My kid got this from his friend and wondering what it is, and best way to clean it up without detracting from its value. Advice appreciated and thanks in advance

Make cedar shakes.

Looks kinda like a corn cutter, but don’t really know. Lots of good YouTube tutorials on how to clean it up. But I gotta say it. Pig Castrator

Another picture. Hand forged ?

I guess what is it's value as a very rusted Froe that doesn't work

wire wheel , evapo-rust , electrolysis could all work , I guess first decide how much you think it is worth.

Likely forged iron, and likely rotten and will break during first use. Note handle socket is tapered.

I grew up in Myrtle Point Oregon. My grandpa made us one so we could make red cedar shakes for his house. You actually hold the handle with your left hand and hit the fro with a hammer. When the cedar splits give it quick push back and forth and the shake pops loose. You hit this one in the picture and you'll have two of them.

Just going by the picture, I wouldn't be surprised if you could clean it up and use it. That iron is probably tougher than the picture makes it look


And don't use a hammer, use a wooden club.

It does appear to be hand forged but it is hard to tell much about the condition from those two pictures. Definitely rusty but hard to tell how deep the rust goes.

Prices for hand forged antique froes are all over from $25 to $200 or more. But that generally includes a handle also. If you had info on where is was made or who made it, that might add to the value. But not knowing any of that and considering the condition, I suspect you are going to be closer to the lower end of the value scale.

I agree with this as well.

I've used one like that, and have it tossed out under the shed currently. Seen it the other day. It has a handle made from a chunk of alder, real professional job, still has the bark on it. Haha

No idea of the value.

Try using a mixture of vinegar and water to remove the rust. It will get it off, but there might not be anything underneath the rust.