Hewing Hatchet / Axe Restoration Part 1 - Initial Head Cleanup 

Thanks for the recycle chalk tip. Nice work.

OK, I've seen a few of your videos but you could've done this better. I haven't 'reworked' a lot of tools but I did a similar job on a hewing hatchet last year. You filed off the peened over corners. I take a hammer (ball peen, usually) & beat the corners back into shape as much as I can. Only after straightening the corners then I may file 'em, *may*, only if they are still too sharp. You've got a an anvil, you don't ever need to heat the head. Just take a hammer & beat the corners back as close to original as you can. Nobody expects perfection but you can get it much more like the original shape w/ just a hammer. Beating on the head, or it on another piece of metal is what rolled the corners in the 1st place. So beating them back into shape is the better way, at least IMO. My point is I try not to remove any metal that I don't have to. To remove rust without grinding, filing, etc., I use citric acid, vinegar, or both. It will, as you said, change the look, the ones I soaked look more grey than brown or reddish But it does not remove metal. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!