Viking Cross Axe: Forging One Of History's Most Mysterious Axes

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The winner is: @byohazrd13 If I don't hear from him/her in 7 days, I will pick another winner. GIVEAWAY INFO! The giveaway will end February 19th and the winner will be announced in THIS comment. If you re the winner and you don't reach out to me in seven days, I will pick another winner. Subscribe to my channel and leave a comment including the word "Cross" to enter the giveaway. Please check back February 19th to see if you are the winner, you have no idea how many people have won before but have not bothered to check. Important! Be wary of scammers, I have caught a few of them impersonating me, trying to trick people inte to contacting them. Always check back to this comment to see if the winner has been announced. Another thing to look carefully at is the name tag of the person writing. mine is "@nilsogren" , they usually have weird tags promting people to reach out via telegram or so. DONT engage with them. Thank you for watching! /Nils

[@superspeederbooster]

Chris cross apple sauce

[@charleshighley3283]

Absolutely wonderful. Your videos are teaching me a lot. I'm starting my first forge as soon as it thaws out around me so my steel shed can be done. 😊

[@BCM1959]

👍

[@brokentablespodcast]

​@@superspeederbooster it'll make you jump, jump.

[@MagiRaz]

If I won and forgot to check I'd be pretty cross about it, not gonna lie.

[@fitzmcfitzy4340]

So nice to watch someone create a piece of art for half an hour with no loud music or jumpcuts every few minutes, that makes me really cross, great content.

[@Scugzerker]

The reason why I don't really like Alec Steele. There's a tv show of him forging, but it's one massive migraine to watch. Basically, they cut his sentence in half in paste the cut off part back so that everything jumps around at least once every 5 seconds. And this goes on for the entire show. Why cut a part in half if you're going to stick it back in place if not to induce headaches in anyone trying to watch?

[@ellomoto231]

If that makes you cross, you should probably go outside for a bit.

[@TheRdamterror]

i always skip to the end and see what it turnt out to be lol

[@PH4RX]

While not traditional jump cuts, there are cuts every few seconds.

[@Gunface08]

0pp​@@ellomoto231

[@aaronnielson9687]

I really enjoy how everything in the process of creating this Viking Cross Axe was done by hand. No power hammers or presses just good old fashioned craftsmanship. You created an amazing axe! Well done.

[@georgezama]

A work of art that shouldn't be in the workshop but in the living room!

[@alexrau2857]

i mean except for the power tool grinding, but yeah! :P

[@doodlecaboodle9298]

I guess the grinding was a figment of my imagination, then. The gas forge, too. Coke forges actually get much hotter than gas forges, if you want authenticity and a wide range of temperatures to choose from coke forges are the way to go.

[@garryfabac217]

Cross , beautiful work. It is refreshing to watch a true smith instead of all the grinders on KZbin . Thank you.

[@lucascolbers386]

As a viking age re-enactor (living history enthousiast) and blacksmith, this is the best of two worlds for me! I forged some simple carving knifes and seaxes last september on Wilde Furda, an event dedicated to portraying life in the viking age! Given how difficult it was to forge using only a small anvil, charcoal and a pair of bellows as portrayed on the Sigurdstone, I can't imagine how skilled you had to be to make this in the viking age! Expecially when you realize that every single forge weld is a potential weak spot, forging welding the cross into this specific axe must have been a hugely risky way of going about it. In metallurgical research on the tools found in the Mastermyr chest we see they definetly knew how to do this well. I wonder how the vikings themselves viewed those who mastered the art of metalworking...

[@paulbutikofer4284]

The blacksmith wouldn't have been alone at the forge, a student (apprentice) doing the fetching and carrying/ running the bellows, hoping to learn the magic of the blacksmith.

[@mrkiky]

don't forget the iron and steel full of crud that splits if you hammer it the wrong way

[@paulbutikofer4284]

@@mrkiky you hammer the iron to get rid of the crud. What's the wrong way? Iron has too much carbon to be steel.

