Unique billhook.. Restoration WIP!

[demographic]

looks like a slasher to me, usually got a lot longer handle and used two handed.

 

[mrcharly]

I've used angle grinders a lot but always ones about 3 times the size of the one in Samon's photo. So a lot more power, a lot faster, a lot rougher and a lot more aggressive. Yes they can be used with finess (I've used them to remove paint from steel where I've only wanted to take the paint off, not the steel).

Maybe because I'm used to big models that are very fast in their steel removal that I'm so dismissive of their use for renovation of edges. It's not just the heating issue, it's that a slight slip will cut a huge gouge in the edge making a small reprofile job into a major blade reshaping.

 

[Nomad64]

That looks absolutely fine to me! Just bash off the handle with a hamer, wire wheel the steel and sharpen with a file. Is it a single bevel edge? or is it ground on both sides? By the looks of it it's a sngle bevel right handed hook, and you'll only need to shapren/grin d about 1cm of the edge. Everythign else but that will just be cosmetic. And cosmetic is personal preferance, not really a practical neccesity.

The angle grinder will remove all the rust, tarnishing and patina down to the bare steel leaving it shiny but I can't see any pitting tbh. I'd have to hold it to see for myself but it does look fine. Just crud on the surface.

120 grit flap disc ordered and I've added a few pictures of the billhook after some quick attention with a wire wheel. As you can see, it is not just surface rust. Provided I can get a decent edge on it, I'm not bothered about what will inevitably be a "rustic" appearance, I'll just be happy to have restored something I used to use as a kid to a working condition after 20 odd years of neglect.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30865846@N02/26433964816/in/dateposted/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30865846@N02/26367692372/in/dateposted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/30865846@N02/25857179503/in/dateposted/

 

[Samon]

forgot to update this thread with the finished billy.

 

[richardhomer]

Looks great now mate. You have done a great job restoring it.

 

[badoosh]

Like the look of the knife.
And cheers for the advice on sharpening.
Got a few projects that need finishing.