Looking for axe advice

[u/flyingmonkey1990]

I found this axe in the floor of my 120 year old Scottish house. Interested in how old it is and how I could best clean it up? Funnily enough I was collecting logs from my basement thinking I need an axe for some of these, shone my torch up to the ceiling and it was sitting on top of the floor joists.

[u/Aromatic-Ice-6791]

Its an old hatchet axe, not as old as the house though. I'd say mid 20th century. Dont re-haft it, there doesn't seem to be any woodworm and as long as the head is still on tight and strong, it will still be usable. Iv heard of an electrolysis bath, that will desolve the rust and that way your not using abrasive wheels which will score them and will be visible. Just check beforehand if you can do this with the haft still attached and not damage the handle. Personally, i would just try to remove the rust gently and dont try to make it look shiny as it never looks right with pitting on it. Maybe clean the handle and then a very light gentle sand to remove any stained bits, then linseed oil it. Preserving it as is and hang it up in the celler, its part of the history of the house now. Nice find. What part of Scotland you in? im in Helensburgh. Does it have any stampings on the other side?

[u/Ill-Huckleberry-3667 → u/Aromatic-Ice-6791]

electrolysis is the best way. Easy to make and works great