How to Force Patina on a Wood Slasher Axe, Cold Bluing

This short shows one of many ways to force patina on an axe during a restoration. Once all the grinding and rust removal are done, oftentimes we want to add a little aged look back. This technique uses cold Bluing.

[@TylerSnyder305]

Why not just leave the original natural patina on it ? That's something you can't force or replicate, it takes years to develop naturally so I never remove it. Just a wire wheel to take the rust off, all the years are still left on the steel.

[@Mr1121628]

It barely had any “patina” on it. That’s why he forced it. Because it has pitting but it’s clearly shiny. So he applies a light patina to match the pitting. The reason he forced it, well you answered it in your own question, because it takes years and years to develop that and ain’t nobody got time for that! Besides, it looks great as a finished product.

[@cmpoirot1]

Patina I think is just kinda BS, since I'm not really into the aesthetic stuff, but adding the blueing is actually pretty useful since it will prevent further oxidation

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@cmpoirot1 not as well as a naturally formed patina that has developed over time. Patina is the history of the tool, and a natural rust protectant. Why remove that only to have to artificially patina it afterwards?

[@cmpoirot1]

@@TylerSnyder305 but it is better. It is extremely difficult to control corrosion on steel to form a protective oxide later. You can blue steel though different heat treatments at the cost of hardness, but that's the closest that you are going to get to the corrosion protection that you will get from a chemically controlled oxidation process. Natural patina results in deep pitting and uneven wear, which can be appealing depending on who's looking, but that serves no functional purpose, actually degrading the tool over time by serving as crack propagation sites. You originally asked why, and while I can almost guarantee this guy did it purely to darken the metal, but it is helping the tools longevity more than any natural patina would do

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@cmpoirot1 that is not true. And you can have natural patina without pitting, it's just that with axes that patina has commonly formed from red rust. Pitting is not going to make an axe more susceptible to cracking either, cracks form at points of stress and sharp corners...etc. On an axe with very thin walls very very deep pitting ( only seen on axes that were dug up ) you could weaken it, but that's not really a very common scenario.

[@griffinphilemon5083]

You can also use 0000 steel wool instead of sand paper. Just another way to skin the cat for yah. Well done!

[@robbobthecorncobjriii8195]

That's a concerning phrase I've never heard before lol. Please *_dont_* skin the cat

[@JayDeeFrm7400]

Holyy thanks for the info bro don't know why I've never thought of using steel wool for texturing heads I bet that would look bad ass with a cloudy matte type of finish (not worried about extra friction I buy every deep pitted axe head that I run up on cause I'm all for the barbaric look) and most people sell them cheap cause of the condition not knowing that was the selling point for me😂

[@michaelblue4028]

I just really love when something gets Blued!😜

[@FailedEmmisions]

If you want a copper coat get some copper sulfate root killer and dilute in watee in a spray bottle and you have spray on copper coating (it looks blue but on steel turns back into a copper color)

[@joshmajor8662]

FYI-the temp matters!! He skated over that VERY important detail haha 😂

[@brookelord3448]

I was wondering why the head was so warm. Why not turn on the AC? 😅

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

Do you not control the temperature when Bluing? I've found that 75-90 degrees get the best results.

[@CaptainRon76]

Nice, I never would have thought of putting boiled linseed oil on anything but wood

[@kumakaroshi117]

The instant change is amazing

[@user-nt8oz8db8n]

Also you can try lemon acid with heat it makes similar result.

[@AV5Z4]

Used this process on stuff that I’ve made and left out in the rain on purpose and after a week of rusting it I went through this process. I use the blue in a spray bottle in one hand and a propane torch in the other. Linseed is what I was taught to use for sealing it as well. Easy to strip off and reapply.

[@nathanarievlis3985]

That came out really nice. Solid system

[@danielvoore8639]

“How to waste time, instead of using the tool for what it’s meant for”

[@adamsifford6228]

Chopping wood lol

[@adamsifford6228]

I want to restore old estwing hatchet is why I'm here. Js

[@sealy81]

How to make your new shit look like old shit.👍🏼

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

Right

[@In-The-Trees]

Dude this is awesome!! Im currently working on polishing and engraving, this would would be cool to do on engraved one.

[@H00v3r]

Why boiled linseed on head?? What is your benefit? Ive always used a clp on the metal... balistol, gunbreak, or wd40 (in a pinch) but ive never used the handle oil on the metal.

[@alexelliott4869]

Thanks

[@natejansen892]

Don't care what my axes look as long as they work. Using them regularly seasons em up nice.

[@Bleckdez]

Im very like it colour axe,I want to do the same with my axes.Can I ask you, is what you used was blue paint,or how it called?

[@Shakerhood69]

Nice work

[@BullySportfishing]

Try using a sunshine cloth with a little oil! Super cool finish

[@blickluke]

Is this a good idea to do to a chefs knife? I think mines just average or a bit above average stainless steel japanese steel chefs knife

[@jyeprice9382]

Ryan renolds straight brother. 😂

[@stuart6836]

The first question is.....why?