[@mrkiky]

@@paulbutikofer4284 The crud can't be removed like that, only with modern methods. And it would've increased your work time by a lot. Also Iron has too little carbon to be steel, not too much. The wrong way would be any way that forces its grain to split.

[@Gr3nadgr3gory]

​@@mrkiky hammering out the crud worked for the japaneese and they had notoriously shit ore.

[@keybrdmanu]

i really appreciate doing this the old way. no power tools, no temperature controlled ovens, just pure skill and love for the craft. Awesome Cross axe !

[@oxob3000]

Beautiful axe. This is the first time I see forge welding. And also the first time I see your content! Cross ing my fingers that I can win this work of art 😏

[@danielhoefner5150]

Thanks for taking the time to teach! No doubt it slows you down, but so appreciated by those of us who are trying to learn. The cross axe is a special piece of art!

[@MrNiccholas]

Very, very impressive! This might be the most impressive axe build video I've seen on KZbin! It was amazing seeing someone do traditional blacksmith Forging instead of cutting, milling and grinding! I don't have anything against those types of builds, I actually really enjoyed watching them, but it's a completely different thing watching this masterpiece be truly forged!

[@bhaktapeter3501]

Mark aspery does a cool viking axe too.

[@keithweeks2076]

Nils, it's so rare to run a "cross" your level of talent, would be an honor to own a piece of your work

[@stevenbrown1749]

You have developed some serious skills…a man who understands the concept of “what you think about you will become” I have a sincere hope that someday our paths will cross…what a beautiful work of art, hopefully it’s endures as long as some of the original Viking cross axes…respect!!!

[@jeffrepass959]

Nice job, I love watching guys like you making pieces from scratch, molding and shaping a chunk of steel into a work of art. It's a dying art. The "cross" is a cool touch, means something to me as it represents the "ONE" who sacrificed it all to save a wretch like me. Thanks and keep up the content, I loved the bearded ax you made as well.

[@nathangriswell2534]

Marvelous piece of work Nils! As a lifelong student of Viking era weapons and culture, I've always been fascinated by this cross design, representing such a fascinated moment in history where cultures and beliefs clashed and melded, not unlike with the pierced cross tomahawks traded along the early American frontier. Always excited to see what you explore and produce next!

[@kencross25]

Nils, it is genuinely nice seeing a craftsman, like yourself, using traditional hand forging techniques when designing and reproducing this "Viking Cross Axe" period piece. Too many Blacksmith forgers rely too heavily on modern hydraulic presses for the quicker finished product. Which to me, doesn't accurately represent a traditional style reproduction of any period items.

[@Mischievous_Moth]

The sheer skill you showed in forging the cross blew me away.

[@dillonwillette]

I've always wondered how these types of cross axes were made. It's such a cool design. I would gladly trade my firstborn son for the chance to own an axe like this.

[@RogerS1978]

Have to say I didn't know what they were but they are beautiful items for some reason.

[@LostAfterMe]

I too would trade his first born son for this beautiful cross axe head!! So don’t count me out!

[@spacemanx9595]

😂 your poor firstborn son.

[@davidwilladssen191]

I was scrolling for a bearded timber axe, but ended up watching you forte this beautiful cross-axe. You put in so much love in all your works! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@noaheast6285]

That “cross” axe is absolutely stunning

[@nor0845]

I was going to say “Cross me off the list.” But having seen the beauty of the finished Axe I have changed my mind. Great work. Thank you for posting.

[@tobiaslindblom2187]

This cross comment will axe my chances of winning.

[@GarryAndrews_]

And my axe

[@kingbootygaming3508]

I don't like this comment it makes me cross 🤣🤣

[@CEOofgoblins]

This never even crossed my mind to say

[@Nature_Reclaimed]

You may be splitting hairs w/ this one... 😂

[@jhnndrs8832]

✝️

[@andrewtamuleveicius4183]

Cross… you got yourself a new subscriber, I’m currently building a forge and have been working my blacksmithing skills to make axes like the cross axe but with a mjolnir in place of the cross

[@CoopersVapingView]

What an amazing axe. Loved seeing the process of making the different parts at forging them together to make such a beautiful Viking cross axe. Pretty enough to be a wall hanger, but tough enough to use. Great combination.

