Aging/Antiqueing Cast Axe

[eli crowe]

I am looking for tips on how to make a Cast Belt Axe look more like a Forged Axe or at least not so obviously a Cast Head. Any of You folks got any tips? I have used Bleach on Knives, will this work on Axes as well? I would like it to have an Aged/Antique look.

 

[tnguy]

what kind of axe is it? if it came from RE Davis check it to see if all the file marks are off, and if not remove them. then cover it with a good coating of cold blue and let it sit on it a while. i havent done any of these, but my friend has made and sold several davis heads and others and this is a method he uses.

 

[buffcreekforge]

To impart some honest looking age on metal items, I boil them in a bath of 50/50 Chlorox bleach and water for 20-30 minutes. It will be covered in red rust. Don't panic! Take the axe head to the wire wheel and using the softest wheel you can find (not brass! - steel wire) gently work off the surface rust to the desired level of age. I can get the lovely gray with minor pitting on gun parts and axe heads. Makes them look old right out of the box! Follow up with a couple of coats of paste wax and you have a wonderful looking axe.

 

[Black Hand]

Give it a coat of cold blue and rub it back with steel wool. Then take it outside and use it!