This old Jersey pattern axe head has had a hard life. Super worn toe, cracked eye, mushroomed pole. So i decided to chop the top, weld the rest, and give it new life as a 24 inch camp axe.
This video shows bits of every step of the process, but lacks the true length.
This project took around 30-40 hours over a few weeks. Not counting the 8 hours to edit 60 gigs of footage. But it sure is fun!!

I like to keep as much natural patina as possible, and even some of the dings and dents from years of abuse. In contrast, all modified parts are brought to a polish for a little pizzazz. the head is of un known age, but likely 75+ years old, possibly 100+! Any markings that may have been on it succumbed to rust and abuse long ago.
This was my first time working with Red Elm for the handle. Turned out quite lovely! The palm swell is laminated from the same wood, matching the grain as close as possible. The wedge is Rainbow Poplar, from a pallet. Up-cycling baby!!
Overall, this will be a great little camp axe for me, light, compact, and vintage steel with a twist!

Hope you enjoy watching the process!