a cool method of putting patina on axe heads

I got told this technique by a man I met while searching for axe heads, that soaking them in tea would put a nice old lookin patina on them

[@TCSwizz2]

The patina comes from a reaction between the iron in the steel and the tannins in the tea. Tannins are used for "tannin" leather and are to blame when your apples turn brown after they're sliced. Same sort of principal applies when dissolving #0000 fine steel wool or rusty nails in vinegar or water and then using the resulting solution as a wood stain. The iron in solution reacts with the tannins in the wood to produce a nice dark stain similar to the patina formed on clean steel by the tannins in the tea.

[@seanthomasdowd]

indeed, boiled up oak bark will do the same

[@namethem00]

@@seanthomasdowd boiled oak bark to patina metal or for making a stain with iron oxide? And acorns could be boiled also, you'd get some food out of it and have the tannin "tea"

[@howardgreen9718]

You better drink that tea, I've seen blokes chased through the bush for knocking over a single mug of hot tea

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

lol hahaaa

[@Crusty_Otter]

So glad I found this vid. I'm restoring an old DB head my F-I-L had tossed in the corner of his garage decades ago - broken haft still in the eye. I soaked it in vinegar off and on for about three days to get through the rust, it worked but, like you said, it's too shiny and it's lost its character. I was thinking about rust bluing it but I like your idea better, it keeps that old, vintage, working man's axe look.

[@OldVermontGuy]

It is a great technique and all the various comments about other forms of tannin are right on. One small enhancement is to add a couple of drops of lemon or orange juice in with the tea. Literally just a couple of drops! You want to give the tea a minuscule level of acidity to help the tannin bind with the steel. Too much acid will etch the steel and it won't look like patina. Also, the water you use is important, if it has chemicals (like municipal treated water) or well water with a lot of minerals it can impact the outcome. If in doubt use distilled water to brew the tea to get the pure effect of the tannin.

[@craftybynature3760]

killinger sent me over..he said I would like your channel. .he was right. .this was awesome, I can't way to try it..so glad I was sent in this direction. .

[@anaya51]

You're such a rad dude!! Constant barrage of Positive vibes!! I love it!!! New sub here!

[@rostfleck79]

If tea works, maybe oak leaves work even better. They are full of tannins and you don't have to waste tea.

[@jasoncagle2434]

Thats a neat trick on the patina might have to use that on some flea market finds this summer thanks buckin

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Jason Cagle MY PLEASURE Big JAY mAN

[@redcanoe14]

That's a new one on me! Certainly looks great. I sometimes let a surface rust build up on shiny axes and hit them with Rust Converter (not Rust Remover), that makes a nice blue-black finish. I imagine chopping into green Oak would lead to some nice patina as it is very acidic...what do you think Billy?

[@vladimirkovacevic1656]

this axe head looks awesome

[@wadewittman8510]

Sure does a great job and brought the name out like a neon sign. Thanks for the tip Billy.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

worked ok

[@medahwowoman]

This is cool. Nice grey, way better than that shine it had. I usually use a steel brush on my axes weekly, over time this creates a really dark, blackish, patina that work as rust protection as well.

[@boogerweld79]

that is an awesome technique. looks amazing Billy

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+boogerweld79 right on ya I'm like aswell . thx Boogieman

[@TXCowboy35]

I like how the Sager name stands out after the tea soak

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Patrick Gage ,, ya pat ever action has a reaction eh pal ,, thx

[@jakewalden771]

Buckin' Billy Ray Smith What's that Sager doing now?

[@chrishoward6318]

That is pretty slick and surprisingly it doesn't just wipe off. I like to blacken the plastics on my saws, which I use Rite clothing dye and slightly boiling water, only takes a few minutes and it doesn't come off or scratch off (like spray paint would). I wonder if it would work as well. Stay sharp and stay safe my friends.

[@Ruger41mag]

Hope she makes the team! Great vid and thanks for sharing. I have an old Trust Worthy western style double bit that I will try it on.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+BangFlop .. ya BANGFLOP , ITS KINDA KOOL, THX FOR YER SUPPORT HERE BUDDY

[@grantruegnitz2878]

Thanks for sharing your chemistry experiment Buckin! Cool idea.

