GDR 600 hatchet

[Richard Berry]

A friend gave me this little hatchet as a thank you gift for some work I did for him. He's had it lying around for a while with the intention to do something to restore it.

I placed it in a derusting bath for 48 hours and revealed a stamp.




A bit of internet research later and I've determined that GDR axes are German made and quite sought after, fetching reasonably high prices (around €60 for this version)

The 600 refers to the weight in grams.



The laminated blade edge can be seen by the differential colouration. It was far more obvious when I removed it from the derusting solution before I scrubbed it. Unfortunately I failed to take a photo.

I will be returning it to the derusting solution for another 24 hours to get rid of the stubborn rust remnants. I'll follow up with more progress reports.

 

[Orraloon]

The GDR kept old industries working as they had no choice while West Germany modernised. I recently watched a doco on steam railways and they are now European leaders on steam train know how as they were still using them up to the reunion. They have professionally trained steam buffs. Same would go for a lot of other old trades.
Regards
John

 

[Richard Berry]

Here she is, all cleaned up, re-hung and sharpened.

The oak I used for the handle has a bit of runout, but since it's not a felling axe it should be fine.

I've not had a chance to use it yet so I have no idea about the edge retention, but I do like the balance.

I've sharpened it, not razor sharp, but adequate for my use.