Forging a FOUR-BLADED AXE?!

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My name is Alec Steele and I am a 24 year old blacksmith. We make videos about making interesting things, learning about craft and appreciating the joy of creativity. Great to have you here following along!
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Alec Steele Blacksmith 2022

[@Merennulli]

Also works as the world's (probably) largest angled-head phillips screwdriver.

[@seppelescur]

We´re gonna need a giant screw now to test that

[@Merennulli]

@@seppelescur That sounds like a fun project. I wonder if he would do it on a mill or forge the spiral and weld it on.

[@SimonBauer7]

@@Merennulli couldnt you use a lathe? just turn the thread setting on and away you go!

[@jeremychurch590]

For those tight to reach places

[@mrkiky]

Now we need the Torx Axe with 6 blades. Even more kindling, plus you can open some Apple products too.

[@Doug8D3]

If forged diagonally one of the split pieces of wood would hit the handle.

[@WireWeHere]

...and that can hurt.

[@Th3Build3r]

This

[@equinoxproject2284]

First thought

[@Kovanoid]

That's what I thought too! Good choice Alec

[@ZAC4TT4CK101]

And the split peice could also fly at you

[@gregorytruono8924]

I was like “wow, that tool makes splitting wood look so easy!” Then I remembered it’s being wielded by a man who literally swings heavy hammers for a living.

[@realname4625]

Pretty sure adding more blades would only serve to make it harder to split wood. More surface area to spread out the force of the impact. (Idk if this is talked about in the video. I haven't watched it yet.)

[@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929]

splitting wood isnt actually that hard its more technique than raw power.

[@TheVirusWar]

You all have to take into consideration the weight of the axe. It does make it harder to swing, but adds up into more striking force. For a healthy, physically active male (aka. anyone that actually has the need to use an axe at least per season), this is actually quite an attractive thing. Speaking from experience, ofc. I would love to have this.

[@datpudding5338]

@@westcoastwarriorsarchive7929 And a good and heavy axe head doing most of the work for you due to gravity

[@datpudding5338]

@@TheVirusWar True! Make the back softer, so it doesnt chip. Set it on the wood and smack on it with a hammer for even more ease and accuracy

[@Eremon1]

I've seen about 5 videos on making a crosshead axe. This is the only one to forge it from a single piece. I've got so much more confidence in this blade than any other I've watched.

[@Gary-NB]

I would love to see you make a set of wrought iron gates for your new house. You could also at the same time beat the record for the most episodes for one project 😂

[@JamiePopple]

There’s a plan for that, probably won’t look how you’re imagining them though

[@Anino_Makata]

@@JamiePopple Oh hello Jamie. Nice to hear about this upcoming project. Also, I don't think you've heard it enough from the audience but you've been doing fantastic work with filming and editing these vids!

[@milanbennett9743]

Can he beat the zwihender episode wise😂

[@JamiePopple]

@@Anino_Makata Thanks Miguel, appreciated!

[@jadedelite]

Should make a triangular 3 bladed version! Those V's would be an even more interesting challenge.

[@Jimjolnir]

I like this idea! I wonder how it would fare against the 4 bladed?

[@mrkiky]

Seems like even more of a nightmare. Triangles are some of the hardest things to forge. You need a swage for them. But in this case, it's a 3 pronged thingy, so the bottom dye should be a concave V-shape with an extra slot, and the top dye should be triangular and you'd have to turn it around on 3 sides. Then punching the hole definitely needs to be done on a V block and then on a V block with a hole in the middle.

[@mrfriedchicken5162]

The handle would get in the way of one of the peices of chopped wood. So a three sided axe wouldn't just be far harder to forge, but also less practical

[@mrkiky]

@@mrfriedchicken5162 if you cut the top flush you wouldn't have that problem

[@Codebreakerblue]

If you have the "point" of the triangle facing towards the handle, then all the wood pieces would split and miss the handle Turn the axehead "upside down" so to speak and problem solved One problem of many lol

[@Robenbuilds]

Forging the cross shape with the v-dies looks very satisfying. You should definitely try and use this method for some interesting forge welding patterns!

