Making small axe - blacksmithing, wood carving and bushcraft trip

Making and using a small axe. I forge the head, carve the handle and sheath from wood and use the axe on a bushcraft trip. Open the full video description for more information.
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Date: May 2024
Day: about 20°C (59°F)
Night: about 10°C (50°F)
Hours of daylight = about 16
Location: Scandinavia, Northwest Denmark - sea, spruce/pine and hardwood forrest. Some of the most remote in Denmark, but limited how remote it can get. A lot of birds and deers etc. No bears, only a few wolves.
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Consuming: coffee.
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A few questions:
1. What steel did you use?
C45 - about 80mm long piece of 40x20mm.
2. What wood did you use?
Oak.
3. How did you heat treat the axe head?
Normalizing in air and hardening in water - hardening only the cutting edge area and using the remaining heat to temper to a light yellow collar.
4. Did you split the wedge kerf?
Yes - I prefer to make the kerf/opening for the wedge by splitting the wood using a chisel instead of using a saw and removing material.
5. What did you use to get the black collar on the axe head?
Oil on a rack applied while the steel is hot - about 200 -300°C (392-572°F).
6. Can you tell me more about the axe design?
Yes - The sheath design is dating back to the Viking era - similar was/is used in many parts of the world. Not the most convenient sheath to attach, but it works. The axe head design is modern - started gaining popularity in the early 1900 hundreds in Scandinavia because of ease of mass production due to the very basic shape compared to collared axes and other traditional Scandinavian axe patterns.
7. What oil did you use on the handle and sheath?
Vegetable oil/rapeseed oil.
8. Did you use something to color the wood?
No.
9. Is the blacksmith setup inside a tent?
Yes - a large lavvu/tent. Just made from cheap tarps, spruce poles and nails. Nothing fancy... Made it a few months ago.
10. What are you going to use the axe for?
A lightweight option for bushcraft trips and crafting in general.
11. What blower do you use in the blacksmith shop?
One made in Denmark for the danish military. Similar is common for blacksmithing - if you want one try to google "Hand crank forge air blower" or similar.
12. What type of axe are you using to carve the handle for the new axe?
A classic russian axe design. Homemade - C45 steel and ash handle.
13. Where did you get the anvil from?
Forklift fork, cut with angle grinder and heat treated like an anvil.
14. Where can I get similar axe - can I buy from you?
No. My recommendation is to support a blacksmith/axe maker local to you... Or to make your own. "Black Bear Forge" and "Nils Ögren" is great youtube channels for learning blacksmithing. I do sell on off, but only locally here in Denmark and only a very limited amount... So very unlikely you can buy an axe from me. I don't do waiting lists. But I would like to make a few "give aways" every year.... like an axe made by me and a knife made by me etc... - not sure how or when, but I will let you know.
15. How did you learn blacksmithing?
I learned the basics from watching youtube videos. I quickly turned blacksmithing into my fulltime job and learned a lot by trail and error. After a few years did I start visiting other blacksmiths here in Denmark. My father/grand father was not blacksmiths. Still a lot to learn and a lot to try for the first time.
16. What is you're full time job?
KZbin and on off making and selling axes and wooden spoons.
17. Where do you live?
On off tent/lavvu, car or tiny house... At the moment is my home the tent/blacksmith shop shown in the video. The tent is on my own property - a tiny piece of a larger protected nature area in Northwest Denmark.
18. What have you been up to the last two years?
Just enjoying bushcraft trips in Denmark and simple living. Living in a tent/lavvu makes all mundane household tasks take time. On off making and selling axes and on off doing youtube. A few trips to the Italian alps helping a friend renovating a traditional stone cabin.
19. Why not forge weld?
It is future videos.
20. How did you forge the lugs/ears so big?
50% by drawing out with the corner of the hammer and the other 50% by reducing the heigh of the rest of the axe.
21.What are the axe dimensions?
The handle is 34,5cm long. The axe head is 14cm long. Cutting edge is 5,5cm. The pole is 1,5cm thick and 3cm long. The eye is about 3,6x1,4cm. The thickest part of the axe is 2cm.
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Some of the gear used in the video:
1. Pants = Klättermusen Gere 02
2. Axe and knife = homemade
3. Boots - Lundhags Forest
4. Backpack = Eberlestock Mainframe F1
5. Kettle = Eagle 1.5L
6. Sleeping bag = Carinthia Defence 4
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Camera gear:
Nikon D7000
Nikon 50mm 1.8
Nikon 20mm 2.8
Nikon 300mm 4.5
Røde videomic NTG
iMovie

[@Greenmaninthedesert]

So happy to see you posting again. You've been missed tremendously.

