Rusty Gold: Cold War Hatchet Restoration | West German Axe Full Rehab Process + Tips and Tricks

This little hatchet made in West Germany was found on the property of Ms. Rachel Metz out here in the desert. This video is an in depth look at restoring an old tool back to working order. Covering all processes from sharpening, handling, and leather sheath making. Always happy to put rusty gold back to work.
Support the Shop: www.patreon.com/brettmcafee
Behind the Scenes: skullandspade13
Tools in Video:
Low Profile Shop Knife: amzn.to/2OO4A1N
The Best Rasp: amzn.to/2Tenwdi
Utility File: amzn.to/2RWeEYz
Super 77: amzn.to/2PZkACT
Stamp Set: amzn.to/2KbEhC7
Chop Saw: amzn.to/2RYBe2F
Mineral Oil: amzn.to/2PdQNBV
Pull Saw: amzn.to/2QxmhaA

[@longbrakesupplyco.9394]

Appears you’ve had a shift, as though some soul work has settled in. I imagine a move to the desert fits in there. Well done, Brett. You’re a joy to watch.

[@skullandspade]

Well thank ye

[@bastionhead]

Nice build! And so gracious of you to credit Felix and Steve for the tips you learned from them.

[@jl3390]

Beautiful work! I love how you revel in the different skills you can bring to bear on these projects; e.g., metal working, wood working, leather working, etc. It's also important to preserve the history of the tools, and not just creating a different tool from what other restorers would treat as a piece of scrap metal. Thank you again for your awe inspiring work.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you JL

[@craiggoebbel1241]

Wow! You are a natural. The way you describe the what and why as you work the tool is informative and entertaining. Certainly this is one of the best tool restoration videos I have watched.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Craig

[@unrepentantgeek]

Bar none the best education that I've had on how and why a hatchet is what it is. Thanks for enlightening me Cap'n!

[@skullandspade]

Hooray!

[@LXWiseman]

That's one of my favorite whackadoodles! Glad to see her in a video with you :) Thanks for sharing!!

[@skullandspade]

Woohooooo

[@nobelhobel]

Made in Germany used to be something special, but that was so long ago that the ax was old. Best regards from Germany, Lars

[@skullandspade]

Unfortunate

[@103m95g]

Ahoy Captain, Been awhile I was wondering if we'd see your flame burnt handle. but you covered that. I'm always on the look out for lonely hatchet/Axe heads, as putting them back in service is alway fun.

[@skullandspade]

Aye

[@SanTM]

Absolutely awesome Brett! So much talent working with metal, wood and leather. You can tell the thousands of hours you've put into your craft when we see your hands and all their scuffs and scars. Love the videos, keep up the great work and film style

[@skullandspade]

Cheers 🖤

[@tomim7187]

That was a great tutorial on ax restoration and maintenance. Thanks Brett!

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye

[@robshamel3210]

Love the blow by blow explanation.... Very nice guide and video. Thx!

[@AdrianTache]

More fantastic work, captain, thank you for sharing it with us!

[@skullandspade]

Thank you for watching!

[@AndyCPugh]

This should be on the Masterclass channel.

[@skullandspade]

Well that’s damn kind of you

[@gustavcarlsson6090]

That's the best axe handle making tutorial I've seen. I'm playing around with old axe heads, shaping them and electro etching them to look a bit viking like but, have struggled making good handles. This will be very useful for my new hobby, 👍

[@skullandspade]

Thank you for watching!

[@GrahamDallas]

Thanks for the tips and all of the detail, you also made this look like anyone could easily have a go.

[@skullandspade]

That’s the idea! Woot!

[@dereksstuff8395]

Great explanation Brett. Drawknives are great tools of the trade.

[@skullandspade]

They really are

[@spongeorpete7289]

Nice video! That little rag trick you did is definitely gunna be something I will be doing! Thanks!

[@skullandspade]

Do it!

[@andrewmortimer3317]

Awesome video sir. Very easy and clear explanation on the whole process.

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye

[@damienbrand9422]

Great video - as always Brett!! Thank you for another year of stunning projects!!

[@skullandspade]

Thanks brother

[@PJTForging]

Hi Brett. Just subbed based purely on this video. As a fellow axe junkie, it's nice to see a KZbin axe restoration done properly with a decent thought process. Very nice! 😁

[@edciasiii3308]

I really liked this instructional style voice over video from you. Something different. Really good video quality and editing - like always!

[@skullandspade]

Thanks Ed!

[@jakenene]

Good to see you again

[@ThatWorks]

More please. Thank you!

[@skullandspade]

Comin up

[@EvanDunville]

Beautiful work. I have Hung a few axe heads but this video showed me a few new tricks.

[@skullandspade]

Good deal!