[@legare_15]

Yes, I get sidetracked also whenever I see some pull-cords. Drives me nuts when I can't give them a yank. I swear it's an incurable disease, but I'm proud to have it.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Legare15 me as well ,

[@scottderosier7291]

"Working on several patina programs" that's great.

[@sherylburtch9468]

I just picked up a norland hatchet head, are they any good?

[@Mindokwin]

I don't like shiny axe heads either. That came out great. Good tip there about the tea.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Mindokwin .. YA pretty groovy eh,, thx, stay healthy

[@rifleman7313]

I wonder if the same thing could be done with coffee? Just a thought

[@swanie1744]

Also you can put used coffee grounds all on it (bury it).

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Swanie1 I bety ya could, cheers

[@paulnordaker6995]

Also i used white venigar boiling for my hatchet but u can also do apple cider venigar and if u want stone wash put it in a tumbler. Makes pretty neet effects. Love craftmasship Great looking axe head . Billy

[@christiannorris7673]

Would this method be ok to use with the handle on?

[@herbertsmith6416]

You ain't weird your fun.

[@TXCowboy35]

did you use the Vinegar and water solution? If so you might try not leaving it in as long and that may help it to not get so shinny also use more water and less vinegar might work. That is if you decide to try it again

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Patrick Gage YA OBSOLUTELT I THOUGHT THAT AS SOON AS I PULLED ER OUT THX BUDDY

[@Thetreefella]

How did I miss this?? Good stuff👍👊💚🌳💚🌳

[@Mike-ix4fs]

I always use the vinegar soak to get the rust off. To get the colour back to original I use Birchwood Casey's Super Blue. It's an easy wipe on application made for rebuking firearms.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Mike Dice , ya I have heard of it as well and do want to try ,, thx

[@ryans9029]

Scratches off easily tho. Cold bluing Isn't very durable

[@n3qdz]

DANG!!!!!! I love that!!!! Now the question, Black tea, Green tea, Earl Grey tea or Chinese tea....I sure hope you made iced tea with the brew when you were done......Have a great day!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+n3qdz ha ha ha I new that was commin

[@nidannow]

Turned out really nice I used Mustard on my Bushcraft knife same result I wiped it down in alcohol air dry to remove oils then used 3 treatments an hour at a time with the Mustard / could also use potatoes they work good no need to boil anything and doesn’t take days

[@chrishoward9754]

I've been watching some of the older videos this one about using tea for a pateana. I learned from my grandpap, boil some black walnuts in a wash tub with our traps it would blackin them and slow down the rust. Try it out on a piece of scrap see what you think .

[@tomlund7705]

Hey Buckin! I wonder if Tea will work on darkening handles as well??

[@derekbliss5250]

I think that is so cool! I enjoy your old videos just as much is your new ones! Do you still use this method today?

[@danielpaulson786]

Find a nice spot in your yard that has some really nice black topsoil,dig a hole about 2-21/2" deep and take your axe head and bury it with a couple of pieces of nice cleaned copper,silver is better but copper works too but make sure they are touching(the axe head and the copper/silver.leave em in there for a month or more,but not more than 2 months.afterwards dig it up and it should have a nice patina on it.

[@paidda]

what’s the deal if you go over two months without checking the dig?

[@theklamps9305]

Can I do this with the handle still attached? I'm wondering if I can tape up the handle where it'd get wet, I don't think I'd be able to remove the handle and put it back on

[@danhargrave1811]

Mrs. H would kill me if I used her tea bags and kettle haha! I'll show her this video when she gets in from work!!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Dan Hargrave H Ha ya it might work ha ha thx pal love ya guys

[@danygodbout979]

hi billy , how long is this head ? i have one like this and its right on 12 inch ... juste wondering the original lenght

[@joshmullinnex5113]

looks pretty cool

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Josh Mullinnex ,, not bad eh Joshoo

[@usmc5833]

Very neat trick ! Say hi to the Family ! The Gunner.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Gunner Tierney you bet Big G

[@richardvolek2767]

Hi Billy, what do you think, will it work on a cast iron as well?

