Last summer I found a very cool Hudson Bay Axe head in the remains of an burnt out old trappers cabin in northern Ontario. I would like to restore it and use it like a camping axe/hatchet but I'm hoping the fire didn't affect the tempering to much. I have two questions. firstly how would I go about cleaning and reconditioning the burnt head? And does anyone know where I can find a 17-24" long bent grip handle that will fit the 2 1/2" x 3/4" eye?
I personally like the patina of old tools. So I don't do too much - just a soak in WD40, and then a few passes on the wire wheel on my bench grinder. A good source for handle wood might be found in your firewood stacks if your splits are long enough. Split off a piece a bit larger than you will need, clamp it in a vise, and then a sharp draw knife should make quick work of shaping it into a handle. Most home stores carry bare handles as well; you might be able to find one there if you don't want to make one. Cool find!
That is a beauty. It looks like a trade axe. I'm going to page Scotty Overkill on this one as he has a few antique hatchets and he may know a bit about it. Earlier ones had a round eye for the handle. If it was me, I'd research it and admire it from the wall. Enjoy it.
I've got a big collection of old tomahawk and trade axes. That definitely fits the description of a trapper or trade axe. Any touch marks on her? As for cleaning, be VERY careful and don't use anything that will destroy that beautiful patina! Wire wheel, NOT EXCESSIVELY, just lightly. Protect it with wax or a light oil. If you're going to hone the edge, use a file and stone. Dont grind it!! I'll have to dig up some of my pics. Great find, that's an heirloom piece worth of a spot on the mantle or wall, and the occasional adventure into the woods...
Ive trapped since 10 years old and that would be me ! Id hang that by the wood stove and cold winter nite would be spent drifting off to sleep staring at that and dreaming of all the adventure that has seen .
It's more blackened from the fire than what I'd call patina. Would a light scrubbing with fine gauge steel wool be recommended? I had a quick look but I didn't see any markings. Maybe after a cleaning?
That would probably take a lot more elbow grease but it would be gentler than the wire wheel. If you don't find any markings, you could call it the "Phoen-axe". Risen from the ashes.
Cool find, nice to see some history left from a fire that takes everyone else with it. Any ideS on its age?
No idea on the age. It was still an active cabin maybe 10 years ago but I have been back there a few times over the past years and it's been pretty much abandoned. Only burnt in the last year or so.
