Forging an AXE from a Rail Road Spike

Forging a small axe or tomahawk from a railroad spike is a fun project. Although Rail Road spikes aren't particularly high carbon, so they won't have great edge holding ability.
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00:00 - Intro
00:18 - Upsetting
01:58 - Laying out the eye
03:27 - Slitting the eye
05:07 - Drifting
06:44 - Forging the blade
09:03 - Rough Grinding
10:17 - Can you harden a rail road spike?
14:26 - Finishing
16:24 - Putting it to the test
Anvil provided by; Fontanini Anvil and Tool
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Below you will find useful links that will help you in your journey as a blacksmith.
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Blacksmithing tools and supplies
Self contained air hammers - www.saymakhammers.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.oleoacresfarriersupply.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.piehtoolco.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.centaurforge.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsdepot.com/
General blacksmithing supplies - www.blacksmithsupply.com/
Square head bolts and lags - www.blacksmithbolt.com/
New anvils - www.oldworldanvils.com/
New anvils - www.nimbaanvils.com/
New anvils -
Industrial supplier - www.mcmaster.com
Tong blanks and tools - kensironstore.com/
Fire brick and refractory - refwest.com
Blacksmithing and related activities can be hazardous. These videos are not a substitute for competent professional instruction. Your safety is your sole responsibility. Always use appropriate safety equipment including eye and ear protection when working in the shop. Follow manufactures safety guidelines for the use of all equipment. In the event something shown in one of these videos seems unsafe, it is up to you to make the appropriate changes to protect yourself.t yourself.

[@beshkodiak]

I have been a blacksmith/ fabricator/ machinist for 50 + years and i never tire of watching other craftsmen share their knowledge. And i still learn stuff!

[@BigVince80bce]

Hi friend I just figured I'd ask you but im getting into blacksmithing and I've mainly been using a friends forge but I was wondering if you know where I'd go about getting my own.

[@beshkodiak]

@@BigVince80bce i just saw this two months later. Try Pie tool company. Its a blacksmiths tool seller online. You’ll also find forges and what not on ebay.

[@BigVince80bce]

@@beshkodiak thanks mate, I'll give the websites a look

[@bennyhill3642]

U know Right!!🖒

[@gamertravel6651]

What kind of charcoal you used sir?

[@oxenforde]

I love the montage at the end; where the throws start good, and quickly go badly. Very funny.

[@J1I9M7M4Y]

Yeah same here!! That *woosh* cracked me up!! 😂

[@jameskylemorgan88]

This comment had me dying and I had to watch it!!! Anyway I love this fella, as a beginning bladesmith I love this channel. Very informative and love how you show all the work and explain things. Will be an avid watcher of your videos as long as you make content sir.

[@bonbonpony]

Yeah, especially that in KZbin videos, they usually cut the bad ones so that it looks like a perfect hit first time.

[@musicismyyydrug]

@@J1I9M7M4Y I died at the pause and then the whoosh as well!

[@angercatalyst]

Me and my wife just took a blacksmithing class a few days ago and I also made RR spike tomahawk. The gentleman that instructed us made it a very enjoyable experience, never took over, only pointed out where and why we running into any problems and told us how to correct it. When I expressed my long time interest in the craft he gave me a sizeable piece of railway track to use as a beginner anvil, and I just ordered my propane forge last night. I look forward to being able to use this video as a refresher when I finally get all of the equipment set up.

[@elirobertson2324]

How's your journey going two years later?:)

[@davidjackson7051]

I'm a wood guy but I have always admired black smithing 😊

[@Grubgotkicked]

great video! that cartoon sounding whoosh at 16:59 had me dying

[@user-cp7jw2en1v]

I think that railroad spike hawks look awesome enough to initiate a piece of high carbon steel Forge welded into it. I think they look I think that particular hawk there is awesome looking and I think it would be worth putting a high carbon bit. Will be a little extra work, but I think you would really have a really serviceable little mouse. Most of the people that tomahawks use like a 1040 a real low carbon steel with a welded bit and those as well so just an idea.

[@brittinghammerforge9441]

I like how you included the misses at the end.

[@cody945]

Blacksmithing has always fascinated me. Love watching these and glad you talk through what you're doing.

[@JohnSmith-gs4lw]

Thank you for doing the hardness test. I’m not the guy who picks a fight over that, but I am the guy who always asks about it! I’ve heard several times that those are mild steel, but I’ve watched plenty of guys make knives out of them. Yes, I understand they are novelty items, but they always imply that they are hardenable.

[@NengNow]

Thanks for showing us that last throw! Gave me a good laugh and shows how genuine you are-no one is going to throw perfectly every time :P

[@BlackBearForge]

My pleasure!!

[@sob2229]

I have been watching craftsman like you for several years now. It has been educational of course but also therapeutic in some ways. I cant remember the last time I gave any attention to television. Thankyou.

[@johnjude2685]

Been told by 2 good BlackSmith to quench mild steel in water and still not tool steel but improve the hardness. I'm surprised that RR spike has enough steel Seems you drew it out well. Thanks Mr Switzer for the teaching Sir

[@Adam-118]

Well, the last two years I've been secretly learning about forging and Smelting. I wish I knew your channel existed. I've recently turned to KZbin for a few educational purposes. With the right research one can learn quite a bit from people just like you. Thank you. Thank you for being.

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

Great video John! And thank you for the test. I also see lots of people arguing over rr spikes. I think it is an awesome place to learn how to forge a shape into a different shape. Are they great steel? No. But I would not be scared to say that hawk is better than some that are commercially available and will serve it's purpose well.

[@pjamestx]

I'm making this for sure! Plus it's a good excuse to add a new drift to the collection 😉

[@Bobsutubes]

Very nice video John. Your instructional videos are always worth watching. This rendition of a tomahawk from RR spike is pretty sweet.

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@OldHuntingGuy]

Great information and instruction as always. I also appreciate the inclusion of the missed throws - we're all human and imperfect.

[@paulorchard7960]

Agree John, using a rail spike it needs to look like it was once a spike otherwise it was just scrap!

[@1noryb]

Reminds me of a RR spike knife video a few years ago, sliced rope, chopped wood, cut paper, but had debatable acceptance, depending on the intended usage.

[@billhatcher2984]

Your little t;rowing demo at the end was welcome it got a smile out of me.🙏

[@charleszimmermann7784]

thank you Sir, I particularly like the miss hits at the end, adds to the realism of the video, and as always thank you for the wonderful lesson. take care and Happy Holidays!

[@austinkuiack6886]

I think your videos are great I've learned some much about blacksmithing I'm almost 16 now and I watch your videos because I want to have some what of a side business as a blacksmith when I hit my goal to be a farmer I've always wanted to have a farm and make my own tools and sell some to the community I hope you have a good day and thank you for making these videos

[@MMAYUKON]

I had a good laugh at the montage from the end. Nicely done John.

[@bayareasparky9180]

Great video John. Loved that you used your recent gifts and also the end was quite fun. I also agree with the direction of the spike point/blade. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@Vikingwerk]

Going to have to make a set of those spike tongs. The moment that convinced me was when you used them like flat jaw tongs to pick up the spike by the upset end. Way more versatile than the other spike tongs.

[@davidreimanmusic5477]

I had the same thought process.

[@daviddavid5880]

A friend of mine whipped up one of these things. It's been surprisingly handy. Think of it as a cutting wedge with a handle. Root cutter, welding hammer, and a fair felling wedge

[@mtn.homeforge351]

That got harder than what I thought it would. Another great video. Thank you!

[@MattMadeIt123]

Turned out great. Think I'll give this a shot. Looks like those new spike tongs are working great.

[@tobyjo57]

Nice work John, your perception of things to make from railroad spikes is quite amazing.

[@davidreimanmusic5477]

Thanks John! Great video. Definitely fills in the gaps where a couple others left a few details out. Guess what I’m about to go do? Make one of these little guys.

[@adamparry8897]

Loved watching you make this. You do an excellent job teaching the process. The bonus was the final scene with you throwing it along with the failed hits and total misses. That cracked me up.

[@philippejoyal8065]

Woweewow! Super project. I definitly want one of these. Thanks for sharing.

[@zanderjeger]

Hello John! My favorite thing is when you make tools! Cool! I wish you a Merry Christmas from Poland.

[@hobbyhermit66]

Really nice hawk. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@travisbrulotte4138]

I love watching your videos, I find you very easy to listen to and I always enjoy seeing what you come up with. The axe throwing montage was very funny, I thank you for all your effort, skill and time you take to make these.

[@charl3ssh33n4]

love loggin onto youtube and seeing that you uploaded, great videos. always helps me relax

[@simmonscarl1]

you make it look so easy, especially making blade

[@heydenlabelle513]

Great video, again, Switzer. I have a huge bucket of spikes in my shop that I never touch. Maybe its about time I start making things out of them. I particularly like the hook spike ideas, but the Hawk is really cool too.

[@honthirty_]

Loved the 'wiff' near the end. Fun. Thanks!

[@pepejuan2924]

Looks great, I like how you spread the cutting edge out, thanks for posting 👍

[@Aco747lyte]

Nice slim axe and svelte handle, John. I've made a list of your tutorials and this one is a dead cert to make next! Many thanks, lovely video. ~Wendi UK 🌻

[@kwaichang368]

Good video, those spikes have so many uses, very cool. Thanks, Clinton

[@gurvinderkau1e5w18]

Tomahawk came out cool.I like spikes and horse shoe projects. Some fun and cool stuff can be made from them. Make something from horse shoe also.👍🔥🔥💥

[@xxdamphirxx]

Great learning videos! I like what you teach us in your videos. I am a beginner in forging and I watch with a lot of interest to what you present in your videos.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

John Merry Christmas here's to a Happy New year's ahead of you. I can't wait to see what you Forge up in the year to come. Very nice job turned out very cool. Big fan of the design of it. Hopefully you get great use out of it for many years. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work John. Forge On. Keep Making. God Bless.

[@garygraham2974]

You are exactly right how to measure the length of a hawk handle

[@glencrandall7051]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[@dragontattooee]

Absolutely fantastic video

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelhayes1678]

I love your great work and fun projects! I hope to do this myself soon!

[@marcerivest6204]

I would have never thought that there was enough material on a spike to make a tomahawk. It looks awesome. And Merry Christmas and a great new year. 😁👍

[@CarlJohnson-ry3gc]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing.

[@moreybandel5560]

Wow! Turned out nice! Looks like it throws good too!

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

One of the best videos I’ve seen in a while, John. Thanks for the gut rolling laugh you caused at the end. Love it!

[@jermeyrichards4675]

-

[@TacticalRacer]

I really appreciate this video. It contains valuable information and knowledge. Thank you kindly black bear forge.

[@timothypowell5687]

Awesome piece of work sir...I enjoy hawk throwing but enjoy watching them being made more. If u make another one I'd be interested in buying one.

[@davidwhiren817]

very nice , lots of great pointers !!!

[@davidtauriainen9116]

Great editing choices on the missed throws!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stirfrywok2927]

This was a joy to watch. Beautiful work

[@midknightforge7446]

LOL when it completely missed the target was hilarious. Great video!

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello John Niche little tomehawk good for bushcraft and when needed for defence . Thank you for the idea and the sharing of your skills Take care Yours Frank Galetzka

[@brianlombardi8390]

I think you are hands down the best teaching Blacksmith on KZbin. Thank you for all of the effort you put into helping others. I love this project and am going to try it. My question is on the drift. I am cheap, so have bought very few items, and prefer to try and make them. But is making a drift feasible? How do you know what size? Or do you just make it the size you want and make the handle to match?

[@BlackBearForge]

Making a drift is certainly feasible. If you are buying ready made handle, make the drift to match the handle. Otherwise make the drift what you want and then fit the handle as needed. Eventually you'll end up with a fairly good assortment of drifts.

[@johnferdon6525]

Fascinating to watch you work, truly art.

[@christopherenz4237]

I'm trying this tomorrow. Amazing work btw

[@lightsnsiren79]

Merry Christmas! Love the video

[@fredford7642]

Very good and informative video. Thank you!

[@jimhayes3225]

Hope you had a Merry Christmas John.

[@Samandcocoa]

Love the miss at the end. Thanks for all your hard work this year. Great vid

[@davidmech2956]

Nicely done. One day I will start forging. Love the channel

[@BM205]

I was thinking the same thing! It's been of interest to me for a long time. I'm a flint knapper and make flint knives and I wanna get into steel blades as well. Maybe this is the year we'll both start our journey into forging. Best of luck to ya and some day maybe we'll get to the level we wish to achieve. Y'all stay safe and God bless

[@davidmech2956]

@@BM205 God bless

[@ThomasShue]

Love this man’s shop and his work!

[@scottbennett6200]

GOOD LORD, I love the TRUE outtakes at the end!! HAHAHAHA

[@andrewsmith1520]

I don't know how KZbin has never suggested one of your videos to me before, but Facebook did some time ago, and I finally made my way here. Great stuff! Subbed!

[@BlackBearForge]

Welcome aboard!

[@joshsavard6018]

This is actually a great idea, thank you for the inspiration

[@lj8248]

Love your vidoes,videos, haven't ever forged anything, I have watched you for a few a few yrs now,I love what you do

[@robertoswalt319]

It looks like you may have made your own Christmas present. Thanks for the explanation about the letters on the back of the spike and what it means. I had heard that they weren't good for much more than paperweights after they had been used.

[@mattthomas1369]

Newbie here, I really appreciate you explaining the steps is basic terms ! Bless you for sharing your knowledge! Can’t wait to make my own someday

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darrell3368]

Amazing Job John great work with a railroad Spike thanks for sharing hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you a happy New Year

[@BlackBearForge]

Thanks, you too!

[@EightWheelsRollin]

Great vid! My next project. Thank you!!

[@theguywitheyebrows]

amazing gifts!! i love to forge them, you're the grandfather/father i always wish i had.

[@totherarf]

Nice closing shot there! a sense of humor is a good thing!

[@nicholassmith7359]

A very well done video. Your ending was perfect.

[@jasonmontgomery7707]

Watched the whole way through great watching the process and funny ending! Great job and thanks for making this video

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@amazingrestorations9190]

Splendid work 👍

[@IveysFamilyFactotum]

Turned out great John...i do at some point need to make more of these.

[@alwaysbearded1]

That does look like a fun project. You could make a bunch for friends then meet up and play with them. That amount of temper seems a good compromise as you would not want them too hard anyway for when they hit the ground or rocks or whatever. If you really wanted I'm assuming one could forge weld in a hard piece for the edge. I hope you had a relaxing Christmas and took a break from all your video production.

[@anddysworkshop466]

I just clicked on the notification but i already know i love it!!!

[@michaelmosley254]

Nice job best one I have seen yet

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I definitely want one of those axes. Super cool.

[@keithboyd8020]

Thank you .I I enjoy your work Iam starting smithing your videos have helped me understand things better

[@BlackBearForge]

Glad to help

[@fredschmidt6802]

Very good job 👌👍 on the video ! In the black smithing books they talk about steel you can find , and about what hardness they are . I think at one time railroad spikes my have been harder than what they are now . A lot of the older books mentioned that spikes are harder . Now they know they don't need to be that hard so it's cheap & good enough so that's what they are . I think there neat + if you know people that like trains then you really want to leave that nail head on it . Again good job

[@lostmypicks]

Well I have a few rr spikes around. I think I'll try this out. Thanks always for the wonderful content

[@jeffgrier8488]

Great work John, that's a nice tomahawk!

[@johnjude2685]

Can't watch till later,John but I just got it recently Thanks

[@kennyhagan5781]

A nice and simple hawk. Pretty useful I'm sure. 👍

[@homemadetools]

Great work. We shared this video on our homemade tools forum this week 😎

[@BlackBearForge]

Awesome! Thank you! That may be one reason its performing so well

[@walterrusty65]

Very nice 👍🏽Thanks for the education

[@randytravis3998]

I was splitting some kindling wood other night with a hatchet .. the handle is too smooth ,,, plus I had gloves on ,, well 5 stiches in my leg above me knee .. watching you split that board I was getting flash backs ,, works nice , only problem if you were splitting with it all the time would be the spike head catching on the firewood ,, thumbs up on the video

[@DavidMoonForge]

I always love your videos. You've got such a practical approach to all of your projects. Nice work 👍

[@BlackBearForge]

Thank you very much!

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great job John, turned out to be a great throwing hawk. Stay safe, fred 🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻✋🏻✋🏻

[@williambeshearssr3958]

Hey you're really informative now it's my time to make one or a dozen it's my hobby and I love it so thank you for sharing this

[@MrTim3990]

Liked the keeping real with showing the miss throws. Made me lol.

[@derekmelton]

It's been a while since I've made one of these. I think I'll try another. I'm going to try using a short, wide handled chisel under the inline treadle hammer to open the eye this time. Last ones I made, I used too narrow and small of a chisel and ended up stretching the sides of the eye a bit too much. Nice video, Merry Christmas John, thanks for all the content!