[@hunterhaon4265]

He can't swing it enough he's probly an east coaster

[@chuggon7595]

​@@hunterhaon4265the east coast has more trees than the west coast

[@rambosquirrel1208]

Hipster needs it to look like he's been at it a long time.

[@caffeinefather]

Jokes aside, forced patinas help protect against rust, which is a good idea for your carbon steel tools

[@hunterhaon4265]

@@caffeinefather you can just use it for patina tho, if it's sitting in your garage unused it won't rust in general.( unless your garage is shit like my dads)

[@eaguilera4436]

What brand of blueing solution did you use?

[@franoismare9512]

Hey hey AxMan. How you doing. Just a Q for all your followers. I inheretid my great great grand dad original Ax. He only replaced the hanle 4 times and the ax head twice. Hou can I make it nice again. I want to mount it above my fireplace ?????? Happy Axing

[@chrisswanson6642]

yep that's definitely one way to do it

[@user-sh1mg4dp2n]

"How to force patina... Step one, buy patina forcing compound."

[@MikeySkywalker]

Man, people love to inject their own opinion into the situation, as if it’s some kinds of written in stone fact. We can all do what we want with our axes guys. No need to be finger wagging in the comments. Jeez.

[@patriotcents]

Never ruin the Original patina

[@criticalyoshi]

Boiled lindseed would just make it sticky yeah?

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

If you put to much on, yes. For heads I just cover it in blo and whipe it clean with a rag, leaving a very thin layer.

[@captainhook185]

Which Type of Blue Solution is this?

[@Gator-357]

You can also soak in in a hot vinegar and salt solution.

[@ericgarner458]

Older peices aren't going to match up with a new peice are they ?? surely the style of a chooping axe has stayed the same since the first one !maybe idk just smartassing a neat video 🎉

[@Crazt]

So what was the point of showing us the surface temperature?

[@enochpage1333]

What purposing is bluing?

[@ifrainjimenez8857]

👍 nice

[@WexyFlex]

Next, he'll show how to make a beautiful centerpiece with old axe handles......👍🏽

[@jimjones395]

Why? Does that make it cut better? Exactly. Just use it, sharpen it, oil it, and it already has patina even before he did that silliness. Patina is just referring to the natural aged look of the metal.

[@johnmutton799]

Try mixing the oil with beeswax for long term storage. Works great on handles to . Apply with a rag, leave for 5 minutes, then buff!

[@rockridgewoodshop]

I collect vintage J. H. Williams wrenches. 90% have the original patina, but some have been wire wheeled by a well-meaning seller. I'll try this.

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

The age old question of clean or leave the patina. When I buy an axe I want it as found. But with all the rust and junk it's hard to see it's condition and value it. Wrench is different though.

[@Ave_Satana666]

​@@old_iron_axe_and_toolmust be real rich to not value new things anymore

[@Ave_Satana666]

​@@old_iron_axe_and_toolthe shine of my tools is what give m world any light

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

@CJ "must be real rich to not value things anymore " what exactly do you mean by this? What makes you think I don't value things, or that I'm rich. Or are you just that guy?

[@adrlok8538]

Mmmm. Linseed oil is that good good. I make old school furniture with iron fittings, and that stuff has a thousand uses.

[@joeferris5086]

Also ferric acid is great for this

[@slmdnkasr]

What was the point of blueing it and then sanding it??? Why not leave it blued?? isn’t that the whole point???

[@mattyvlietstra5017]

Why boiled linseed oil?

[@lostpyper6973]

I use my ax. It looks old and used. The edge is shiny from being sharpened. The end.

[@logangrimnar3800]

What i it's notva Jersey Pattern Slasher Axe?!

[@joshmajor8662]

This would be awesome in 5.7 or 22 mag or something alittle faster than 9 mil. Still cool tho, useful!! 👍

[@cmccoy-ef5oo]

He looks like Ryan McCarthy from Never Back Down

[@R3dp055um]

What's the point?

[@syedrafiqkazim448]

Interesting how fast the bluing solution started doing its thing

[@helmut926]

It’s cold blue. It’s mostly a cosmetic thing. A real bluing solution would be rust blue

[@user-uf6wb4jz3e]

Is it a tool or art? Just asking for the trees?

[@tyronekim3506]

The people who do this have nothing but time on their hands.

[@_BigLife_]

This process works great on vises as well.

[@dogwalker666]

I would just use a flap wheel on my angle grinder.

[@matter9]

How to use bluing solution, but with extra unnecessary steps. Gold star.

[@phillipwhite3742]

1000 grit means 1000 little chunks per square inch so when it’s two 220 grit it’s 220 per square inch

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

No shit?