[@AuctionIndiana]

Great tip McClain! Patina Programs Remember "Pat your Axes!" lol Another Great Movie Buckin! thank you!

[@mvblitzyo]

pretty cool tip

[@4StringSling]

Hey Buckin did the patina last after use do you know? I was wondering if it would rub off. Perhaps this works best for wall hangers? Thanks.

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

I TRIED IT AND IT WORKED , PRETY KOOL BUT WOOD PROBABLY WEAR OFF

[@coltjansen]

That is very cool i am going to do that with few hammer heads then maybe stain the handles with that same tea after soak the head

[@krustysurfer]

Really outstanding Billy Great video once again! Aloha #LoveWins

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

#LOVEWINS

[@krustysurfer]

Outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @@BuckinBillyRaySmith Much Love to You and Yours and the whole Buckin family! Aloha

[@krustysurfer]

Absolutely! @@BuckinBillyRaySmith

[@roofintony6337]

tea has quite a few uses besides for drinkin, its a preservative n has cleansing properties n axe colourininin..........WOW THAT AXE

[@chriscummins4282]

Interesting experiment. Cool.

[@artmonk5907]

Axe tea! Brew yourself some today!

[@conquin0307]

Lemon in the tea speeds up the process.

[@johnmutton799]

I purchased a rust remover that turns the steel a really dark grey, permanently!

[@kylelawrence5062]

Walnut hulls will give a darker patina !

[@scottlandmcc]

Pretty cool idea

[@Mike-ix4fs]

Sorry, rebluing, spell check keeps changing it,

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Mike Dice ha

[@famasmaster2000]

Pa "tea" na.....love ya brother !

[@DanielStewartWoodturning]

you probably wont see this but you should cover the head with mustard and then leave it for a day and it will leave a really nice patina

[@oxusriver]

I wanna see that truck pulled apart... and yea, the axe head looks good...

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Vespasian ,, I'm dieing to get at that buddy I no, stay well buddy

[@dpete8995]

Cool!... I’ll try that out tomorrow!...

[@drewharlvorsen9322]

Try the outer covering of hickoriy boiled let it sit and check until it has the right patina.

[@gmanlipripper]

pretty cool bro looks good. be safe

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+gmanlipripper thx lip rip

[@almightykaroshi]

thats a beuty, to bad double bit never made it to scandinavia

[@darrinjackman804]

I Love that sager , wicked

[@Lance_Borislov]

What is this guy on

[@garlandthomson]

i gotta find a sager!!!!cool show love it

[@RockyMountainBear]

That's purdy. I'm gonna try it. Maybe add some coffee to it. Thank you kind sir.

[@mikeduffy8229]

Very very nice

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+Mike Duffy ,, thx M

[@elcavi44]

checking in brother hope all is well!

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

HEY RY... AL GOOD THX PAL

[@GaMeRfReAkLIVE]

Id bet that giving the piece a sanding or even hitting it hard with some emery clothe and then degreasing it before dunking it in your tea would give a bit if a better finish if anyone tries this

[@saramysko1022]

11:08 🎉

[@nicklasbrundin]

Love your videos, going to do this to my hjärtum axe

[@thomashart1560]

I collect Hart tools. Maybe a new lead! I will look them up.

[@richkeagy8907]

Why not coffee???

[@gnslogging3635]

hope ur girl makes the team :)

[@BuckinBillyRaySmith]

+gns logging thx logger its touch "n" go but fingers crossed

[@herbertsmith6416]

I like that a bunch.

[@TrevorMcGrathPhotography]

Deadly!

[@HHTOutdoors]

How do i keep the wife from being pissed after i steel her tea?

[@terryhatton3622]

Love it❤

[@Bigmike3406E]

Yeah buddy I know why ! And don’t drag your transmission into the house and rebuild it in the bathtub neither. Lol

[@ronsilva516]

Interesting

[@mathsturg9349]

good one! hehe!! ;)

[@ralphblack7125]

!

[@oldeays5085]

Coffee does the same thing. If you rub oil on it now. It will set it in better