Restoration Antique French HUGE AXE

Hi! Today, I’m restoring a Huge French Axe. This old item was purchased in France. It’s really intriguing to think about what it was originally used for. Was it meant for chopping firewood? Or perhaps something else? I couldn’t find any definitive information. If anyone knows more about this item, please share — I’d love to learn more.

Its condition is moderate. The original handle is missing — instead, there’s some sort of modern stick imitating a grip. There’s no proper balance, it’s hard to hold, and there are cracks. So, it’s time to fix all of that.

First of all, I removed the surface rust using a wire brush. Then I placed the axe in a rust remover solution. The next day, after taking it out, I submerged it in warm water with baking soda to neutralize the acidic effect. After drying it off, I moved on to light sanding and shape correction. I used sandpaper ranging from 80 to 600 grit. The sanding was gentle, just enough to remove burrs and surface irregularities. I also used a metal file to refine the shape, trimming away any protruding pieces of metal to get a relatively smooth and clean edge.

Since the object holds historical value and needs preservation, I moved on to the conservation stage. Before that, I thoroughly wiped down the axe with a solvent. For the conservation mix, I used: 150 grams of linseed oil, 50 grams of beeswax, and a few drops of essential oil. I melted everything together in a water bath — be careful, the water, wax, and oil get very hot. Afterward, I transferred the mixture into a separate container and applied it to the surface of the axe using a wool cloth, carefully filling all the pores and cracks.

Once conservation was finished, I began working on the handle. I used dry wood. Since this axe won’t be used for chopping, the goal was to craft a handle in an old-fashioned style — something comfortable and safe to hold. I split and widened part of the wooden blank and glued it. After the glue dried, I trimmed the excess, shaped the end, and fitted the axe head onto the handle. At the bottom, I added a leather cap — just in case the axe ever starts to slide off unexpectedly.

For better grip, I added a leather strap, used small nails, and finally wrapped the handle in thin leather with the help of glue. At the very end of the handle, I attached a small piece of iron to improve the balance. After all the stages of restoration, the axe turned out just the way the client had envisioned it. I hope you will enjoy this restoration video. Please share this video!

Sincerely, Alex. Thanks for attention!
Good luck and health to everyone! With best wishes, Alex!
Please subscribe to my channel: @ScrewsAndTools
🍖 My New Cooking channel! @screwsandtoolscooking

#screwsandtools #axe #restoration

[FrankKuhel-ycbi]

Looks like something a Tolkien dwarf would take into battle against an army of orcs. Amazing restoration again Alex!

[tehsquirreldude]

I am here 5 seconds after it posted to enjoy another of your wonderful videos. Love watching you restore these various blades and tools!

[SSTB]

Repairing old tools, I don't know why it's so fun to do, for preservation, or return to work. Very satisfying to me to do too. Beautiful work as always sir, thanks for sharing it with us!

[theironscorpion]

I love the running bit with the Thing in the sandblasting cabinet, it will never get old.

[johnfields]

Another excellent restoration. The sand blasting monster seemed in a good mood, didn't argue about your offering today keep up the great work

[winterhorse]

Beautiful piece 😁. Definitely hand forged!

[marcpompette]

I love your leatherwork! The sound the leather tools make when you hammer them is also super satisfying 🤘

[JDR]

You are a real artist when it comes to making handles and scabbards!

[timtaylor]

I think the wood wedges should have been hammered in AFTER the shaft was put in the socket, to make it absolutely tight. But maybe there is no difference .

[АндрейСалов-еф]

Когда заходит речь о топоре французском,
Я чувствую, что воротник становится вдруг узким;
Я б присмотрелся пристальнее к стали -
Что там под ржавчиной мятежный век оставил?...

[Superiorlumbago]

Even if i have "round handle phobia", i can sleep tonight knowing the weight of that axe will always remind you where the edge is ;)

[GSG-edxj]

Отличная реставрация, спасибо что не стали заваривать раковины и полировать до блеска❤

[JoineeJoan]

Excellent work ! I have a similar, old axe here in our shed that is awaiting clean up :)

[ledcrash]

Interesting... I like axes very much. The rustic ones are always better. Thenks for the video. Beep beep.

[brianalexander]

Hello Alex, Great restoration! It looks to be hand forged and fairly old, I would guess more for felling trees than splitting wood. And I would assume too heavy for combat! Whatever it's original intended use, fantastic job on restoring and preserving another piece of history! All the very best to You and yours from Brian in Southern California

[andyc]

nice one, old felling axe, early 1900's I would guess at

[charlesknight]

Outstanding job!!! Simply Chuck Knight.

[TimboWhite-wb]

Keep Doing The Great Work That You Are Doing

[Thecruskit]

I wish that jar said the rust is history.
Great video dude

[oneshotme]

It looks great and you did a wonderful job restoring it as well!!!!
I would have hated to have to use it with the handle it started with
I enjoyed your video so I gave it a Thumbs Up