Finally I mixed some black and brown paint with lots of water and painted it on to the handle using some blue roll to stain the wood and keep the wood grain visible.

 I did this several times to make it as dark as possible.  I also added some ware and tear with a curved hand file and a hand saw after which I lightly sanded it to take off some of the paint.

 Then I went over the axe with a lighter brown to give the handle highlights and a worn appearance. Lastly my tutor suggested adding some dried blood to the axe so I dabbed some red paint on the axe head and I used a tissue to rub some paint off so it would be subtle.