Beginner's Guide to Forging Axes: A Step-by-Step Guide

To enter the Giveaway: Subscribe & leave a comment! The winner will be contacted here by me. The giveaway ends May 7th. /Nils

[@tiresomekarma4054]

Can you make a step by step video on making a wrapped eye axe with mild steel body and forge welded high carbon steel bit?

[@jorgenlindstrand120]

Trevligt att du är tillbaka. Och jag gillar dina videor när du pratar också. Fin video. 👍

@@tiresomekarma4054 its coming!

[@tiresomekarma4054]

@ Thank you very much

[@kjell-ovekarlsen8987]

Awsome axe.

[@drewmcdonald172]

Thanks for the video Nils, and the bonus anvil review. For any Aussies or Americans that didn't know, C45 is equivalent to 1045.

[@CitizenSmith50]

You make it look so easy ! As a learner, I would like to see some potential mistakes, and how to rectify them. Thanks for the informational video !

Thats a good point! Thanks!

[@theTeknoViking]

@ I would have liked to see a bit more of the finished axe too.. just a thought tho. Cheers!

[@PhoenixAureliusAlchemist]

Absolutely Extraordinary to see this done exclusively with hand tools! It inspired me to get out on the forge and give this a go!

[@PapaDinosaur]

My sons and I were absolutely enthralled by this excellent demonstration. Thank you, from Budapest!

[@alexbrandt1875]

Great video Nils! It's good to see a professional forge in the same way a beginner must start. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@scottellis4788]

It's so good seeing people go back to basics, the axe came out fantastic

[@bigoldgrizzly]

Nice to see a well presented video showing the process, without using expensive power tools and aids that many of us cannot afford.

[@taylorboyle1364]

Absolutely loved the video! I would love to see an entire series like this where you explain the step by step process, makes it very obtainable for a beginner to get into. And as always the end result looked fantastic!

[@SaintGalganoArmory]

Loved this video Nils. Hope you make an entire series like this!

[@Maxbotz11]

I friking love this, I’m a beginner and I’m learning as much as I can, thank you so much for giving me a new skill!

[@lukelofgren4108]

Very good video for beginners wanting to make an axe by hand! The Hudson bay and is a classic, I've never made one personally. I think my favorite axe you have made was the hjartum. I just punched the hole in a 3"x1"x5" billet of 1045 to make the body. 80crv2 will be my edge steel for that one. Keep up the good work Nils you are a great inspiration for me.

[@stephentpegler]

Where can one get billets that size?

[@Carterironworks]

It is nice to see guys that normally use power tools out of the reach of many use hand tools that aren't to expensive or hard to get make something that many think are also out of their reach. Great job sir

[@alexgraham904]

This is a great tutorial, I would love to start forging my own projects with the same dedication. Taking it step by step makes it easy for everyone to learn and understand. Well done

[@craigjones7401]

Nils, thanks for posting this. We had a conversation a couple weeks ago about me learning to forge my own axe someday. This was the perfect example of how simple the process can be. Thanks you for sharing. I’m inspired to go make one now.

[@lorendavis8683]

Nicely done. I’ve watched your videos for years and and am pleased to see this back to basics perspective. It’s easy to forget that steel axes have primarily been made by hand over time and that power hammers and other modern technologies are not needed to achieve a high degree of craftsmanship. I like seeing how axes are made in all kinds of ways but this video is special as it shows that you possess the fundamental knowledge and skill needed to make a steel axe. The process is accessible to all kinds of people, for sure. Thanks for the nice video!

[@BiffBuzzhnsm]

Hello Nils, I've already watched every single video of yours but the tutorials you make on how to hand forge axes really lit my passion for forging axes. You are a great inspiration man, I love how genuine you talk to your audience as if we were all in a single room as we listen and watch you forge. I just forged my axe from a piece of leaf spring and im looking forward to be as good as you in years more to come. Thank you so much Nils

[@WanderinWeske]

Very inspiring Nils! As a bladesmith, you inspire me to try my hand at axe making.

[@alexmorgan1667]

Love your content, its always very motivating with how simple and easily explained your processes are, very beginner friendly with high quality work!

[@ughmas]

Love the simple yet effective design of this axe - definitely inspiring me to try one by hand as soon as I get a drift!