[@MorRobots]

It's essentially mesh size. Not particles per unit area. Mesh is the standard for grading any kind of powders. Once you hit about +1000 mesh/grit your better off speaking in terms of microns. Technically speaking you can get an optical finish at 8000 git (2.6 micron)

[@leotalavera1656]

Salt and vinegar NEXT!!

[@eulisesacevedo4929]

Is it me or did he just enhance the patina that was already there?

[@zachattack0130]

other option is also to use vinegar

[@Watchdog_McCoy_5.7x28]

Mark Novak is having a stroke watching this.

[@ztzozm]

Production paper, not sand paper.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Try ammonia or vinegar

[@MorRobots]

Boild lindeed oil... 🤢🤮 if you're going to paint it, then just paint it. So technically, you almost got it right. Bluing solution, 1k sanding, cleaning (degreaser, non polar solvent) Bluing, 1k sanding, rinse and repeat. Just lighting up the sanding each time.

[@jimromansr9971]

Why do this to begin with?

[@nateb4543]

How to lightly blue steel? Use a small amount of blueing product. Gee thanks

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

Great suggestion!

[@ducatista1098s]

I've never seen someone apply BLO with a paint/chip brush in my life lol

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

Well now you have.

[@WanderingMiqo]

Why sand the bluing off?

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

To give it a more rustic look. It's really just the first step in reestablish establishing a patina. The BLO will really help in protecting the steel.

[@84sjsm]

Whats the point of this?

[@philg6115]

Next use voodoo

[@chrisanthony579]

Wow, that's a sexy hunk of metal!

[@PaxHeadroom]

Just use a hot bluing process.

[@Surv1ve_Thrive]

First step: get it a little tipsy.

[@k.l.u6254]

Does linseed oil penetrate steel?

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

Nope, it's a protective coating.

[@oldkingcrow777]

​@@old_iron_axe_and_toolit does actually but not like it does when we think of wood. Not disagreeing just clarifying

[@BombproofCraftsman]

Wow, some people really don’t like change! Why would anyone care what you do with your tools?

[@traditionalbushcraft]

Or just use vinegar

[@hdrjunkie]

Why would you want to force a patina?

[@Lastman737]

Hipster bullshit

[@michaelhennegan9637]

Why would you want to do this?

[@UltraMagaFan]

Bluing steel and adding patina to steel aren’t the same thing. The title of this video is misleading.

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

It's exactly the same thing. Ever since the word was invented its meant " oxidized metal " copper specifically I believe. Anyway, you should look up how cold Bluing works.

[@UltraMagaFan]

@@old_iron_axe_and_tool Patina on steel is rust. Bluing does not create red iron oxide.

[@brentadamson8373]

Are you screwing with us when you do the temperature check

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

No sir. Temp definitely makes a difference.

[@brentadamson8373]

@@old_iron_axe_and_tool Just checking 😏

[@kimmosaarinen2780]

@@old_iron_axe_and_tool Huh, well, this day wasn't complete waste, I learned something new. Thanks.

[@Jrez]

No ballistol?

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

Absolutely not. I dumped it all out when I learned they sponsored an antifa member.

[@Jrez]

@@old_iron_axe_and_tool Where did you hear that?

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

@@Jrez pretty sure wrangler star is sponsored by them.

[@Jrez]

@@old_iron_axe_and_tool Where did you hear that?

[@oldkingcrow777]

​@@old_iron_axe_and_toolWrangler is antifa? 😂 I guess technically he's a REAL anti fascist

[@jzajzayijun2282]

Why? ... 😮 ... Just..... Why? 😢

[@crossmanbluev6049]

What

[@thee_number_six6227]

So its just "antiquing"

[@RonnieOrtiz-ro5ki]

It not axe it’s wood slasher

[@choppedandbobbed9729]

Step 1- use it

[@paulhare662]

Soaking them in a tub of pee gives a nice brown color.

[@dodgersfnshepard8673]

Or you know..use it

[@bobwhelk2117]

The fecal matter count in that beard must be thru the roof!

[@Dylan-_-01]

Ok but why

[@joshmajor8662]

Or just take care of your tools 🤷‍♂️ that’s always an option haha 😂

[@ashtonroffe]

Purty

[@flyiny_sqiurrel]

Have you heard of angel grinder?

[@luvmechanix]

Shoulda just rusted and boiled it

[@michaelgarrow3239]

Or you could just chop wood n stuff..

[@gandar54]

No

[@Thode-R]

how to waist time...? yes?

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

What's that, you posting this negative comment? Or you just mindlessly scrolling through shorts?

[@ericolijnyk3392]

Why would you want to do that? who you trying to impress? It's a tool I don't get how you guys got to this point.

[@slappy8941]

Patina looks cool and protects the metal from rusting.

[@old_iron_axe_and_tool]

What's your hobby?

[@saleemcarr9501]

How to be fake

[@creatednordestroyed5339]

Waste of time

[@marvtintv2301]

Why would you do that?

[@wizard7mm]

Who really cares