Forging a Broad hewing axe

Recently, I came across a broad hewing axe with a very wide blade and an asymmetric design. The left cheek and side of the blade form a single flat plane, making it perfect for crafting a smooth, even surface on logs. The edge is sharpened on one side only. This particular axe is designed for hewing from the right, so its left side is completely flat.
I decided to replicate this axe, but with a twist. First, I separated the future blade from the eye and poll. I then drifted a hole and shaped the eye using drifts - steel shafts specifically fashioned for forming eyes in forged axes and hammers. This technique helps ensure a more durable and seamless head. Next, I used a hammer to consolidate the cheeks and poll.
For the blade, I stretched it using a press and refined its shape with a power hammer, finishing it by hand to get the precise contours.
I trimmed the excess to match the original's blade size and line, then ground the surfaces with a grinder to eliminate any bumps and cavities that could trap moisture. After quenching the blade in oil, I performed normalization (though not shown in the video) to ensure the tool isn’t too hard and brittle. Finally, I ground and blued the axe for a smooth, durable finish.
Inatagram: / / owl.axe

[@Owl_axe]

What’s your take on the replica? Does it look like it’s up to par with the original?

[@Langley_Forge]

Very close to the original. Nice job. Next video, you should put a handle on it. Can't wait for your channel to blow up.

[@Owl_axe]

Thank you so much

[@mattcyphers4993]

It looks better than the original. What's the finish you out on it?

[@Owl_axe]

@@mattcyphers4993 Thanks, I used a sandblaster and dipped it in oil.

[@MASI_forging]

Great work dude 👏👏

[@Owl_axe]

Thanks

[@witzeto150]

The head shape somewhat reminds me of a bardiche, maybe this is if a bardiche had a little baby

[@Owl_axe]

Thank you. That may be true😱

[@witzeto150]

@@Owl_axe Thank you for the reply. I hope you’ll continue making forge videos like these, but I also hope we’ll see some light testing/usage of the works produced at the end too. Excited to see where your channel goes!

[@Owl_axe]

Thank you for your kind words

[@romanb3864]

looks good, will you test it, when it's ready?

[@Owl_axe]

Thanks but it's ready, tests are not interesting to do, I am only a craftsman who makes tools for people

[@user-cp7jw2en1v]

Thru the whole process the pice was touched only twice on the anvil and hammer and it is a beautiful piece no doubt but it wasn’t hand made

[@Owl_axe]

Thanks. The press and hammer are just tools in the hands of a craftsman, like the anvil and hammer