[@joshschneider9766]

Forge an x like that then put it in a canister with some 1095 and you have the makings of some sweet geometric mosaic Damascus I bet

[@ThatWorks]

Forging is fun! Glad you went that route. Seems like it would be fun to use!

[@erikstevens8537]

It’s cool do see you do a project like this, similar to the projects you did when you got your start. Simple and beautiful! Well done! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@jonathanvanderpol1435]

I'm surprised for the lack of mass and how much extra friction there would be with your bigger cross-section that it does as well as it does. Not only looks really cool, but actually works! Great job, Alec!

[@rasmis]

I have a Fiskars X27 splitting axe. It doesn't have a lot of mass, and it's not made from iron. But it splits wood like a light sabre. It's mad. Maybe Alex could do another collab with Real Engineering, and research what makes a good splitting axe. And then do a multi-way version.

[@dragonwing4ever]

@@rasmis nah timothy dyck would be a good one to collab an axe build with

[@52Ford]

@@rasmis In my experience, A 4lb to 6lb maul ("splitting axe") with a convex edge and concave cheeks and a long handle is the way to go. On really knotted wood, if a GOOD 6lb maul doesn't do it, you either get out wedges if you REALLY want it split, or just use a hydraulic log splitter. Usually, when I split wood, I'm splitting 18" to 36" diameter pieces 18" long. Mostly red and white oak. Sometimes smaller, sometimes is isn't oak. 4 to 6 pounds is still about right. Anything heavier is a waste of energy for straight grain wood.

[@rasmis]

@@52Ford Fiskars also do a maul. The X27 however is like using magic. But because of the material, you can't use it with an additional hammer. That's why it'd be interesting to see an engineer investigate why. And see if Alex can replicate it.

[@emoAnarchist]

i think it might be a little less of "the axe is good despite it's lack of mass" and a little more of "the axe is being swung by a guy that's really really good at swinging hammer-like objects"

[@christophermorin9036]

That came out really good! I even like the look of the botched drift hole. it closed into a nice little triangle that's a perfect place to put a maker's mark where it won't get damaged from use.

[@RamDragon32]

This is brilliant. If anything could make Dwarven Dad proud, it'd be this axe. Speaking of dwarves... I've always loved your adherance to historical processes when doing those types of builds. What about a fantasy build with a historical twist and make a Dwarven Urgrosh - a type of war axe made longer than a great axe but not so long as a polearm with a spear-head on the handle. Or... now let's just go crazy here, an Orcish Double Axe! A double-headed axe on each end of the handle.

[@voltekthecyborg7898]

The Dwarven Urgrosh looks like a similar, historical weapon. A pole ax. They were as tall as two handed axes, but with a hammer, spear, and then a buttspike. Sometimes the spike was replaced by a blunt piece

[@baggaza]

I'd love to see some updated 'beginner' courses on your channel Alec, it's something I've wanted to get into quite a lot recently and while there is certainly a lot of content out there, your presentation and teaching style, especially since your Tom Scott collaboration, makes me feel you'd do it amazingly. Amazing video as always, cheers from Australia.

[@br4d101]

I think if you go right back to some of the first videos there is quiet a lot of useful info on starting! As he’s always said make leaves first n get good at them! They’re harder than you think!

[@locohombre79]

That first forge into a cross shape… could you do that with a Damascus billet, then cut it into slices and forge weld it tessellated together?

[@leor1c513]

This

[@davoacuna9794]

This right here

[@Anino_Makata]

That'd make for a cool pattern.

[@martylawson1638]

Or just give it a twist and forge it square again. Lots of cool things to do with the V-dies and Damascus!

[@Johnhamsta]

I really like the idea of making the tool you need. Also would be cool to see a complete blacksmithed version of a normally wooden furniture item, like a chair or workdesk. Great channel, great content!

[@readygames8587]

Honestly I think a basic series of making basic everyday tools would be awesome. Like shovels,pickaxes, kitchen knives, etc

[@incrediblesloth85]

at first I was like "Man, this seems like a mace with extra steps" and then by the end I was like "well, I've been wrong before because that was rad"

[@spudd86]

There's a reason to run the handle through the direction you did that you didn't mention: If your wood only partially splits if the handle runs along the blade it will be narrower than the split and you can push it through.