[@ianwilliams2632]

Well put.

[@alexesporte1811]

very good video, I already missed it, it's this beautiful art by Machado camping.😀🚙

[@yusufavc3529]

I think this channel has almost cult type followers, it doesn't matter if Bertram doesn't post for a year, people wait eagerly and even after a video they come back instantly. Incredible!

[@Kira-zy2ro]

It is called "subscriptions tab" i check it every day and it lists the new videos of my subscribed channels. Cant mis anything :)

[@yusufavc3529]

@@Kira-zy2ro yes, l do the same, but what l meant was, usually if a channel doesn't post regularly, people tend to unsubscribe and the channel lost the momentum. It isn't happening here at all.

[@erinwood9664]

Couldn't agree more!!!

[@russellrlf]

Yes! Another vid! I could watch this guy every single day. He just does the bushcraft well, and silent. Then he disappears for months on end. lol

[@marfoo2775]

Lovely little axe! Glad to see you making videos again.

[@jois6499]

i like your bushcraft content, but i love blacksmithing a most !

[@frogmand.142]

Dude, I been playing a lot of Valheim and thinking about your videos. I thought you quit making videos. You haven't popped up in my recommended forever. Good to see you still out there living the dream.

[@159Ironman]

Good to see you again. Thank you for posting this

[@user-ge8oq4iw9v]

Бертрам! Спасибо огромное! Всегда, с нетерпением жду ваши видео! Очень нужны нам! Не пропадайте больше так надолго. Вы - лучший!

[@romadhonidhoni4688]

The camping legend is back

[@cedararrowfarm]

The comments and community say it all, Thank You for posting, Blessings Bertram

[@izzyG710]

This might be the only channel I still follow after such a long period of inactivity, because every video is peaceful and enjoyable. Easily one of my favorite channels.

[@Yoda_81843]

Bertram, you have no idea how much we all missed your videos. I hope you go back to camping. And please more forging vids too. Love ya bro! 🤟🏽

[@lynnharper6291]

Hey Betram, so good to see you again!! You inspired me years ago when I watched you. I got a tepee tent, stove and a reindeer hide. Thanks for all your skills. 👍👍

[@rosanafonseca5804]

Muito obrigada Sr. Bertram, adoro seus vídeos na floresta ,são muito inspiradores , abraçãoo ! 🤗👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻♥️♥️🌍🌴🌳🌲🌴🌳🌲🌴🌳🌲🌴🌳🌲🌴🌳🌲🌏♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@REGINALDOF02]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@reficulwer]

Хорошо, что ты снова снимаешь видео! Спасибо!

[@RainMaker1855]

another video - great start to the weekend!

[@dietavakolis3102]

Wooooohoo a new Video nice. Thank you 😊

[@pawechudyba8925]

Oj braciszku, długo każesz na siebie czekać. Dobrze widzieć Cię w zdrowiu i przy pracy.... Pozdrawiam

[@timothytakahashi1747]

I've been waiting soooo long for you to make an axe forging video. Thank you. Would like to see you make a small Billnäs style collared axe!

[@eliefrossard]

Thank you for the video ! Amazing as always. Original sound, no talking, the images are speaking by themselves !

[@terrym1065]

Nice surprise Rune👍👍good to see you post again. Bushcraft blacksmithing in the wild..perfect. Super setup in the lavvu, forge and shelter heater/stove in one😉 Master craftsman at work, beautiful small axe. I have the Grandfors Bruk Small Forest and Outdoor axes, wonderful examples. Great video, well done and presented as always, thanks for the work. See you soon hopefully, enjoy!

[@natural_homestead]

When I see this, it makes me want to go out again and enjoy the real craft ✨

[@machinedgod]

So good to see you post again here and there, Bertram!

[@terryteed1903]

Perfect. Fantastic to have you back.

[@jackgarridogonzalez9487]

Our old friend Bertam taking up his thing again. Nuestro viejo amigo Bertam retomando lo suyo.

[@ianwilliams2632]

Hadn't checked the channel for new uploads in some time... and here's one to feast on, less than a day ago. Warms the heart to see our silent adventurer still at it.

[@lukerobins6850]

The undisputed master of this "genre" 🙏🏼🙌🏼👍🏼

[@TheVampireFreddo]

Yes! Thanks for uploading again!

[@lorettawhiteside3153]

Hello great to see you again, before you shaped it I knew it was an axe head. Great work with the steal and wood. You even went out and used it, I know it will be a long while before I see you again. Japan 😊

[@thewanderer3341]

You have an ancient style to you tranquil life 😊 thank you again for captivating us 😎 you have been missed 😊

[@robmallion5957]

Yer, good to see your vids again. Can't put into words how much I appreciate what you do. . So thanks ✌️

[@herbertmaucher1007]

Vielen lieben Dank für das tolle Video habe es wieder genossen zuzuschauen weiter so und bitte mehr davon liebe Grüße 👍🤘

[@richardmacyczko1580]

To make a shelter id great. to make the tools to build the shelter is priceless. Thank you for sharing.

[@microwave221]

I hadn't seen any of these videos for years, just happened to search for this channel again today and I'm very pleased how well the timing worked out. It's so peaceful learning from these videos

[@summonrain107]

It’s good to see you again, though it’s 2:06 am in Vietnam. And I just think that it would be so great to see “A day in the life” video of you.

[@anthonykarakas6391]

Ive been waiting a long time for another axe making video!!

[@Jay-gd3kk]

Love to watch your videos! So calm and relaxing... chop chop chop... chop chop chop... Thanks! ❤

[@BMKtravelSL]

После долгого времени. Приятно видеть вас снова 🙏🛖🤍

[@jasonslimak478]

So happy to see another video from you. You have been missed sir

[@SanGiovannidellaCroce7]

Grazie grande Bertrand un abbraccio dall'Italia 🇮🇹

[@irladventurer]

Glad to see you back Bertram! Hope all is good with you and yours, and to many more adventures ahead!

[@ivanintra5953]

ÚNICO GRANDE Y EL MEJOR, gracias por compartir su sabiduría. Gran abrazo desde 🇦🇷 Argentina!!!!!

[@joeldelavega768]

I haven't looked forward to a video in a long time. Glad you're back.

[@markv151]

Forge On my brother !

[@user-fc9cf1vy5h]

Настоящий мастер.очень рад тебя снова видеть.Спасибо.

[@user-me9kb4fo3n]

Хорошее видео 😊 Всегда рад смотреть

[@marsvinbob]

dude - you are the BEST. SKOL and GOD BLESS DENMARK!

[@73FORGE]

Gransfors Bertram up in the building! Great video once again

[@townwitchdoctor5538]

Nice to see an historical axe sheath.

[@user-kl1oe9mo5w]

Thank you!!! Greetings from Ukraine!👍👍👍

[@paripurnas5629]

Thankyou for posting this... such a great things for me to enjoy my relaxed time

[@taranscott155]

Always a treat to watch your videos. Water can be quite savage to quench in. Salt water (brine) is a little easier on the steel, or peanut oil is even safer. Lovely job on that axe, and respect for approaching it with hand tools. I think the hardest part of forging axes for most people is making (or sourcing) the drifts.

[@neesbushcraft]

Great profile on that axe! Glad you're back.

[@Kira-zy2ro]

This is so relaxing to watch and listen to. The bouncing of the hammer on the anvil is really nice. Its so awesome to see a competent person doing the art he loves.

[@The4x4WindowCleaner]

Your work is exceptional! Thank you for the relaxing content as always!

[@photovi]

love the ending with moon and water ❤

[@walterluus6174]

Masterful. Thank you for your great videos. Love the simplicity. Love metal and wood. I see you utilizing a different quenching technique than before. Interesting.

[@SamuelMcCunemusic]

I'm so excited to see you blacksmithing again! thank you for sharing, you are an inspiration to me.

[@fritzmorrison5834]

you are the O.G. all others are imitators, PLEASE keep posting!

[@Thorns1115]

OMG. It's good to see you again.😊😊

[@innovationbeam]

한국인입니다만 당신의 캠핑은 정말 낭만적입니다. 다음영상이 기다려져요.