[@timberdish]

Thank you for answering all those questions about the process. Most excellent! :)

[@skullandspade]

Hooray

[@jaredpaddick5879]

I appreciate how well you teach. This was very instructional and I greatly enjoyed!

[@skullandspade]

Thanks!

[@PhilWaud]

I love your vids where you do that talking to the skull and stuff but this video was another level! Its great to hear your experience and explanation - more of the same please!

[@skullandspade]

Deal

[@Saskajohn]

Dense with info! I love it. Reminds me of the saw horse video which is another of my favorites. I feel like music selection is super key to get right in these info dense videos to help round it out and make it feel welcoming and light. Great job

[@skullandspade]

Feels like less of a VO/tutorial if we keep the groove going

[@jebowlin3879]

Absolutely amazing, I love how you encourage people to do their own things when it comes to aesthetics, all too often it seems like so many makers are becoming "puritans" "My way is the best way" etc. beautiful job by the way

[@skullandspade]

“The only way” never lead to trying something new. Do what makes sense. Follow the principles, but forge your own path

[@gregconaway8198]

Good job 👍

[@tree_carcass_mangler]

Well done, and lots of good tips. Thanks for posting, and thumbs up!

[@skullandspade]

Thanks!

[@VAXHeadroom]

I've rehandled axes and sledges a few times and picked up some good tricks here! Thanks!

[@skullandspade]

Yusssss

[@TheMessyStudio]

Another great vid, Brett! And a great tool save to boot.

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye!

[@dean_duplantis]

Loved the video and hearing you drop the knowledge. I see a tool handle in my future

[@markjeffels3327]

She is so beautiful!! And your video is HILARIOUS!!!

[@skullandspade]

👍🏻

[@jamiemeek1969]

Love this style of video 👍🏻 Happy new year mate.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers mate

[@TheGrantAlexander]

Great work and great information in this one!

[@skullandspade]

Yussssss thank ye

[@robb5207]

Loved this one, full of tips and pointers.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you as always Rob

[@cassiacries]

Shiny! Loved the voice over 👍 especially enjoyed "more Rachel.. so burnt orange.. and oil"

[@skullandspade]

Gotta match that styleeeeees

[@dragonstonegemironworkscra4740]

Boy howdy you packed a ton of great information in a few minutes! Great video. May the new year bring healthy happy prosperous times your way. Blessed days Sir Crawford out 🙏🔥⚒️🧙🏼‍♂️

[@skullandspade]

Cheers brother

[@dragontattooee]

Great video and very well explained, thank you and Happy New year

[@skullandspade]

Thanks Brian

[@garypeterson3628]

With all the goofiness at the beginning I wasn't expecting much. But this turned out to be the best ax video I have seen. Very informative. Cut thru the BS. Thanks.

[@skullandspade]

Well thanks! I learned tons from my buddy @bastionhead, who’s a wealth of tool handling wizardry. He taught me pretty much everything I know.

[@swampy1584]

Great tip Brett Happy New Year to you and yours

[@skullandspade]

Thanks Dave

[@christopherdubour6662]

Lotsa good learned advice in this one. Thank ye Mr. Brett!

[@skullandspade]

Cheers bruv

[@k.cashman427]

Great straightforward explanations. Thank you. Look forward to your next video!

[@skullandspade]

Cheers

[@chaoticlogic588]

With so many sledge and axe heads laying around, this video inspires me to finally bring those tools back to life. Also those files look amazing; is there really such a thing as tool addiction?

[@skullandspade]

There really is

[@samiam7]

I like this style of video. Nice job!

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye

[@EdwardIglesias]

Really great to see you again in the New Year. Spent the last few days building a base for an anvil and thought of your tips often. Happy New Year.

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye!

[@molegrip3860]

Great tips. Cheers Brett and thanks for sharing another great video. Happy New Year from the U.K ;)

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye

[@sergedurand9905]

Lots of great tips to give this cute little ax an easy new life. Many thanks, have a great new year

[@skullandspade]

Thanks Serge

[@DaveGDesigns]

Nice work Brett I found this really interesting happy new year my friend 👍🏻

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great film, so many tips and knowledge imparted. Awesome restoration, beautiful results and a useful hatchet too! There's something primal when using an axe. Mahalo for sharing! : )

[@skullandspade]

Cheers brother

[@Nocewoodshop]

Great video sir. Definitely puts my mind at easy about attempting this.

[@skullandspade]

Get to it Francisco

[@gkkent]

Love that sharpening technique!

[@skullandspade]

It’s so damn brilliant

[@gkkent]

@@skullandspade and now I need an axe!!

[@TrevorHigginsDustysqueak]

Love the detail. So many good bits of info on this one. Totally stealing the rag trick! Thanks Brett. Well done.