[@duodot]

That ending was so good! Man I don't understand where you're getting all your energy from, it must be from Útgarða-Loki's horn. You're such a joy to watch, and you are extremely skillfull. Your mistakes in the challenge and how you get around them, and the way you explain your thought process, is absolutely beautiful to watch. Greetings from a gunsmith, but a novice blacksmith.

[@jasonwoods2504]

I personally would love to see you forge a dragon dagger. So the blade would have a slight curve and style of your choice as you forge. But the handle being a dragon body going to the head at the end. And for the guard have either 4 points coming up on the corners. OR if you can figure it out, make the for points into dragons feet. 😱😱😱😍😍😍😱😱😱 Add some gold into it and maybe some red gems for the eyes. I think would look amazing. Would give you a challenge and end product would look stunning. Can also be another long part series too. I hope this gives you good motivation and I think many people would love to see this also.

[@michaelhull9996]

Make the bigger, heavier 4-way you want next from Damascus! Personally, I think a 4-way-war hammer-battle axe type weapon would be sweet.

[@GoldmansGarage]

I’d love to see some decorative steel and wood work. How about a book case/shelf. Something for the house

[@Anino_Makata]

A wrought iron and wood coat rack would be elegant.

[@brianfalls5038]

Nice job on the axe there Alec! I've seen others take 2 axe heads and turn them into a 4 way axe but I've never seen one forged like what you did. Great job!!

[@LouiesFishing]

Hi Alec, love watching you work with steel. You have inspired me to start forging. We would love to see you make a Kampilan which is a historical weapon here in the Philippines. I would be nice to see you make it with some Japanese hamon like what you did with the falchion project a couple of years ago. Avid fan from Philippines.

[@ogre7699]

Sharpening this thing must be an absolute bitch to do, but I'm actually impressed by the fact it still works for the job it's meant to do. This would be a vicious bastard of a weapon regardless, blunt or sharp. I love it. Would be dope to see in a film, or some kind of fictional setting.

[@Wyattwaddill]

Thanks Alex watching your channel has taught me a lot of stuff and has got me into welding and forging and I've just made my very first sword

[@jinglesbejankin7322]

This is legit my dream job. Forging and reforging and melting down and forging and reforging forever and always to entertain myself and a crowd.

[@karahlameria2612]

A flanged mace out of one solid chunk of Damascus steel would be cool to see since it maybe similar to this to expand on the knowledge, use those dies more. Plus how cool would it be to see a creative Damascus steel on a mace.

[@lennoxtime3222]

Love the axe, would love to see you make a damascus wrench set.

[@Anglo-EgyptianMan]

I'm glad you put the handle in line with the blade, if you don't do this you would break your handle every time you used the axe since the blade wouldn't be there to push the split log out of the way of the handle as it comes down.

[@venus_de_lmao]

The sheer joy in your face while testing it out is really something to behold.

[@joshschneider9766]

If you made a batch of these I'd definitely buy one. Added length so you can use it as a splitting maul via hits with a sledge would add both functionality and weight. Brilliant work.

[@bonerfart8892]

Can you make a video describing the pro`s and cons regarding the different power hammers you have had during the years. I think that would be really interesting.

[@Anino_Makata]

The Sanhinler, the Pilkington, the Anyang, the Chambersburg, the Stanko, and the last German hammer I've forgotten the name of. Would be a nice trip down memory lane.

[@itatane]

Could you perhaps try to make an axe out of mild steel, which you then carburise in a clay envelope. (Clickspring did a video about the ancient process, it seems fascinating and has me wondering what the practical limits to it are. If someone doesn't have access to decent steel, could they use the process to make what they have more useful?) Or can you theoretically do a complete colonial era woodworker set? (Axe, Adze, Drawknife, Scorp, Spokeshaves, Chisels, Spoon knife, Mallet, Froe, etc.?)