[@liam_culb]

This is brilliant Nils! Agree with the others, would love to see a series of different axes by hand, but trust me, I know how hard that is! Much appreciated - Liam

[@Chr721]

Very nice work man! Love from Italy 🇮🇹

[@MoneyMan-fj1rr]

This is a great video, especially for beginners like myself. Everything is explained simply, and the tricks you share are very practical. Making an axe seemed too daunting, but seeing you make one with the same anvil I have motivated me to try.

[@stoicc6510]

This was excellent! Made my first axe from a railroad spike just a week or so ago, and this has given me a good deal of insight for improving my next one!

[@jackduckworthsringpiece4687]

This Viking Blacksmith is one of the best Teachers on youtube!!! Magic at work right here

[@rhodridavies9426]

Really nice step by step video. Unfortunately, this kind of work is not something I'm going to be able to do due to space and time constraints, but I love that there are videos like this on youtube for if I ever got the chance to try my hand at axe making! Thanks Nils, and as always, love your work!

[@stevengrimes4473]

I’ve always wanted to make an axe and this video has given me the determination to accomplish just that! Thank you love the channel!

[@toms6464]

Great video Nils. Good to see you're back to producing videos after the challenges you've had recently! Keep it up!

[@iniosirakov6243]

Хубаво е че има такива хора като вас да показва своето знание,с една дума МАЙСТОР.

[@ericc3327]

Beautiful axe, the steps were presented well and while you make it look easy I suspect someone trying to do this for the first time would get great benefit.

[@nicklasbragsjo22]

Även om jag aldrig hållt i en smideshammare är det alltid inspirerande att se ditt arbete!

[@PitterPatter42]

Just found your channel, greatly appreciate the videos for beginners with minimal equipment and experience. I'd love to see a series that shows the progression of skill, forging the same design and adding detail, tools, and skills as the series progresses. Cheers!

[@louisaziz1235]

Thank you for this video and using only hand tools. So many hobbyist metal workers/blacksmiths, like myself, enjoy watching forging videos and want to learn, but most are using power hammers. We learn by observing and watching the way you move the metal with your hammer in your hand.

[@FlashBIOS]

That's a great tutorial! I gotta say, for the first time I feel this is accessible with the tools I have. All I see people use is power hammers and other tools that I don't have. Thank you very much!

[@xaele1]

Very nice axe. Hope to see your channel continue to grow and perhaps see more step-by-steps.

[@cyrax321]

Just setup my coal forge this week and looking for my first project. Thank you for the inspiration to start forging my own axe! Cheers!

[@calebelkins8600]

This just came across my feed, loved it. I have the same, or a very similar anvil, and also liked to see the use of the right tongs for the job throughout the demonstration.

[@PossumSausage]

I just finished up an axe head for my rendezvous kit. I did a wrap style out of wrought iron with a spring steel bit. I forged it as kind of a cross between a colonial style and Hudson Bay.

[@johnjude2685]

I'm on board with 45 diagonal tools. I'm older and reach out for the 90-degree piens is more of a reach than I find needed. The 45 degrees tool for swedging the axe looks so much smarter for myself. Don't believe I've seen drift and 45-degree tools much. I'm do have a diagonal cross pein and rounding hammer combo that a friend built me I've rebuilding my Forge and have exchanged the short handle and fitted a longer handle now believe I've got what I will love and find it as a fantastic tool. Always love your videos, and can you build great axes. Hopefully, I will get my ribbon burner back within the month. Thanks.

[@aurysage3043]

There is a feeling that comes over me when I step back and use hand tools. I really feel it when I use a good file on steel. Very enjoyable video. Thanks.

[@markfriend8596]

Thanks for doing this video. I recently got into forging knives for my job and must say that I absolutely love forging. Im now but intrigued with forging an Axe for my work and Your video has massively helped me to get going on this. Keep them coming. 🍻👍🏻

[@boomstickman71]

Beautiful work. Great for someone like me, who has never made an axe.

[@humari9018]

Wonderful step by step. As someone who wants to start making axes, this was just what I needed. Already added this to my watch later list!

Thank you!

[@lobiancoadrianomarco4542]

Is such a relive hearing to you using the métrical system. Cheers from Argentina

[@KorbakSC]

I'm about to restore an old axe I found in an old mansion in Burgundy, France. I'll copy your sharpening process! Thx for the video!

[@Pcycho93]

Great to see the channel growing and having this simple "how to guide". Keep it up and hopefully I can make my own axe in the future :)

[@americanpatriot2979]

I need to get my garage cleaned out & get my blacksmith shop up & going. Love to have one of you're axes.

