Vintage Hatchet Restoration | Estwing

[@MASI_forging]

Beautiful restoration as always ❤❤

[@aprilnichols2806]

Soak the leather in hot wax. Then buff

[@the_next_adventure]

I don’t want to wax it. I’ll wax the sheath but not the handle.

[@aprilnichols2806]

@@the_next_adventure the same reason you would wax a sheath. You should wax that handle. On top of it’ll make it almost as hard as wood. I’ve done six so far. And another 15 Knives. and waterproof it. It’ll make it hard as a piece of wood. And it will buff to a high gloss. But yet still be tacky

[@the_next_adventure]

@@aprilnichols2806 That's the reason I don't wax the handles. It's the same reason I don't wax handles of my knives. You can buff leather to a high sheen as is--as I showed in the video--no need for wax. When you stain and oil them, they become water resistant without wax. Then when buffing, you are compacting the leather fibers creating a high sheen--also adding to its water resistance. And I don't like them to feel hard. I rarely wax sheaths either, but may do this one for content purposes. It's just preference, but definitely not necessary.

[@aprilnichols2806]

@@the_next_adventure oil will cause leather to rot in time. 30 year tack shop owner. Oil/ fat and moisture is what’s removed during tanning. Wax has no ill effects. I hot wax knife sheaths. And make something as good as kydex. And still old fashioned.

[@the_next_adventure]

@@aprilnichols2806 oil from a hide is different than a leather conditioner/moisturizer. I have no issue with people that wax handles or sheaths. I don't. I have and do not like the feel. I like the natural qualities of leather. I use leather wrapped handles to have a leather handle. If I wanted a wood handle, I would use wood--which I have as well. I've never had a handle, sheath or upholstery rot from using leather conditioner. Just not a fan of waxing them--so I don't.