[@mrkiky]

Case hardening individual parts like Clickspring does is a huge energy waster though. You have to keep it at that high temperature for a long time. Plus Clickspring made the mistake to think that the visible circle in the broken piece represents how deep the carburization went. Another youtuber had such a piece actually analized and found out that his case hardening was actually much more shallow. So it would take even longer to get a thicker case, or have it carburized throughout. I guess, it's not the best way to make steel.

[@ReedWolfewawrzynek]

Im so glad you put the handle in at the angle you did. If you put it across the short section, you handle would be mauled by the wood your splitting and become all chipped up.

[@IanZainea1990]

9:17 this is the best one. Can you please upload a 30 second clip of showing it from overhead. Like, looking down at the wood. In slow motion, as it splits the wood 4 ways lol

[@samuelgerber9501]

You should try and forge a pitchfork.

[@shogun9184]

Crossed Axe Dmg: 5-10 Speed: 7 Critical chance: 60% (Splits woods into four pieces on critical)

[@nothingrealy905]

Mini crossed mase?? Axe? Two/One handed weapon(extra 70%damage when used two handed) Attack type:swing/throw Damage:10~17 Attack speed:1.7 Critical hit chance:40%~25% Critical damage:71% Attributes:light,thunder, on hit effect: creates a holy cross that shines and damage who tough it with 5 light damage Rarity: super rare Story in medieval days there once was a axe thrower that managed to throw two axes in the exact some spot and in that exact same time it was hit by thunder that it was how this axe was made

[@Danbotics]

I’m just getting started with blacksmithing and trying to find/make a good anvil stand. I’d love to see you talk about how to secure different sized anvils properly and possibly make something basic in a video?

[@davidmeeks2405]

Have finished my anchor pole/spear and now have the crazy idea to make a sleeve that will simply slide onto the end of said pole with a harpoon tip and a simple ring with which to attach a rope. This rope would then be attached to a small to medium sized barrel. As I fish fresh and salt water in a 12" paddle drive kayak there may come a time that a legal species is simply bigger than what I want to catch with a rod and reel. The idea is a good one and I believe definitely doable but well 🤞 Wish me luck. Enjoyed as always.

[@imdaweed9781]

Have you ever heard of a contraption called "Alofs" its basically a really complicated magazine for a single barrel break action shotgun, could be a great project to build something very rare and weird! And i think if im informed right, you can own shotguns in GB. Otherwise you could send it to will to test it maybe.

[@QwispJr]

It's been a while since we have seen a nice sword made. What would you think of trying to make a gladius out of feather damascus? Also, the axe was awesome.

[@NoobieTaco]

That bit of weld bead was probably actually really good for the splitting potential. That super hard steel on the focal point of your swing I would think helps out a lot against the relatively soft wood.

[@Meoiswa]

2:00 This looks almost exactly like a LEGO Technic Cross Axle, but huge and made of steel.... Idea for a future video? Forging a LEGO Technic axle replica, complete with wheels?

[@jakem8572]

Would love to see you do a long sword project like the katana or rapier a second time, being that you are now smarter and better. Would be really interesting watching you apply what you learned the first time to try to do even better.

[@jcarpenter1988]

I would love to see you create outdoor manly house decorations. Like forge every piece of a gate, then forge some steel casters, and a steel track so the gate can be moved back and forth. And get a big badass 25HP motor to move it all. Or forge a real security door, unbreakable high carbon steel security door. Or forge spikes for the spike traps you can lay around your yard. Booby traps!

[@Double.J]

While you were making it I was worried that it was going to be too small and then you confirmed it for me at the end saying you needed more mass. Thanks for figuring it out yourself.

[@Adam-ve5gg]

I like the fact that he went straight to point, straight to forging and put the sponsor at the end, thats how youtubers should do it

[@zwilnik]

Keep in mind that even though you're doing the work all at once, the same amount of total work (force over distance) is being done. Generally, if you want to make a easier, you stretch the distance or time the force is applied over. See block and tackles, screws or ramps. Anyway, your applying the same force over less distance, so you're doing more work per stroke, making the job harder, but take less time. Long way of saying that a four headed ax doesn't save any work, just redistributes it. And adds friction.