[@skullandspade]

Thanks brother man

[@miniaturefun-guy]

Great work. Really glad you didn’t needlessly mirror polish the entire axe head like so many tool restorers.

[@skullandspade]

Nah. Gets rid of that wonderful age

[@davebauerart]

Nice work and well explained. I am definitely going to try the towel trick for sharpening.

[@skullandspade]

It’s so damn good.

[@joshgallant3136]

Brother Brett, as always I loved the video sir and I really would love to get to hang out one day and just watch the master at work!! Hoping you have a great new year and keep up the wonderful work brother!!

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

Very nice work 🔨👍😊

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye

[@sgsax]

Such a great tutorial. I was just thinking I needed to get an actual edge on my own axe, now I have a method to try out to get it. Happy New Year and thanks for sharing!

[@skullandspade]

Get to it!

[@Looqndhyac]

Great work, I really appreciate all of the detail you go into and how you explain your process and practice.

[@skullandspade]

Thank you Daniel!

[@jakenene]

Love your videos brother keep up the good work🤙🏽very entertaining and inspiring

[@skullandspade]

Thanks!

[@CrabOfDoom]

You really are a great instructor.

[@skullandspade]

Well, that’s damn kind of you

[@jerrygouge9615]

Excellent work/video. Salute!

[@skullandspade]

Thanks ye!

[@rachl009]

This video is awesome, thank you for the tips!

[@rachl009]

I've been thinking of getting my gf a hatchet to restore for her birthday and this video was SUPER helpful! Thank you very much!

[@skullandspade]

Hooray!!!

[@GasoliniASMR]

Thanks for the information and inspiration given out. Keep up the great work!

[@skullandspade]

Yussssss

[@jimbobtheimpaler8403]

I like it. Mighty nice vid good Sir. Scenery out there has to be awesome yo!

[@skullandspade]

It sure is nice when it’s not 130 degrees

[@projectdave7132]

That was a corker of a condensed knowledge axe fitting thingy, brillaint stuff! Plus nowt better than bringing old tools back to life and then making other people really happy with a gift!

[@skullandspade]

Heck yeah!

[@InsideAlan]

Happy New Year Cap'n

[@skullandspade]

And to you Inside Alan

[@CrudeButEfficient]

Sweet little hatchet, and a good followup video to your old ones!

[@skullandspade]

Thank ye. We’ve come a long way

[@chybz]

Yo Brett ! Thanks a lot for all those details, you rock !

[@skullandspade]

Yussssss

[@jp-makes]

Even though I don't understand much of the language, I was able to understand the very important tips from the video😄 …Oh, and Happy New Year! Brett!⭐️Let's make some stuff together in 2022!🤟

[@skullandspade]

Please!!!

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

I use pine tar on the area of the haft that goes into the eye of the axe and on the wedge. It seals out all moisture and isn't as useless as wood glue when rehafting is required.

[@whazee]

This is great! 😄 You should do more stuff with Rachel too, you both have good chemistry.

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Billiam

[@heyimamaker]

Awesome work, I think I have a few axe heads that need handles. Just need to find the correct wood!

[@douglasfathers4848]

Got a dozen of these things in the scrap bucket , might have a go at cleaning them up . :)

[@skullandspade]

Get to it

[@xanderq]

Sooo much better than all those videos were they put form above function

[@skullandspade]

Good

[@raynoladominguez4730]

Very nice.

[@skullandspade]

Thanks as always Raynola

[@KrakenCasting]

Cap'n, it's good to see this much personality from you again. Don't get me wrong, the quiet work videos have their place, but it feels like a return to your older format. How's Skully and Miss Ix?

[@skullandspade]

They’ve been traveling during the holiday months…you know them

[@KrakenCasting]

@@skullandspade The shop skulls deserve a break. I hope thembsafe travels, and hopefully they show up in a drawer somewhere.

[@andrewoperacz7427]

Another great restore El Capitán!!!

[@skullandspade]

Cheers Andrew

[@andrewoperacz7427]

@@skullandspade cheers Brett

[@user-fq5hi7mf7c]

Спасибо большое! Очень информативно! Много полезной информации!

[@ynkfish85]

Sweet!

[@skullandspade]

Thanks

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Happy New Year Brett. Great video. Very nice restoring job. It turned out very beautiful. Hopefully you get great use out of it for many years to come my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Forge on. Weld on. Fab on. Keep restoratioing. Keep making. God bless.

[@skullandspade]

Thanks as always Jared

[@SchysCraftCo.]

@@skullandspade your very welcome.

[@mortenhenningsen940]

You make it look so easy. I have a old axe with broken handle laying in my car that i want to restore. This video gonna help me. Thnx. I'l give you...hmm. alotta-points.hehe Happy New year 🇳🇴🇺🇸🎆💥

[@skullandspade]

Hooray!

[@kingyames]

This is my comment to appease the great algorithm

[@skullandspade]

Praise them

[@Braniel]

Gonna use that rag trick to sharpen a couple hatchets i got at my grandparents. Things can barely cut butter, so lord knows they need something done

[@skullandspade]

Yusssssss

[@alanscannell]

Very nice work cap'n. I think there was a glitch in the matrix though I heard you mention vinegar twice 😮😎

[@skullandspade]

Hahahah

[@nikearth]

Brett! Happy New Year! Recently finished restoring a handful of axes and hatches and didn't know what I was doing. Now I know what I should have done. Thanks! In case of interest, to my limited knowledge: * The engraved "Made in W. Germany" has been used on products in the 70s and 80s. * An axe for the German market wouldn't have an imperial weight mark, which suggest it's a export product to - most likely - England from where it probably traveled to the states via container ship or butt crack.

[@skullandspade]

Butt crack! Hahah, great info NIK

[@restorationconstantines7731]

Best👍

[@skullandspade]

Yus

[@JohnEich]

Lot of great info here, Brett. Quick question, when you sharpen the ax head with various rag thicknesses it creates a curve. I'm used to straight angles on knives, but I'm sure there's a reason for the curve? Thanks!

[@skullandspade]

Very slight curve, but remember, axes and hatchets put a ton of strain on the cutting edge, and pushes the material away. Whereas a knife is slicing through. If the faces/cutting edge of these tools were dead flat/straight, they’d get stuck if they didn’t make it all the way through a cut. The curves and swells on a typical axe serve multiple purposes other than aesthetics.

[@JohnEich]

@@skullandspade brilliant - just what I was hoping for! Thanks for taking the time out to explain that. :) And give my best to the Gaeries and snakes!

[@ga5743]

Excellent job Bret, just wondering why it was marked with 1 1/2 and not in metric for weight?

[@skullandspade]

I have no idea. Weird right?

[@nathanjohansen7169]

My mild research shows that after WW2 West Germany was controlled by the USA, Great Britain, and France. Great Britain still more or less used imperial measures at that time as did the USA. I'm guessing there were about 20 years of West German made products based on imperial measurements. I found vintage West German made scales and tape measures online in pounds and inches respectively. Interesting, to say the least.

[@ga5743]

@@nathanjohansen7169 thanks for your input….very interesting.

[@gayle525]

What do you put on the head to keep the head from rusting again?

[@skullandspade]

Oil. Pretty much any kind. You can keep the sheath piled up as well, and leaving that on the axe when not in use helps

[@gayle525]

@@skullandspade thank you. I just got a hatchet for my woodworking and it always pays to care for your tools correctly. You’re helping me a lot in doing that.

[@gayle525]

Can you explain why pounding the bottom of the handle with the head hanging down puts the head on tighter instead of making the head fall off?

[@skullandspade]

Seems counterintuitive, but it works. The kinetic energy from the strike goes into the handle, but the heavier steel does some amazing physics magic and stays in place. This, handle goes down, head bumps up.

[@gayle525]

Thanks, I have always been curious about this.

[@girunit1387]

You guys are gonna need all the fire wood you can get. It's gonna be cold winter in the desert this year. Even my part of the desert is freezing right now.

[@skullandspade]

It’s frickin cold

[@mikekollross8810]

Iltis or Oxhead are a common German axe seen in North America. West Germany means you can accurately determine its age. 1949 to 1990

[@skullandspade]

There we go

[@reforzar]

Just watched Steve botch a few handles. Perhaps you can teach him a few things.

[@lesliemcafee2957]

Okay! You taught me that soft shoulders are good for hatchet handles, as well as for your Gma Lola. But, I may be partially responsible for teaching you to “do whatever the hell you want.” 😘 Mom

[@skullandspade]

Thanks mom 🖤

[@jebowlin3879]

I absolutely know better, and I may get flamed, but ... I have smacked the butt of an axe with another tool to drive a it like a wedge, shouldn't do it, and I would never recommend it, but if you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO, use a chunk of wood, much safer

[@skullandspade]

Whatever works for you

[@gilleslahire6760]

Come down, its only a cheap old hatchet. Here in Germany they are worth nothing.

[@skullandspade]

Cheap old hatchet worth nothing - sounds like you missed the point of the video. I’ll be sure to only use tools deemed worthy by the KZbin comment section from now on. 👍🏻

[@michaelmadison1806]

Whole lot of innuendo in there, buddy. I'd like to think you could build a hatchet and make an interesting video without working blue. Maybe I expected too much of you...

[@nibber2752]

Not a fan of oiling your wood then?

[@skullandspade]

This one gets it ^