounds and steel wool.
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where do you get the handles from?

I looks everywhere. But mostly I get them from Cutters Supply in Enumclaw.

I’ve heard good things about this place.

https://whiskeyrivertrading.com/collect ... ct-handles