FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether you’re looking to buy a restored axe, commission a custom piece, or simply learn more about Forgotten Steel, you’ll find answers to many of the most common questions below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to get in touch—I’m always happy to help.
Buying Restored Tools
Are your axes safe to use?
Yes. Every working restoration is carefully inspected and restored to be both functional and enjoyable to use. Unless otherwise stated, restored axes are intended for practical use as well as display.
Are all of your tools genuine vintage pieces?
Yes. Unless clearly described otherwise, every restored tool begins life as a genuine vintage piece. I don’t sell reproduction axe heads as vintage restorations.
Are your restorations one of a kind?
Absolutely. Every vintage tool carries its own history, wear and character. No two restorations are ever exactly alike.
What if an item has already sold?
Many restorations are unique and cannot be reproduced exactly. If a particular piece has inspired you, I’d be happy to discuss restoring something similar or creating a custom commission.
Can I reserve an item?
If you’re interested in a particular restoration, please contact me as soon as possible. While I can’t guarantee reservations, I’ll always do my best to accommodate genuine buyers.
Restoration & Commissions
Can you restore my axe?
Yes. I offer restoration services for many vintage axes and tools. Every project is assessed individually, as some tools are better suited to restoration than others.
Can you make a custom axe for me?
Yes. If you’re looking for something specific, I can often source a suitable vintage head and restore it to your requirements.
Can I choose the handle timber?
Where practical, yes. I’ll discuss suitable timber options based on the intended use of the axe and the availability of quality material.
Do you make replacement handles?
Yes. Replacement handles can be made or fitted depending on the project and available timber.
Can you make leather sheaths?
Yes. Handmade leather sheaths are available for many restorations and can also be commissioned separately.
Shipping
Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes. I ship throughout Australia using trusted carriers.
Do you ship internationally?
International shipping may be available for some products. Please contact me before purchasing so I can provide an accurate shipping quote.
How long does shipping take?
Shipping times vary depending on your location and the carrier. I’ll provide tracking information whenever available.
How are items packaged?
Every item is carefully packaged to ensure it arrives safely. I take great care when preparing each order for shipping.
Product Information
How do you determine the age of a tool?
I research every tool using available historical references, maker’s marks, catalogues and my own experience. While I do my best to be accurate, dating vintage tools isn’t always an exact science.
Why do some restored tools still show marks and imperfections?
Those marks are part of the tool’s history. My aim is to preserve its character, not erase it. Wherever possible, I retain original maker’s marks, forging marks and honest signs of age.
Are the handles finished with varnish?
No. I prefer traditional oil finishes that protect the timber while allowing it to feel natural in the hand.
Do you sharpen every axe?
Yes. Unless stated otherwise, every working restoration is sharpened before leaving the workshop.
Selling Vintage Tools
I have some old axes. Are you interested?
Absolutely. I’m always looking for vintage axes, axe heads and interesting tools to restore.
Do you buy old blacksmith tools?
Yes. I’m always interested in quality blacksmithing equipment, anvils, hammers, swages, tongs and other traditional workshop tools.
What about old timber?
Yes. I’m always interested in quality hardwood suitable for tool handles and traditional woodworking projects.
How do I sell something to you?
Simply send me a few clear photographs along with any information you know about the item. I’ll happily take a look.
Orders & Returns
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment options are displayed during checkout and may include secure online card payments and direct bank transfer.
Do you offer refunds?
If there’s ever a problem with your order, please contact me first. I genuinely want every customer to be happy and will always do my best to find a fair solution.
Please note that vintage and restored tools are sold as described and, unless required by Australian Consumer Law, are sold without warranty due to their age and unique history.
Can I cancel my order?
If your order hasn’t been shipped, please contact me as soon as possible. I’ll do my best to help.
About Forgotten Steel
Why “Forgotten Steel”?
Many of the tools I restore have spent decades sitting unused in sheds, barns and workshops. Forgotten Steel is about preserving that history and giving these remarkable tools the opportunity to work for another generation.
Do you restore every tool yourself?
Yes. Forgotten Steel is a one-man workshop. Every restoration, photograph, article and product you see on this website has been completed by me.
Can I visit your workshop?
At this stage, Forgotten Steel operates as a private workshop and isn’t open to the public. If this changes in the future, I’ll be sure to announce it on the website and social media.
Do you teach restoration?
One of my goals is to help preserve traditional knowledge. Through my articles, guides and videos, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learnt so others can enjoy restoring old tools too.
Does a worn makers stamp reduce the value?
I restore tools to be used and enjoyed, not judged by the clarity of a maker’s stamp. The quality of the steel and the craftsmanship remain, regardless of how much the stamp has faded over time.
To me, the value of a vintage axe lies in the quality of its steel and the life it still has left to give—not the sharpness of its maker’s stamp.
Still Have a Question?
If you couldn’t find the answer you were looking for, I’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s about a restoration, a commission, an old tool sitting in your shed, or simply a question about vintage axes, feel free to get in touch.
I’m always happy to talk tools.
What Axe Head Weight Should I Choose?
There is no single “best” axe weight. The right head depends on your size, strength, experience and the type of work you plan to do.
5lb (2.25kg+) – The Heavy Hitters
Large 5lb heads are highly sought after by many Australian axe enthusiasts. They carry excellent momentum and excel at heavy splitting and serious timber work. The trade-off is fatigue; they demand more from the user and are not ideal for long days unless you are accustomed to swinging a heavy axe.
4.5lb (2kg) – The Classic Australian Working Weight
The 4.5lb head is the traditional all-round Australian bush weight and is by far one of the most common sizes I restore. It has enough mass for felling and splitting while remaining manageable for most users. If I were choosing one head to do almost everything around a property, this is often where I’d start.
3.5lb (1.6kg) – The Easy-All-Day Weight
A 3.5lb head is a fantastic intermediate weight. It is easier to swing accurately, causes less fatigue over a long day and is often the size I recommend to newer users or anyone who values control and comfort over maximum power.
A Note on Restored Axes
When restoring vintage heads I sometimes need to reshape the bit because decades of sharpening have worn the edge unevenly, particularly along the upper section of the blade. Correcting that geometry can remove some steel and slightly reduce the head weight.
As a user rather than a collector, my priority is making the axe perform properly and safely. A well-shaped 3.9lb axe will usually work better than a poorly shaped 4.5lb axe.
If exact original weight is critical to you as a collector, that is completely understandable. But if you are looking for a great working axe, don’t let a small reduction in weight put you off an otherwise excellent tool.