Restoring old axes, fine steel that is, was one of my first craft passions and allowed me to learn a lot about steel, bevels, geometry, balance etc. I've done it in Austria, Japan and Canada and it has been always lovely to be able to bring back a fine piece of craft for a second go at life.
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This Rhineland pattern head I brought back from Sweden has no stamp on it but when I put a 30 degree hollow grind on it using the diamond setup on my @tormek_bushcraft I could tell it is well heat treated steel of great quality.
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I cleaned up the poll, got rid of some rust without getting into the patina and oiled the head.
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It is hung on a great Swedish haft from hickory, carved and roughed for better traction when carving, finished in @realmilkpaintco barn red and thinned linseed oil.
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Of course I made one of my classic masks for it in German harness leather with my signature flap and all brass hardware.
All edges are hand burnished and waxed.
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About 700g, 10cm of edge and 30cm usable handle. My favourite dimansions for an allround carver.