[@mrkiky]

If it saves time it's still good though. Splitting a round into 4 pieces requires positioning the round, then repositioning the other 2 pieces and striking 3 times, so 3 positionings and 3 strikes in total. With this, if you get the perfect hit, it's 1 positioning and 1 swing. So definitely less work and less energy as well since when you bend over to pick up the pieces of wood, it's the same energy. The weight of the wood is negligible. Basically it's less logistics. And you probably save energy with the swings as well. Sure the total amount of work put into the piece is the same, but having one stronger swing might be more efficient muscle wise, than 3 less powerful swings (plus those less powerful swings might exceed the power needed, so you end up with roughly the same energy consumption).

[@jakobrosenqvist4691]

Well, if all the energy you spend goes in to splitting the wood this is true, but when you are splitting smaller pieces you often end up using way more energy than needed for the split wich you then have to either arrest or allow it to be dispursed into the stump. If this energy can be put to use yiu would indeed save some energy.

[@Ceece20]

Well you barely have to spend any energy on making sure the blade lines up with the wood. I doubt you’ll have the axe bounce off the stump.

[@charlesjmouse]

Always entertaining, thank you. A random tip: When drifting holes if you put a little ground coal down the forming hole you'll find the drift is much, much easier to get out again.

[@scotthoover6891]

Just finished my first blacksmithing class because of your videos. Made a nice knife.

[@pieterhdejong]

Love seeing a video where the focus is back on the forging again and not the grinding! More of this plz!

[@TheJoe1911]

Alec, I think it's time to make a cannon. I think a twist damascus would look awesome

[@Anino_Makata]

Colin Furze had to register the auto loading potato cannon he had on his tank because UK guns laws deemed it an illegal weapon. I have a feeling Alec would get in a similar pickle if he made a cannon.

[@no_social_skill1369]

Imagine the damage this would do in war, I'm sure the cross shaped cut would be particularly hard to stich up

[@fadhlan1000]

reminds me of the cyclone knife, those three-bladed knife or other similar like that are banned to use in war since it's difficult to recover from the knife wound

[@SebastianMichaelisBlackButler]

I’m pretty sure it would also count as an anti-armor weapon. Similar to a hammer.

[@Thelastcritic]

Alec, is there anything that you made earlier on in your carrier that you would like to revisit? Now that you have a deeper and wider well of experience, I'm interested in seeing you redoing some projects. As you go through talk about what you are doing differently and why. I loved the socket wrench project, and anytime you do the "Need a tool? Make a tool." So, maybe some other tools? Make a tool and then use the tool for another project? Like the draw knife and then green wood chair project, or fancy Japanese knife you needed for the katana build.

[@HumanAction76]

Really would like to see Alec take on an intricate sword again. Something with a unique blade, decorative guard, and some carved handle. Oh, and no less than a dozen videos in the series.

[@PhiTheProducer]

If you put the handle on the diagonal you would be blocking your wood from traveling through the axe … that wouldn’t be a good axe now would it

[@noodles_playz_guitar529]

You have no Idea how fast I clicked on the vid

[@cleverusername9369]

I think I can guess because same, I clicked faster than immediately.

[@CorwinTheOneAndOnly]

The fact that this idea actually works and we haven't really seen this done before in history is actually amazing. This would have cut work time by over 50%. Absolutely marvelous.

[@KonaFanatiker]

Except you'd need a second tool, a regular axe, to cut down the logs and tree's. At least I don't think that people cared too much about smooth surfaces and uniform size with their firewood to specifically use saws for making small logs for firewood in the first place, when they had an axe and were not in a specific woodworking profession.

[@CorwinTheOneAndOnly]

@@KonaFanatiker work time is everything. If you could produce over twice the amount of product in the same amount of time, it is absolutely worth the expense of another tool

[@KonaFanatiker]

@@CorwinTheOneAndOnly from todays perspective easily, where most tools cost very little by comparison to potential profit (industrial scale). Yet handchopped firewood was clearly not something you'd be making a lucrative business out of. Or where cutting it into uneven smaller pieces faster was worth doing / the effort.

