I would not try to restore a broadaxe or any tool with rust pitting on the back, or flat side of the blade. Some pitting on the bevel side is not a big deal.
I feel obligated to interject here. I don't claim to be anywhere near Mark's level of Timberframer, not even close. However, as a hobby TF'r I think there are a lot of great tools out there which can be bought relatively cheaply, though they may not be up to the standards required by a professional tradesman. I've got a couple nice Witherbys which had some pitting on the non-bevel side and they serve me well for my level of TF'ing. Sure, they needed some work when they arrived, but for beginners such as myself they're great additions to my kit.
I just wouldn't want a budding TF'r to think that anything with some rust on it is junk and that he/she has to buy all their tools from Barr (even though they are amazing).
