Most forged items sold by Raven Shadow Forge are given a traditional “brushed and waxed” finish. This means that forge scale is removed with a wire brush, followed by the application of a wax-based finish that melts to the surface while the steel is still hot. This provides a rust-resistant coating that should last many years. Some items that are prone to more abuse such as fireplace tools can lose this finish more quickly, and may therefore be prone to rust and corrosion more readily.
Any item intended for use outdoors or in an area with frequent exposure to moisture (such as bathroom towel racks) can be finished with either a rust-proof paint or clear waterproof lacquer. These options are available as alternative finishes in our shop for many items, or can be applied by customer request.
Items that are intended for use with food are finished with either beeswax, a food-grade oil, or in some cases both. If the item will be exposed to high heat, this finish is baked on, similar to curing a cast iron pan. Any tool made of simple or high carbon steel will rust (unlike stainless steel), and will require regular maintenance to prevent this.
Woodcarvings, bowls, wooden tool handles, and leather work may be finished with a variety of waxes and oils, food-safe or otherwise depending on their intended use. Even with proper finishing, they should never be left to soak in water and can be prone to splitting or cracking from extremes of humidity and dryness unless regularly maintained.
Please select the link below for specific use and care instructions to ensure a lifetime of use from your handcrafted product.
Leather