[@josephrichardson7366]

awesome project. Would love to see a set of artist pallet knives :) i'd buy those. Also something for your pet and i think a real challenge is single handed pooper scooper for pets!

[@MariniProduction2021]

I did thor's hammer instead as a job this month but it doesn't do the same views as yours

[@sharon543]

Noooo 🥲

[@Alberto-oe6wj]

I saw your channel, it's very nice ... keep it up💥

[@MariniProduction2021]

@@Alberto-oe6wj thanks 😁

[@justinevans5616]

probably going to take longer than 7 months bud

[@MariniProduction2021]

@@justinevans5616 I know, I know .... but I thought that at least with the release of the film it was better, I still have a lot to learn and I can't expect much but I don't give up after 7 months😁

[@kellykubisiak4439]

Love all the different projects. I've seen you make a number of larger mass type knives, how about a more delicate, flexible knife like a fillet knife?

[@keamu8580]

Just weld a 16mm bolt onto the back and use that to attach some threaded auxiliary weights to increase the striking mass of the quadaxe! Make them in kilogram intervals (1, 2, 3, 5, 7, etc) to suit the wielder and the wood being split!

[@ohusky271]

so glad to be on this journey with everyone of watching Alec's Biceps get bigger

[@mateocarantong2609]

brutal, I always thought that it would be better if that ax was forged from scratch instead of being welded with other axe heads, amazing video alec congralutations

[@andyaitken4243]

Fun fact, if you get the axe stuck in the log turn the axe over and hit the back of the axe with the log attached on your chopping stump. Excellent work as always Alex.

[@WelkerFarms]

Mad skillz Alec!

[@ryonb2875]

I do believe it would be phenomenal to witness you forge matching armor for you and your dog

[@JoeMacBro]

need to make a battle axe version of this next. love your work guys

[@philochristos]

I'm glad you decided to drift the hole where you did. If you had done it on the diagonal, that would've created a big problem. When you went to split the wood, there's be no place for the wood to go that ended up in the quadrant directly beneath the handle.

[@BlackVaseKarmaPolice]

I saw a guy comment that you should make iron gates to your new house. that would be awsome to see. You could also try to forge new tongs. If you feel really confident (and perhaps slightly masochistic) you could try to make a medieval armor chestpiece

[@thegreatsimone8452]

Hi Alec! Just a little tip for the new vise. I think that you should put a piece of flat vise aside to the pointy one, because if you miss the hot metal the vise can slip to one side and brake the powerhammer. Big fan for a long time. Keep going likes this. Sorry for the english, i'm still learning.

[@TheTomHairbear]

Chinese Dadao sword. Can be creative with a Damascus pattern on a wide faced blade. Rings on the back edge, could be looped dragons in bronze for example. Wrapped handle, guard and pommel could be made to match the back edge. Would make for a very good multi part series similar to some of your other sword builds.

[@hergaflerga]

I've loved watching your videos for years....I do think the last 2 have been a bit rushed though....I still loved watching you forge stuff, and I am obviously not the craftsman, but maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a step back and look at the workmanship and the process you're using. Again, I still loved watching this video

[@Thimster]

honestly would like to see you make some neat looking Damascus cutlery

[@citreuz7157]

i'd love to see you do a ringing bell/table bell with some cool forms/outlines :D

[@guts60]

What you could have done was forged a maul head on the opposite site of the blades. I have a wood splitting axe with a sledgehammer head on it, and it not only adds maul functionality but also increased the weight substantially to better log splitting

[@frankierzucekjr]

So darn cool. Well done buddy. I really like it. If you would have put the pole through the center of the X, the splits of woods would have been split into your direction. Instead of away from you.

[@ChaosUnit178]

If you had put the hole diagonally, you would have had a unique cross axe, but you would have also found that the piece closest to the wielder would have been blocked by the handle

[@TheRealUSPSureShot]

So glad @alecsteele figured out that putting the handle in the x axis corners would mean that wood will hit the handle, breaking it.

[@ogmaification]

Amazing project! I’ve been wondering if you should make the edges meet at an angle to punch through easier, seems like a cross is a bit flat where it hits the wood?