[@oferpadan6941]

Amazing work finally someone that doesn’t use power tools that I don’t have thank you very much

[@zakhickman2371]

I falling more in love with the simple style axe you do more and more

[@robbullis5025]

Nice video Nils, I always enjoy watching you axe videos. I love the multitude of shapes and designs you make. I picked one of those anvils up about 2 years ago. I have not used it much yet but for the price I think it's pretty good.

[@blacksmithingone]

one of the best no machine video's for an axe or knife in awhile. Loved the video

[@kurtbogle2973]

I thank you for the information. I'm a hobbyist blade Smith. Now I have something new to try.

[@Ab0minati0n]

Very nicely done Nils. Great video as always. I really like the angled hammer eye punch to give a more natural hand position. I'm making my first wrapped eye axe thanks to your inspiration and videos.

[@karelcervenka6746]

It´s not for the axe - I´ll make my own - but love your style. It´s simple and functional, really understandable, useful. Great job!

[@andrewrobinson2869]

I found this to be very enjoyable, I have got myself a forge , just in the process of trying to get a bit of steel to use as a anvil, and then I hope to firstly make a few tools as being on a disability pension . I don’t have much money hence why my first job will be to make some hand tools to hold the steel and then slowly learn , most channels use power hammers and to me that’s just not the same, yours stuff is truly hand made, I have now subscribed, thankyou & I look forward to learning a few pointers from you. Regards And6 Australia

[@Drydock8]

Thank you for showing us the classic way to blacksmith without hydraulic and machines !!! Amazing

[@mannsdan]

thanks for the vid! I am inspired by your commitment to do the work without power tools of any kind. It just goes to show you what you can accomplish with a little bit of motivation and a lot of hard work!

[@darinroodman2004]

I have subscribed, and now I'm leaving a comment! I just found your channel and I really appreciate you taking the time to make this video. I've made a hatchet or two, though out of repurposed hammer heads. I've wanted to make an ax from scratch, so thank you!

[@ZuluEightZero]

Excellent intro to axe making. I particularily like that you showed how it is possible with hand tools only.

[@Armand79th]

Absolutely beautiful work, keeping it simple.. No fuss, no mess and no blasted ads halfway through the job. :D

[@forjanatalense]

this was the nicest axemaking video ive ever seen! awesome work brother

[@ajhproductions2347]

Amazing! I love the pacing, everything is so mellow but so painstaking. So cool to see you put everything into this. Awesome job brother!

[@Lucifurion]

DEATH🤘🤘🤘Loves me some Scream Bloody Gore dude.

[@mertonsilliker3686]

Very encouraged by watching this video. Thanks for sharing your time and by using basic tools to get up and going.

[@Radovas]

Definitely a simply guide and would inspire anyone to forge. I would love to be able to do something like this, but I would need to research more, but craftsmanship like this should definitely be appreciated. Thank you for sharing this moment of your skill and time!

[@jerichosimonds9622]

That is pretty sweet. I'm working on an axe out of an 8 pound sledge. This helped me to imagine my plan. I appreciate it.

[@genehead9380]

Hello. I really enjoyed your video on the beginners guide for ax making. I am wanting to begin making knives, ax's, hatchet's, and in time a few swords. I appreciate your video because it was not just enjoyable to watch but very informative.

[@paulstanley31]

I love seeing items made without power hammers! Thanks for posting!

[@walkingdeadalphaCO]

I felt the call of the forge. Im just starting off and im learning through lots of videos. Im going to start making my home made brick forge tomorrow and set up my small anvil and get some good burning coal tomorrow after taking the teash to the dump. No trash pick-up out where im at.

[@gilbertmckown6161]

Thank you so much for showing a step by step guide of how to forge to finish this axe! So many videos show the use of power tools but a skilled blacksmith doesn't need any of those. They make things faster but I think a certain amount of forged to finish skill is lost. Good luck to everyone in the comments!

[@alexpontti8709]

I’m totally inspired to try this. I love the use of basic hand tools only.

[@SkullCrusher-qq7tv]

hey, i'm very new to blacksmithing and forging and i don't have a lot of money to spend so having a guide for how to do all this by hand is very helpful, thank you!!

[@Mrnnifna]

Very educational for a beginner from Norway! Thanks!

