Forging a Viking Ax from A Railroad Spike; Backyard Blackmsmithing and Hewing a Hickory Handle

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Music Attribution: "In Abhorrence" by Nightrage.
Used with the permission of Despotz Records.

[@chrxunleashed7654]

Hey bud, I just want you to know that your videos have inspired a hobby that I'm taking quite seriously. Keep it up

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Thanks man, that really means a lot. There are a lot of trolls out there, so guys like you give me a reason to keep the channel alive.

[@danlambert9832]

Enjoyed your video. I’m going to make one. I’ve never made anything before. I searched for a video and found yours. I liked the way you share your style and the style in which you share it.

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Thank you sir, that means a lot. It goes a long way to keep me motivated to continue making videos. I wish you good luck on your own build!

[@VT-tz5bm]

I am currently just waiting on a half inch steel plate my buddy is bringing over tomorrow and I have everything I need to start! I’m incredibly excited to start. Subbed!

[@victorhugoreboredo4787]

Que buena Acha, un genio Phil! Muy buena técnica, felicitaciones!

[@lostbuffalo196]

Just watched this after hearing you mentioned on Old Hickory Forge channel where John tried your "welding technique". Both your vids came at a great time, as I am going to try to make a viking axe , from a 4 ft. sawmill blade, for my son to use in a Viking reenactment event this spring. I subscribed to your channel and look forward to more good shows from you. Thanks

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Sweet, I hope it turns out well! It was generous of John to mention me, he really knows his stuff.

[@bige3092]

You are very talented at what you do

[@beebopbopper1963]

The crater from the borax adds patina. Gives it a look of antiquity, omho

[@gmiasbriada5060]

What a nice work, great job! Would love to see more of such craftmanship

[@coolexperiments6106]

I have a brick forge that I made at home. The hatchet I made is really useful and light weight thx for the inspiration. ;)

[@adrianladocta]

Excelente trabajo. Muy clara la explicación. Felicitaciones

[@woods.walker4207]

Nice work!

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Thanks!

[@dragonwing4ever]

its interesting in Australia are railroad spikes seem to be shorter then American/canadian versions

[@garyclemons561]

Really enjoy your videos and a new subscriber to your channel

[@merykk6608]

Love ur anvil

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

Nice job just subbed.

[@aslob9321]

Place the wedge on a block of wood on the floor and hammer on the haft. It will drive the axe head on tighter, drive the wedge in and prevent splitting the wedge. A little glue would be good too. Good video!

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Good idea with that block, I'll have to do that next time!

[@seanbush5313]

have you considered forge welding a high carbon edge into the spike head? It would add more material to draw out and would have a nicer edge

[@jerrysimpson8898]

Try twisting it when u do ur weld

[@mechredd]

Are we going to see your new axe in any movies? Since it's small it may make a good secondary weapon for an archer or perhaps a Viking who's primary weapon is a much bigger axe.

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Yeah, or it could be long range weapon for a swordsman or something. I would just have to dull it down before using it in a movie.

[@mechredd]

Since you make a bunch of Viking stuff you should probably dull anything that you want to keep but don't really use. They will be good props for your movies so that each character can have a unique weapon for those battle scenes. No camera trickery needed.

[@garyclemons561]

What kind of quench did you say you used. Looks really good

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Thanks Gary! The quench was rendered deer tallow. I actually have separate video on it.

[@garyclemons561]

Thanks Phil

[@williamzarske1961]

What do you use for quinching

[@PhilBaumhardt]

For the spikes, I use deer tallow.

[@BCM1959]

I thought it needed a carbon steel blade. Will it keep an edge or is it more of a wall hanger? I have some spikes and a plan. I need to heal a bit more before I make my first attempt at blacksmithing. Cancer sucks.

[@PhilBaumhardt]

I've found the spikes marked with an HC to be adequate for tomahawks, but I don't really like using them for knives. Good luck, and hope you feel better!

[@BCM1959]

@@PhilBaumhardt thanks.look for mark HC check.

[@airsofter9266]

I'm no expert but from what I've seen and heard railroad spikes are generally considered mild steel. So basically they've got almost zero edge retention making them almost useless for bladed purposes.

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Some railroad spike have a higher carbon content than others, and from cutting with them after hardening they seem to have at least a little edge retention, so they are better than a mild steel. Not preferable, but I wouldn't say completely useless.

[@seanbush5313]

For an axe or hatchet a razor edge isn't super important considered your using the tool as a wedge essentially

[@elimcgraw4066]

What would you use for the handle instead of a sapling on a bigger axe?

[@samnottheotherone4363]

A more grown up tree

[@PhilBaumhardt]

Yeah, what Sam said. Hickory is great wood for ax handles. Just need a bigger grain structure.

[@samnottheotherone4363]

@@PhilBaumhardt Agreed, hickory is my go to. Best for handles in my opinion.

[@elimcgraw4066]

Thanks

[@velazquezarmouries]

A bigger sapling

[@stormyeffects4795]

+1 sub

[@bobbertbobby3975]

I think you may have gotten real lucky with that railroad spike... I was watching close when you were grinding on it. More than enoujgh sparks to be a mid range carbon steel at least...and even quite a few bursts and flowers at the end. So thats def NOT mild steel only. its a harder mid range carbon id say. Also im betting you already know real well you should secure your striking anvil better...but I also think maybe the initial strikes you were doing..when first starting to break down the material..those were really excessive hammer blows...it even seemed like you were hurting yourself..cause i kept hearing you going nuts and then hearing an "aagh!" after...thats not good. Im worried youll hurt your shoulder. No need to strike like that...not that im an expert. loved the video...subbed.

[@velazquezarmouries]

Category: howto and style

[@matthewtomes9396]

Swing away