Some transformations are so incredible that they feel like magic. This is one of them. What started as a rust-covered, unrecognizable chunk of metal turned into a sleek, all-black cleaver with an ebony handle.
The meticulous restoration process involved removing deep rust, reshaping the blade, and applying a unique finishing technique using iron chloride and coffee. The result? A stunning black cleaver that looks brand new.
The Rusted Relic: Where It All Began
The cleaver, found on a flea market website, was in terrible shape. Covered in layers of rust and corrosion, it barely resembled a usable tool.
The edge was jagged, and the handle was long gone. But with patience, skill, and a lot of elbow grease, this forgotten piece of history was about to get a second life.
The Restoration Process: Step by Step
Restoring this cleaver wasn’t a simple job—it required a combination of traditional and modern techniques to bring it back to life. Here’s how it was done:
1. Stripping Away the Rust
The first step was tackling the heavy rust. Using a screwdriver and a rust remover spray, the surface layer of corrosion was scraped off.
The deeper rust, however, needed a more advanced approach—electrolysis. By submerging the cleaver in an electrolyte solution and running a current through it, the remaining rust was loosened and could be scrubbed away.
2. Grinding and Smoothing the Blade
Once the rust was gone, the real work began. A belt grinder was used to remove pitting and shape the blade. This step required extreme precision—grinding too much could weaken the metal, but grinding too little would leave imperfections.
The sides were carefully sanded, progressing from rough grit to a fine 1000-grit finish, until the surface was smooth and even.
3. Sharpening the Edge
A dull blade is useless, so it was time to restore its sharpness. Using a combination of sharpening stones and specialized devices, the cleaver’s edge was honed back to razor-sharp precision.
4. The Unique Black Finish
Here’s where the restoration took a fascinating turn. To achieve the deep black finish, the cleaver was soaked in a solution of iron chloride and coffee.
This chemical reaction darkened the metal, giving it a sleek, modern appearance while also providing a layer of protection against future rust.
5. Crafting the Ebony Handle
A cleaver is only as good as its grip. Instead of a standard wooden handle, this restoration went above and beyond—an ebony wood handle was handcrafted and attached.
Ebony is not only beautiful but also incredibly durable, making it the perfect choice for a high-quality restoration.
The Final Reveal
The result was nothing short of breathtaking. The entire antique cleaver turned black, from blade to handle, creating a bold, uniform look. It was hard to believe that this was the same rusted chunk of metal from the beginning.
Tools Used in the Restoration
A job like this requires the right tools. Here’s what was used:
✔ Rust removal tools: Rust remover spray, screwdriver, wire brush
✔ Shaping and smoothing: Belt grinder, sandpaper (up to 1000-grit), orbital sander
✔ Sharpening: Whetstone, sharpening tools
✔ Finishing: Iron chloride, coffee
✔ Handle crafting: Ebony wood, chisels, two-component adhesive
Watch the Full Restoration
See the transformation in action! This restoration video, posted by Forgotten Shine Restoration on YouTube, has already racked up over 73 million views—and it’s easy to see why.
Witness every step of the process and appreciate the craftsmanship behind this incredible revival.
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