Darkening an axe handle

[fred gordon]

My SFA has a very pale coloured handle and I'd like to darken it a bit. Any suggestions on the best way to do this?

 

[dwardo]

Sweat, pine resin, dirt, oil etc..

Or just use lots it and wait for a bit

 

[Adze]

If you're really in a hurry a little teak oil will bring it up a bit - don't overdo it though and this won't work as well if there's already an oil finish which has saturated the wood.

 

[apj1974]

Oil and heat. You can (carefully ) use a blow torch to burn oil or stain into wood and darken it slightly too.

 

[pwb]

I've used linseed oil on my axes.
It not only feeds the wood but I find it darkens the wood a wee bit and over time takes on a lovely patina.

Cheers,
Pete.

 

[samthedog]

Stain is the safest way to darken it (I tend to cut mine with thinners so I don't overdo it). Just coat it evenly with a sponge and you will have a darker shaft. Walnut or teak would look nice.

paul.

 

[Osprey]

Hi Fred
I have heard that old cabinet makers used to darken oak by leaving it in a stable that hadn't been mucked out. The ammonia from the horse pee would darken the oak.

I think Gransfors use hickory for axe handles, which is a relative of the oak, so maybe you could try the same !!

Good luck, but I wont ever ask to borrow your axe

Cheers,
Doug.

 

[fred gordon]

Hi Fred
I have heard that old cabinet makers used to darken oak by leaving it in a stable that hadn't been mucked out. The ammonia from the horse pee would darken the oak.

I think Gransfors use hickory for axe handles, which is a relative of the oak, so maybe you could try the same !!

Good luck, but I wont ever ask to borrow your axe

Cheers,
Doug.

Thank you Doug. I knew I could rely on you! Do you have a spare horse I could borrow?

 

[eraaij]

Dpending on usage, a couple of coats of boiled linseed oil in a year will give both protection and a nice dark handle over time. My SFA turned pretty dark over time - that one started out with a white handle.

 

[fred gordon]

Thanks to everyone. Think I'll try the linseed oil route.:You_Rock_