Shona Axe - To Clean Up or Not?
 

Interested in opinions on this axe - condition is original - to clean up or not? Would appreciate any comments.

A light oiling and clean on the blade would be a good idea. :) Just with oil and steel wool will be enough to remove the active rust.

I like to oil and use bronze wool on surfaces like these.

Hi Neil. Can you explain the difference (other than the materials) between bronze and steel wool for this application?Why do you prefer the bronze?

Thank you folks - much appreciated.

I use bronze sometimes as well. It's less aggressive.

Less aggressive than #0000 steel wool? That stuff is pretty benign. :shrug:

Yes, a bit less aggressive simply because the material is softer to begin with. Although for most uses I find #0000 to be more than adequate and the differences somewhat negligible.

A very fine brass bristle brush works nicely as well for deeper nooks and crannies as it appears the subject axe has.

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN A NICE PATINA AND JUST BEING DIRTY . I WOULD CLEAN THE WOOD AS WELL AS THE BLADE. THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS IF THE DIRT ON THE WOOD HAD BEEN APPLIED FOR SOME PURPOSE CEREMONIAL OR OTHERWISE. RED OCCER OR WHITE LIME OR SOME BLACK CHARCOAL ARE USED IN SOME INSTANCES. BUT IF ITS JUST RUST ON THE ITEM IT NEEDS REMOVED. I OFTEN PUT LEMON OIL ON WOOD BUT IT DOES DARKEN THE COLOR AND BRING OUT THE BEAUTY OF THE WOOD. YOU CAN JUDGE WHAT TO DO BETTER HAVING THE ITEM IN HAND. GOOD LUCK.

Again thanks folks for the sage advice!