Picked up the best one (IMO) out of a group of six axes at my local Harbor Freight. I bought this axe to modify it into a camp axe, one that I’m not afraid to use and abuse. I first stripped of the paint red paint off the axe head and the handle. I then removed the lacquer off the handle. Next I flamed the handle with a torch to bring out some grain, and drilled out a hole for a lanyard and lightly sanded. Then I put four coats of BLO (I will probably put atleast four more coats on her over the next week or so) to finish out the handle.Then i started working on the head profile. The original profile was actually decent. The edge was dull as expected. I used a file for an hour or so, and improved the profile to my liking. I decided to leave the scuff marks from the file on the axe head, I just sanded them a bit with 220 grit to age/weather them. I don’t like shiny, spotless axe heads.Lastly I cut off the spike with a hacksaw and squared of the hammer pole. I finished up the blade edge with a fine file and progressive paper sanding.I bought the hatchet for 24.99 and used a 20% off coupon for a total out the door right at $21.00. For 20 bucks I figured it would be worth a shot to see if it’s worth a damn or not. Overall length of the hatchet is 20-1/4”. I’ve done a bit of chopping in my backyard and so far the edge is intact, so I think the steel is decent. But I’ll have to give her a proper workout before I pass final judgement. But for $20 and a few hours of work, I’m pleased with how it turned out. The hanging of the head is what I think is the weak point, it’s just not done properly. So far it’s still solid, but I probably will have to rehang it at some point. I didn’t clean out the epoxy at the top to see what type of wedge they used. Time will tell though.For anyone interested here are some pics.Before:After: