Hand Hewing Ash Planks with an Axe for an Anglo-Saxon Shield - Part II | Early Medieval Woodworking

The Anglo-Saxons hewed planks from logs for many uses, from buildings to shield-making. Here I hew planks from cleaved sections of an ash log. I will use these planks to make an Anglo-Saxon shield.
There is no evidence for large saws used in woodworking during the Anglo-Saxon period. Logs would have been cleaved or split into sections, and these sections would be hewn into planks with axes.
The earliest evidence for the use of T-shaped axes in Anglo-Saxon woodworking is found in the form of tool marks on timbers from the Ebbsfleet Saxon Watermill in Kent, dated to 692 A.D. However, there are finds of smaller T-shaped axe-hammers in weapon burials dating earlier to the 6th century, including at Buckland Dover, Sarre and Tuddenham.
This axe, as the originals, was forged with a wrought iron body and steel bit and weighs roughly 800 grams, placing it in between the earlier war T-axes and later woodworking T-axes in size.
After splitting the log down to eighth-sections, the cleaved section was marked out with a wooden straight edge, by making small holes with the tip of a knife, or with charcoal. This corresponds to lay-out marks found on Early-Medieval ship timbers. The Anglo-Saxons would likely have used intuitive measurements for laying out timber, such as the foot, hand or thumb. Here, the planks were marked out to a thumb’s width, or, roughly, an inch.
The upper edge of the plank was marked out first, making sure to remove enough material to reach the thumb's width of the finished plank. If the section twists or curves, as cleaved wood is like to do, extra width is needed to account for this and to produce a straight plank.
After trimming the upper edge of the plank down to size, the best face of the section was chosen to become the first face of the plank. A straight line was marked on the upper edge of the plank, closest to the best face, and the wood was trimmed down to this line.
When hewing to a line, it is good to stand back often and look at the work from a distance. The eye is very good at spotting areas where the straight line is not true. As with traditional ship-building, the majority of the finishing work was done by “eye”.
The lower edge of the first face was also hewn straight, with a straight edge and by eye. The first face of the plank can then be hewn flat between these two lines, by running a straight edge along the plank, identifying high spots, and trimming them down. The straight edge also helps to identify any twist in the plank face.
The second face of the plank was marked out to a thumb's width, off the first face of the plank, first on the upper edge, and then on the lower. The majority of material was removed from this side, with relatively heavy hewing cuts, before flattening the second face the same way as the first.
The planks should be compared against their neighbour within the shield board regularly, in order to check that the edges align well for gluing. At this stage, they do not need to butt up well, as long as their edges align without any twist or curve away from one another.
The final plank faces were checked with a straight edge to make sure they were flat, and that the plank did not twist along its length.
The eventual shield board will be far thinner than a thumb’s width; between 5-7mm depending on the thickness of the hide covering. However, this shield board will be convex, as other 7th-century examples such as the Sutton Hoo Mound 1 shield, and as depicted on the early 8th-century Franks casket. The curve may have been produced by steaming or carving. In this case, I plan to carve the convex shape. Therefore the planks must be thicker at this stage in order to accommodate that convex curve.
One plank in the set is thinner than a thumb’s width at one edge. This is because it was hewn from a narrow section that did not split evenly. I did not place the axe well when cleaving. Also some knots needed to be removed. This plank will be set at the edge of the shield where the shield board will taper anyway, and oriented so that it will not impact the final shape of the shield board.
Although these planks will be used for a shield, they could also have been used for any number of uses within the Anglo-Saxon domestic setting, from furniture making, to house and ship building.
With thanks to:
Herknungr, Musician, playing 'The Wolf Chieftan'.
Hector Cole, Blacksmith, for forging the Saxon T-shaped Axe.
Damian Goodburn, Woodwork Archaeologist, for sharing his knowledge on hewing and the Ebbsfleet Watermill.
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[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi all! You can check the subtitles and description for much more detail. Thanks for watching, and many thanks to Herknungr for the music 'The Wolf Chieftain'!

[@erictheviking672]

Great video, really satisfying. Well done and thanks

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you for watching!

[@marcusaurelius9736]

There is a native ash where I live. I love working it. It is so musical. It sounds the same as in your video. Your Zen-like work flow is inspiring. I shall forego the bandsaw for a while. Thank you.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Ah, I do love ash trees and working with the timber. Thank you for the kind words.

[@gravewhorepunk]

Can you put a link to axe or is it homemade

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hello! I commissioned the axe from blacksmith Hector Cole, it is based on Anglo-Saxon examples. Thanks for watching!

[@rvail136]

I was once a history professor with degrees in english history and medieval english history. Im now a master cabinet maker. While i use modern tools and methods, i do have training in traditional woodworking if the late medieval and Renaissance era. Everything you're doing is consistent with what i know of what almost every farmer would know how to do. Love your videos. Thanks for doing something id always dreamed of doing but was "too busy living" to do for fun. EDIT id love to know where you got your bearded axe from

[@gesithasgewissa]

What an awesome skill set! Renaissance era woodworking tools are lovely, I am tempted to learn to make and use some of them. Thank you for such kind words! I commissioned the T-shaped axe from blacksmith Hector Cole. It is forged from Medieval wrought iron and I based the design on Anglo-Saxon finds from the 5th-8th centuries.

[@ThePoemath]

The traditional skill of trimming trees in any way is inefficient. But it's nice to be able to breathe with nature and feel the joy of labor.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Indeed, sawing planks saves much more material. Although by virtue of the technique, cleaved planks are necessarily high quality, whereas sawn planks can vary in quality from high to very low. As you say, I do enjoy the quiet and mindfulness of hewing with an axe.

[@steveoppermann7596]

I wanted an axe of that design, wasn't able to acquire one any other way than to make one for myself. Now, a few years later, yours is the only other one I have ever seen besides the several, by now, that I made for myself. Subscribed, by the way.

[@gesithasgewissa]

They are few and far between! A lot of research went into getting an authentic reconstruction. I didn't forge mine myself, it was made by Hector Cole, although I really want to try some blacksmithing in the future. I appreciate your comments and support Steve!

[@BerserkerGang2019]

I just finished restoring an old german hewing axe. I am excited to use it soon.

[@gesithasgewissa]

That axe looks great. Looking forward to seeing it in action!

[@damionkeeling3103]

Does someone do that diamond twill by 'hand' or is it available commercially?

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi Damion, are you talking about the brown diagonal twill tunic? I sewed the tunic myself but the fabric was woven by hand for me by someone. Thanks for watching!

[@lifeoftreedom]

Outstanding commitment and execution in demonstrating the old ways.

[@gesithasgewissa]

That means a lot, thank you!

[@naturfuzzi_tom]

thank you for these meditative videos, which are very educational. They also show how easy our lives have become now but how little time we take for BEING. Best regards from Vienna

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you appreciate the twin aspect of these videos. Traditional crafts are a great way to reconnect to ourselves!

[@greenjack1959l]

Lovely bit of work. There's nothing as satisfying as working wood with a proper sharp tool. My kind of carpentry. Subscribed.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Welcome! More kind words, thank you. It's easy to underestimate the power of sharp tools but they make all the difference.

[@thegheymerz6353]

Thanks for the videos. Is there a specific set of sources you are working from to try to replicate historical accuracy? (to the best of your budget and ability of course) Im interested in this time period and would like to learn more.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi, I'm glad you're taking an interest in the time period, it is fascinating! I have read a lot of archaeological books and journals on the Anglo-Saxons over the years. I use a vast array of sources which often focus on very specific aspects of Anglo-Saxon archaeology, so it is hard to suggest just a few. Specifically relating to shields, I would recommend "Early Anglo-Saxon Shields" by Dickinson and Härke. More generally, "The Staffordshire Hoard" by Chris Fern is great for capturing the ideas and aura of the era, that is the book that really sparked my interest! If you have any other specific topics you're interested in, let me know and I'll try and get back to you with some reading suggestions. Thanks for watching!

[@DaneStolthed]

I just found your channel and I instantly subscribed. Absolutely love the content and I’m looking for to more!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Welcome! Thank you, I'm glad you are enjoying!

[@chrisdaube5435]

Very nice content in your videos. Very calming too! Thank you

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@TheSaracen369]

What happened to this project? You plan on completing this or is it already complete?

[@gesithasgewissa]

I haven't finished it yet, but will definitely film it when I do. At the moment the house is taking precedence, it'll come when it comes ☺

[@patrykpilas2697]

I dont have words for your work. You are doing something special and awesome. Very intresting content and amazing craftsmanship. Keep on going! ;)

[@gesithasgewissa]

Very kind words, thank you Patryk!

[@PepBo]

Would love to see how you finished it off!

[@gesithasgewissa]

You will! Sorry, this project has fallen by the wayside a little as I work on the house. But I will definitely be filming it when I continue building the shield. I'm hoping to forge the iron boss and fittings too, so need finish setting up a forge. Meanwhile, at least the boards are benefitting from a good seasoning! 😆

[@Torryinabox]

@@gesithasgewissa Waiting with bated breath, this was cathartic and educational both.

[@torque9889]

That’s a damn fine couple of boards! Hours of work I imagine.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, a day or two if I remember correctly!

[@fabiocontrario]

fantastico!!! e la parte terza????

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, the third part is in the making!

[@bartrobertson8444]

Just my luck I'd get attacked before my shield was complete.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hope not! 😅😅😅

[@ziatonic]

Any good use of the wood chips besides kindling?

[@gesithasgewissa]

Mulch or compost?

[@dzikus.minimus.maximus]

Has part three come out yet? I'm excited to see how this turns out!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Not yet, but I'm working on setting up a forge at the moment, which I will need to make shield fittings!

[@nelsonhaynes2471]

Where can I get an ax like yours?

[@gesithasgewissa]

I commissioned mine based on archaeological examples

[@ronfrench1571]

This is great. Can't wait to see more!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you, I can't wait to do more!

[@thor9517]

Nice video! New subscriber here and I love the clothes and the axe. Looking forwart to more.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Welcome! Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy what is to come.

[@blueroamer]

Great video! I'm looking forward for more.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheSaracen369]

Will there be more videos on the shield making?

[@gesithasgewissa]

There will yes, I am just waiting for the boards to season, and working on some other projects first. I'm hoping to get back to it this summer or autumn.

[@vax_gax_lax_bax_max_vax2578]

Thought we would see the end product (or how to say better in English). Thanks for the vids tho, enjoying them greatly. currently on a bingewatch of your channel.

[@gesithasgewissa]

I am waiting for the boards to season, but I will pick this project back up soon, and will definitely share it here. Glad you're interested!

[@jimpickens4067]

@@gesithasgewissa can't wait to see the video when the shield is completed

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@jimpickens4067 I appreciate your patience 😄

[@townwitchdoctor5538]

If I were to pick a wood for a shield it wouldn't be ash, it splits very easily and is relatively heavy. For native english hardwoods I'd pick willow, it's a horrible wood but it's difficult to split and holds together well when it does, also somewhat lighter than ash. Historically they used whatever was in supply but willow seems pretty common. Cool to see things done the old fashioned way though. I've got a german goosewing hewing axe from maybe 1890 but I've not used it, the handle's wobbly from keeping it inside but I'm guessing it's original so I don't really want to replace it. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi. You're right, willow would be a good wood for shields and was quite common along with alder. Both for the reasons you pointed out. However, in West Saxon territory there is greater variety with finds of ash wood shields and even oak, which is more surprising as it splits very easily. I chose ash because it is attested in the archaeological record and because I had a large log available. You hewing axe sounds lovely, I understand the reluctance to replace the handle. Thanks for watching!

[@greenjack1959l]

I believe lime wood was preferred for shields due to being light and resistant to splitting.

[@johnelwer3633]

Were you able to finish the shield?

[@gesithasgewissa]

The boards are still seasoning, so I have set this project aside for now, but you will definitely see more when I get round to it!

[@LukeKeeganN]

That axe looks like a very good design! I'd assume it's a historical copy? Do you think historically one guy would have seen the process through from beginning to end, or would it be more likely that one guy got the logs from the forester, and hewed them into planks, and maybe another actually made the shield, like many other things were done? Next you need to build a massive stone workshop with a fireplace lol.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks Overhorse! The axe is based on 6th century examples from Buckland Dover and Sarre, although made slightly larger and sided for woodworking as indicated by some later examples and tool marks. There's a bit more detail on the axe in the video description. With a wrought iron body and steel bit, it is lovely to use. That’s a really interesting topic! The Anglo-Saxon use of “treewright” to describe those who made both houses and ships could suggest that, at least there, the process from tree to beam, keel or plank was the work of one craftsman. Although, perhaps higher status ships may have been built by highly expert shipwrights. I think shield-making and other finer woodwork like furniture making could well have been specialised. I believe there are later Anglo-Saxon or Early-Medieval laws which forbid shield-makers using sheepskin, which supports the idea of specific craftspeople. As always, the little details are the most interesting! Haha, a nice big longhouse with a fire pit would be perfect 😄

[@LukeKeeganN]

@@gesithasgewissa Very interesting indeed. Love what you're doing, and think it's awesome how far you're going with regards to using the correct equipment and techniques, there's a lot of people that do things semi traditionally, but cheat a lot a long the way, and it doesn't have nearly the same effect.

[@gesithasgewissa]

@@LukeKeeganN Wow, those words mean a lot. Authenticity is really important to me, so I'm very glad you and others are enjoying it.

[@bilimsanatduzen2074]

and small part of wood appear

[@gesithasgewissa]

Nice fine planks!

[@reags9074]

Amazing videos love the scenery and effort that go in to them. Was wondering where you source your clothes. They look very high quality

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you so much! I hand sew all of my clothes and shoes myself, according to Early Medieval examples. I can give details of the specific clothing finds if you are interested ☺ Thanks for watching!

[@zamtales]

Damn, every time you drive this straight line along the side of the board I cant help to stand in awe. Thats some fine work! Mad respect for commitment.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you very much!

[@grimmwolfe4555]

Awesome video! Excited for more

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you Grimm!

[@MrMegamike2k]

Would there be a video of those planks getting turned into a shield? Great video!

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi! There will be yes, at the moment I am waiting for the boards to season, as well as setting up a forge for the ironwork. But it is in the works...it will probably be around autumn time after I finish the house. Thanks for watching!

[@Tobiasz1985]

❤❤🔥🌲🌳

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thanks for watching!

[@worldofwar7534]

good work

[@gesithasgewissa]

Thank you!

[@angelcollina]

I admire your attention to detail. I’ve just gotten started in viking age re-enactment and my research for how to authentically make my clothes and do crafts led me to you, and I’m so glad it did! I’m loving all the videos!

[@gesithasgewissa]

That's great. I might be doing some clothing videos soon!

[@angelcollina]

@@gesithasgewissa Can’t wait! ❤️

[@andreiminecraft8697]

I always wanted to be good at something your very talented all I can ask is how do you keep doing the things you like

[@gesithasgewissa]

That's very kind, thank you! I was lucky enough to learn early medieval carpentry on an experimental archaeological ship building project. Now I spend as much of my free time as possible working on making these videos.

[@andreiminecraft8697]

@@gesithasgewissa you should never give up ,the conection between you and nature is strong your Living a meaningful life keep it up!

[@joepangean6770]

Just where would an Anglo-Saxon get a straight edge winding stick to measure for flatness?

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi, I made the wooden straight edge using known Anglo-Saxon methods - it was easy enough to snap a charcoal string line on a piece of wood to mark a straight line and carve it down to that line exactly. It's not perfectly flat like a modern straight edge but it's good enough for this. I also use my eye a lot as well to check for straightness. I didn't use this method here, but it's worth mentioning that there is evidence of the Anglo-Saxons using compass geometry to get accurate angles and straight lines on the Ebbsfleet Watermill, found in Kent, dated to 692 A.D.

[@николайиванов-к2ь]

Минуту смотрел как автор пытается расколоть бревно и готов был крикнуть "поставь его вертикально, идиот!" Дальше смотреть нет сил.

[@gesithasgewissa]

Contemporary Anglo-Saxon depictions of hewing portray the craftsman hewing the plank horizontally, as I do here, or set up at an angle in the crook of a tree. As for the log splitting, take a look at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde for their technique of splitting large, long logs on the ground.

[@николайиванов-к2ь]

@@gesithasgewissa Длинных! Длинных бревен! А если показываешь короткое, то его можно упереть в любое препятствие.

[@sambo170a]

Very much a primitive way of working compare to Greek and Romans who had a more advanced technique

[@gesithasgewissa]

In some way yes, sawing planks saves much more material. Although, by virtue of the technique, cleaved planks are necessarily high quality; they require straight, clear timber and there is little to no grain run-out in the resulting plank. This is helpful when building the clinker-built ships of Northern European cultures which need a strong but flexible hull with few and light reinforcing frames to keep the weight down. You can see the influence of shipbuilding in most Anglo-Saxon woodwork, especially in buildings. When sawing, you can use trees of varying quality. Sawn planks can range in quality from high to very low. This lends itself to the mass production of carvel-built (heavy frames to support the planking) ships in the Greek and Roman cultures. In Medieval Britain, post Anglo-Saxon period, there is an interesting correlation between the deterioration of tree and timber quality, the introduction of the saw and the reintroduction of carvel-built ships from the Mediterranean. Thanks for watching!

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

They didn't have saws?

[@gesithasgewissa]

Hi! The only evidence for saws in the period are small hack-saws and knife-saws for bone or fine wood working. The only tool-marks present on Anglo-Saxon large timbers come from axes, adzes, chisels and so on.