Restoration of vintage Carl Helsper hatchet

chris.customworks · **on:** March 27, 2013, 08:58:31 AM

I would like to share one of my restoration-projects with you: the renewal of an old rusty hatchet.

By shape it could be a claw hatchet, where one prong is broken. The forge marks show a crown with the initials C.H. (not really identifiable on the pictures) and the number 1940 below the crown.
According to my researches the hatchet is manufactured by Carl Helsper, Wuppertal-Küllenhahn, Germany.
Even though this hatchet has been roughly used I tend to restore it – so derusting it, put a new handle on it and to sharpen it. To preserve the patina I would like to use electrolysis for derusting it. I am also unsure which wood I could use for a new handle, besides Mister Helsper told me that the eye has custom measure. At last, the hatchet will become a new convex edge and will be used as my “new” camping hatchet.

So much for theory! I am curious how this project will develope. Stay tuned!

Farmman · **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2013, 09:12:02 AM

Looks promising. Getting comfy, waiting for the update.

Sparky415 · **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2013, 09:43:28 AM

Ditto

Threeme2189 · **Reply #3 on:** March 27, 2013, 11:43:57 AM

I love seeing old tools being restored.
Keep us posted!

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chris.customworks · **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2013, 09:45:48 AM

Thank you for your positive feddback!

I decided to try my favourite method: derusting via elektrolysis. It seemed to be the most protecting, efficient and simple way of cleaning. You just put the hatchet in the elektrolysis-solution, put on power and wait. After the hatchet alightet from the fountain of youth it presented itsself in new-old glamour:

Next steps are a new handle (I like ash-wood) and a new convex edge.

Sparky415 · **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2013, 03:17:01 PM

Great job so far and the stamp looks really good

Threeme2189 · **Reply #6 on:** April 11, 2013, 08:38:51 PM

That looks amazing!
This "elektro-voodoo" must be some form of black magic! ;-)

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Grathr · **Reply #7 on:** April 16, 2013, 08:01:34 PM

That looks great! Looking forward to seeing the final result!

Syph007 · **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2013, 11:45:28 PM

I have nothing of value to add, but I love axes!

chris.customworks · **Reply #9 on:** April 23, 2013, 10:39:00 AM

Thank you for staying tuned: Her comes the Project-Update:

After the hatchet got an new handle made of ash-wood, it looks like this:

At last the hatchet will become a new edge a new leather case for transport.

Sparky415 · **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2013, 05:04:35 PM

Nice job, I'm now looking forward to seeing the new mask

Steinar · **Reply #11 on:** May 03, 2013, 07:00:46 PM

Wow, threads like these always cheer me up! That hatchet looks good.

enki_ck · **Reply #12 on:** May 03, 2013, 07:20:30 PM

Quote from: Steinar on May 03, 2013, 07:00:46 PM

Wow, threads like these always cheer me up! That hatchet looks good.

+1

I Agree. It's nice to see an old tool getting a new life. Looking forward to the Pics of the sheath.

Grathr · **Reply #13 on:** May 04, 2013, 07:27:28 PM

Quote from: enki_ck on May 03, 2013, 07:20:30 PM

Quote from: Steinar on May 03, 2013, 07:00:46 PM
Wow, threads like these always cheer me up! That hatchet looks good.

+1

I Agree. It's nice to see an old tool getting a new life. Looking forward to the Pics of the sheath.

+1.
You have done a great job on it