[@philsharp758]

Superb video. I watched as I am restoring a rusty hand forged axehead. I found a small crack in it and wondered If maybe the steel had been folded over to make the eye. Obviously not. My nature guides me to work with wood. And as a , moderately competent woodworker, I acknowledge that metalwork is the master of the crafts. Without it, us carpenters, masons, bricklayers and glassblowers would be bereft. Your presentation and effort are applauded. I am a hybrid woodworker, but for me the satisfaction of a hand sawn dovetail joint beats the mechanised way. With sincere goodwill from the UK.

[@Voicesofjake]

Incredible work dude! Can't wait to have an axe from you.

Thank you very much!

[@Gargaftaback]

It's fantastic to see this done with all hand tools.

[@SaintGalganoArmory]

Thank you for this video! I have been looking forward to it for a long time.

[@shawn3481]

Really enjoy your videos and the fact that you are forging by hand. Aspiring metal worker here and just beginning. Thank you for the great videos.

[@JorgePetraglia2009]

And that's the way the originals blacksmiths made tools for every day use. Nothing wrong with the new technologies if you are in a hurry to sell your products, but the old fashion way has something that the new technologies don't have : quality and uniqueness. Glad that a young fellow is bringing back the original old ways. Greetings from Toronto.

[@tonysexton232]

I love how you intentionally went with all hand tools. I sometimes do that just to get back to basics. Very cool axe!

[@ericwikstrom2118]

Så himla kul att se att det går att göra utan powetools!! Jag blir riktigt sugen på att testa själv! Magisk video!

[@robwagner9855]

That turned out very nice. I am starting to get my first forge setup and videos like this are a great and easy to follow for beginner enthusiasts. Looking forward to your next video. Thanks

[@bruderk4257]

For a video like this i have waited a long time. Thank you.

[@jsjpop244]

Simplicity and efficiency Perfect

[@DonnyRongoAU]

This is great timing my father and I are looking into getting a forge and stuff to start

[@znoot]

Lovely work, I really need to try it out one of these days but god the learning curve in blacksmithing is steep! Got a lot of respect for this skill. I'm glad Torbjörn Åhman had you on and got me over here. Also; Not sure if that's up your alley, but your take on a splitting axe/maul would be cool to see.

[@ericcartrette6118]

Really cool looking axe. Thank you for breaking down how to do it by hand for those who don't have the more expensive equipment.

[@MB-gc5fe]

A really great video, I love watching you work and explain! Smithing is a hobby I'm looking at starting, not only for enjoyment but practical reasons as well. Thanks for taking the time to make videos.

[@ltd5stringer]

Great video! Showing step by step and using a more budget minded anvil is great to let beginners know that you don’t need thousands of dollars of equipment to blacksmith.

Thank you!

[@tacticalsquirtle]

Man I’m just getting started in this world as a hobby and needless to say I’ve seen a ton of videos in the last year on ax making alone. Somehow your video is short and palatable while also being in depth enough that I feel confident I could recreate this ax. Fantastic job brother!

Great! That was my mission statement before making this video :)

[@disturbedsilence76]

I give classes to Veterans and former first responders. I really appreciate you sharing your experience! I will be sharing your video with all of my students! it is a simple and clear instruction on the steps needed to make a well made axe. Thank you again. I subscribed while watching the video because I really liked it.

Thank you very much! That means a lot to me

[@harlonnighthawk9953]

Great video Nils. Your pacing and explanation of steps was spot on.

[@williamcunha9136]

Thank You Nils for taking the time to teach us.

[@vkg_huntr5215]

As a beginner i found it so interesting I think I'm gonna try this during the month. Thanks Nils and I hope i'll win the axe!!

[@HoOtgibson70]

The best video I have seen on making an ax! Thank you so much.

[@richardjonsson1745]

Snyggt format! Enkelt och mycket informativt. Blir kul att följa framöver.

[@angelojeda2146]

Excellent video!!! I love to see axe making by hand. Thanks!!

[@jesseherman2453]

I am here as a recommendation by John at Black Bear. Fantastic craftsmanship and although not shown here, your black linseed oil is intriguing. Thanks for taking the time to bring us along !

I like John! Thanks for watching

[@SpeedyCotton55]

I have yet to make anything, just got my forge yesterday. You sir did an awesome job and certainly inspired me. Thank you.

[@andrewgarrett76]

Nice video, thank you for the simple explanations & showing how it could be done manually. Great to have you back making videos!

[@hughcupples1279]

Simple effective axe.. always great to watch the process of hand forging axes

Thank you!

[@pierrejohnson6264]

Excellent video. From someone who has forged axes, with no power tools.