[@VinnyM.92]

He has blessed us with another video 🙌🏻

[@CurrentlyOnLV-426]

That's a great axe! About the size of the Outdoor Axe from GB, I guess. Miss your longer videos, but I guess we'll take what we can get.

[@backpackcooking_kobby]

It's nice to see you again. It's a great ability.

[@jessegreywolf]

Good to see you posting video again. I really enjoy the no nonsense style of your videos

[@Vladimir046]

Приветствую, всё было очень интересно.

[@Kleiner_Lutz]

Good to see you back, hope you're doing well

[@Steffi.Morgenstern.5388]

Great Video, thank you.

[@apophis5636]

Tu nous as manqué Bertram, c'est cool de te revoir

[@divergent8946]

The Legend Of Craft And Wilderness

[@legosecologicos]

Vc não pode parar de gravar ,seus vídeos são os melhores😊😊

[@YouTubeIsRunByMarxists]

Would like to have seen how you drew out the ears of the axe head. You did a very clean job of it and formed it very well. Splendid tool. You are quite skilled and thank you for the video.

[@BertramCraftAndWilderness]

Thank you. Yes - that part of the forging isn't shown well in the video. Sorry about that. Next time will I make sure to show it better. My preferred method for forging the ears/lugs on an axe is to start with a extra tall billet/piece of steel. I used the same method in the video. The extra height means that I only need to draw out the ears/lugs 50% of the way, the other 50% can I get by reducing the rest of the billets height. In the video at 01:40 can you see me drifting the axe and using the corner of the hammer to draw out the ears/lugs to about 50%.... The next clip at 02:12 shows me reducing the height of the rest of the axe to gain the other 50% height on the ears/lugs.... There is about 4 heats between the two clips and that is my mistake to skip a bit to much of the forging proces. Totally understandable that part of the video was unclear. If my description of the method is unclear, can I recommend to watch Brent Bailey's 4 part series on making a rounding hammer. He talks about the method and shows it in practice. Here is link to part 1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJqUqplnZ7ySqKM Thank you for you're comment and all the best See you out there... Rune Malte Bertram-Nielsen

[@juwright1949]

Absolutely OUTSTANDING!

[@chrismoose64]

You are a true artist...in everything you do. Best channel of its type on YT.

[@ianfraser9528]

Bertram, you're the man.

[@nteleguine]

So goo to see you back! You are an inspiration, and I am building a little bushcraft forge because of your earlier videos.

[@FAZTUDOTV]

finally youtube reccommended your channel again !

[@boodleg]

The myth, the legend.

[@mysgvus1]

Thank you for sharing your crafting and adventures! also, I love your new little hatchet/axe!

[@greybeard355]

Good to see you hammering again.

[@juliusmalewicz]

Bertram, thank you for your videos they are incredibly relaxing. Its nice to feel connected to nature its only achieved through your thoughtful methods. All the best on your path.

[@corq]

This channel is my favorite 'unintentional ASMR' content❤

[@henryganzer4685]

the axe looks very handy and it seems to be a very good size for backpacking 👍👍👍

[@SamuelMcCunemusic]

I want to compliment your filming, what amazing videos you put together and the shots you get of the beauty of nature and every part of how you work within it are amazing. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@janozostry9521]

Super siekierka ci wyszła gratuluję talentu😊

[@kingrafa3938]

Great job Rune!

[@niazali9965]

After long time finally you are back❤ good to see you.

[@mikele9022]

Good to see you again

[@jennebe9098]

Simply awesome!

[@tnakajima9123]

日本からも応援しています😊 あなたの物作りの動画は素晴らしいです😊 今後も沢山見れるように祈ってます😊

[@christophermarshall5015]

good to see you back mate

[@rusdianardlinugroho4079]

So glad,you are back

[@Sheepdog1314]

Excellent - glad to see you back

[@robsonsantosOSO]

Awesome!

[@bogdanbadea6300]

glad to see you again,welcome back!

[@paripurnas5629]

It sounds very clean and comfortable to see

[@eileenprior6999]

thank you. i look forward to your next film.

[@gerardvanengelen9001]

Thanks for the video

[@AuntGrace]

Love your videos - thanks