Axe project...
Apr 13, 2009 19:34:57 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 13, 2009 19:34:57 GMT
Hey all. I thought it was about time I shared my refinished Cold Steel pole axe. It was an early xmas gift from my girlfriend this past year (I love you baby!). So anyway, first I cut down the 72" haft to about 36" to make it smaller and handier while still having reach and power. Then I stained it very dark (I can't remember what kind stain I used) then wiped it with a rag to lighten it a little and bring out the grain. Next I sandblasted off all the black paint and cut off the 4" socket that was just just some welded on tubing. Then I took a ball peen hammer to it to give it some snazzy hammer marks. I antiqued the head with a salt and vinegar solution. Then I buffed and repeated until I got a rugged, campaign-worn finish. I mounted it with a 1/4" steel pin, and then flanked that with two small brass pins to keep the head for extra security. I finished it off with a quick suede cord wrap (which was kind of an afterthought) at the end of the haft. You may have noticed the hammer prongs are missing. I wanted to test how securely the head was mounted to the shaft, so i had the oh so brilliant idea of taking the hammer end to a large block of steel. After about 3 low power blows (just letting the weight of the axe carry it through) one of the prongs snapped off in a hail of sparks. After beating myself up over it for a while I decided to just use the same process and snap the rest of the prongs off. Don't ask me why. The result is what you see in the photos. It's kind of ugly, but for some reason, I decided to leave it as is instead of screwing with it more. To me, it looks more menacing; like it's seen it's share of battles. Besides... it still hasn't lost any of it's combat effectiveness AND the pins securing it to the shaft held up great and are still as tight as ever! ;D
I may yet do more to it if I get bored; studs, carvings, fur, etc. I'd love to hear your comments and feedback. Cheers.
-JM
I may yet do more to it if I get bored; studs, carvings, fur, etc. I'd love to hear your comments and feedback. Cheers.
-JM