Nitromors was what I used to to strip the paint on mine, it worked like a charm but I have no idea if you can get it in Norway.
I never had a problem with soft steel on either of mine, but the one from the shop was blunt when it arrived. I was also a bit surprised how small the head was, even if I did go on to make them even smaller The pipe and spike Hawk are larger and every bit as good for modding so it's easy to get something you like.