the edge will clean up easily mate, use a brick to get it started if you don't have any files or 'proper' stones. Just a few splashes of water and it'll get the first stage done in a few minutes, then use your other stuff.
I'd strip the paint off (spray on nitramors works really well), smooth out the eye and edge then get the handle to the length you like and sand/oil it! get some wood stain on it for some colours if you fancy but if you get it dirty enough normal wood oil or olive oil will take a darker shade overtime!
Get down Lidl mate, they have angle grinders for £20! and an angle grinder can do ALOT! I used mine to rework and convex the egde and strip the forge marks (the pitted rough surface).
After the nitramors and a wire brush done it's thing..
and after a vinegar for a patina to protect that steel..
and after my angle grinder/flap disk reworked that crude edge..
and after I gave the whole head a going over with the flap disk and let it get manky and rusty.. I also cut the handle down a few inches, sanded/oiled it and waxed it.
I did use the grinder to remove a little steel under the blade to go for a slightly mroe beared shape, but kept it minimal.
Do what ever you want with yours, we can only show you our attempts but it's totally down to your taste dude!
I'd strip the paint off (spray on nitramors works really well), smooth out the eye and edge then get the handle to the length you like and sand/oil it! get some wood stain on it for some colours if you fancy but if you get it dirty enough normal wood oil or olive oil will take a darker shade overtime!
Get down Lidl mate, they have angle grinders for £20! and an angle grinder can do ALOT! I used mine to rework and convex the egde and strip the forge marks (the pitted rough surface).
After the nitramors and a wire brush done it's thing..

and after a vinegar for a patina to protect that steel..


and after my angle grinder/flap disk reworked that crude edge..


and after I gave the whole head a going over with the flap disk and let it get manky and rusty.. I also cut the handle down a few inches, sanded/oiled it and waxed it.

I did use the grinder to remove a little steel under the blade to go for a slightly mroe beared shape, but kept it minimal.
Do what ever you want with yours, we can only show you our attempts but it's totally down to your taste dude!