[@Stackosaurus]

The four-blade axe concept works by splitting a round log of wood on each quarter. Wood's natural inclination is always to split on the quarter, ie a cross through the centre of a circle in line with the pith and perpendicular to the growth rings.

[@sealdoggydog]

Construct the legendary Shield of Achilles! Made by the Greek God of blacksmiths and metalworking; Hephaestus. The shield consists of five layers (or plates); two from bronze, two inner plates of tin, and an intermediate plate of gold. Oh yes! Another 18 part video series??!

[@mrkiky]

Yes, totally a big ol disk made of gold seems like a good thing to spend budget on 😂

[@KeppyKep]

I love how when you need extra tools you just make them!

[@dieushade]

I'd like you to forge a Survival shovel! And another Idea : why not forge with the scales taken off after forging? Possible? :)

[@coltadams45]

Need to make the big brother version of this axe!

[@waverleyjournalise5757]

3:46 Such a genuine laugh "I goofed up". Glad you can laugh at such a mistake, quality of character!

[@MrGoesBoom]

On the one hand, that's a hell of a bit of work to try and avoid splitting wood. On the other interesting concept it's a fun little concept for you to get back to actually forging on. Thanks for the upload!

[@andrewwatts1997]

I love it when you talk about holes the way you do

[@gingermedman8509]

If you ever do another, maybe heavier one, I'd love to see you ponder over whether it would be more effective to have a "leading" blade like you see in other builds. As opposed to both cross blades intersecting perfectly flush. My guess would be that it's better to have the blades offset so you're hitting with smaller surface area and more force goes into the first blade edge, and its less likely to get stopped. But I'd love to see what a professional tool builder thinks.

[@jonathanlunger2775]

A splitting maul can be 8-20 lbs I'd recommend one on the heavy side if you're planning on doubling the work that it had to do per swing. Awesome build, super cool!

[@Marisa_enjoyer]

No shot anybody uses a 20 lb maul. 10 is the upper limit of what's usable.

[@opesam]

Been ages since we had a "need a tool; make a tool" moment!

[@stormrunner9435]

i want one. using the right technique you can develop some killer abs chipping wood. but it requires a pretty heavy axe. if the proper technique isn't used you can hurt your back easily. That is good technique, Alec.

[@scottadams1061]

Cool project. Splitting mauls are heavy to begin with. If I were to make an X pattern splitter (welded as In the inspiration for this project) I would use 2 double bit axes. I THINK it would be much lighter and therefore easier to wield.

[@yoursexualizedgrandparents6929]

That makes for a pretty badass weapon idea. It wouldn't be very practical as an axe, but if made to be significantly smaller (by a bit more than half) it would be a great war hammer.

[@gabrielnguyen5580]

yknow now that i think about it its basically a mace with extra steps lol

[@SirHorned19]

@@gabrielnguyen5580 Its just a god damned flanged mace... Why does nobody know this?

[@Zogg1281]

That is so cool!! I never thought I'd see a forged 4 blade. The next logical step would be making a larger one followed by the Holy grail 4 blade Damascus axe 😁 I'm thinking that with a larger piece of steel you might also be able to taper the area where you need to drift the eye so you don't have as much steel to drift through 🤔 Not sure on that one but I'd love to know if it works 👍👍👍👍

[@juanandrade9553]

Smart choice to punch the hole through on of the blades other then diagonal. I believe if you did make the hole diagonal your running the potential chance of the splited wood to fly back at you.

[@simcoespring]

hangers, brackets curtain rod ends and shelving brackets for your new house.

[@Werevampiwolf]

My favorite thing about smithing is "I need [X] tool to make the thing I'm making. So I'm gonna make that too" Also, my two cents is that this is a four-bladed axe, because you forged it from a cross, but if you'd done what most people do and take two axes and weld them together, then it would be a two-bladed axe (or possibly three-bladed, since one of the axes is cut in half). But not a double-bladed axe, because to me, that's an axe with a head on both ends.

[@goodguykonrad3701]

I think it makes sense to put the hole in line with the blade because it means, when you swing the axe, two of the blades are in line with your swing