[@bkmesser6211]

I love the cross section of this axe! As always, a very interesting video to watch! I especially appreciate the fact that you were almost only using hand tools and as minimal power tools as possible. This really gives a good insight into how blackmiths would have worked back then.

[@fonquernie25]

what a master piece ! well done ! Cross :) Im a beginner, i tried to make my first axe and used your asymetric technic unfortunatly my forge welding didn't stick, i have much to learn. thank you for your truly inspiring work !

[@schmiedemesser_Jasmine]

The Cross in the axe is amazing! You did a really exceptional job at recreating this piece of art! I have always wondered how they might have done this. I've watched most of your other videos as well and follow you along for quite a while! I also forge - just as a hobby of mine - and I just learn so much from you and others who are fine craftsmen and show how you achieve your stunning results! Anyway, I am really happy that you are back and forging away again! It is good to have you back! And the more of 2000 comments show that other people feel the same! All the best and lots of success! Jasmine

[@kei_on_tv8157]

Pillaging for Jesus

[@jankroehl]

This is the most beautifull craxt i've ever seen! Thank you so much for sharing this Cross Axt video. I enjoyed your craftmanship over the top! During our times and due to the actual problems, all europeans have to face at the moment, the strong meaning of something beautifull like this, representing the history of europe and its people and more important: of the ancient, the pure and the real europeans, can't be overestimated. Its a masterpeace and for usage, the 12 layers at the blade is what it has to have and they are enough to win....! Regards, by Odin! Jan

[@themountain3230]

You certainly are the master of forge welding. It seems like alot people avoid it for fear of failure. You make it look so easy and unique. It is odd to have a cross on a weapon.

[@aalinearoverseer7928]

This is a really beautiful "Cross" axe, well done! Cross axes seem to fit a really niche part of history, and I think your work on this cross axe has definitely showed your skill in forging!

[@skwashua]

Sometimes I think blacksmithing would be a fun hobby. Then a video like this comes along and I realize it’s an incredible amount of work. Well done. 👌

[@robhoule8724]

I like the complexity including the "CROSS" but most of all I thoroughly appreciate you not using any power tools very impressive I am an aspiring blacksmith and to see someone accomplish something beautiful and not use power tools was very inspiring!!! Well done sir!!!

[@doodlecaboodle9298]

He used a gas forge and used power tools to grind it lol Idk about not using any power tools. Absolutely INCREDIBLY impressive to forge it by hand though

[@renstewart9725]

Love watching all of your work, and craftsmanship. The historical background of this cross axe is particularly interesting.

[@superlotto36]

I've never crossed anyone in my life that didn't deserve it. So they are cross-ed out so to speak. Which makes coming a-cross this channel so great

[@Joe___R]

It turned out rather nice. It seems like it would be a fully functional fighting axe. Not strong enough to withstand heavy use on trees but more than good enough to kill your enemies. Since humans have always liked to look good and have the coolest tools, there is no reason to believe that the originals were only for ceremonial use.

[@mads-emiljensen9734]

Why did the viking cross the road? he wanted to raid and pillage his neighbour :P

[@corzan721_3]

I’ll climb any mountain, hike any canyon, and cross any ocean for that beauty of an axe. I watched you make the thing and it’s still mind boggling to me

[@toastedpies7827]

I came aCROSS this video by total AXEcident. Absolutely loved the video, great job, the techniques and proficiency at which you utilized them completely captivated me!

[@bigtsperspective5831]

Your videos are new to me . I want to say how much I appreciate you saying pattern welded rather than Damascus 🤓💪❤️

[@paulc.cowanjr.9499]

I hope to never cross the path of an angry Viking wielding an axe as sharp and historic as the cross axe you have created. Great video , Very unusual axe, amazing workmanship.

[@grumpswalpole4856]

forging is fascinating to watch. I work in wood, so steel is strange to me, but your creativity is always interesting to watch and marvel over. The cross axe especially.

[@Justinbuchanan82]

That "CROSS" axe is awesome! I want to get in to blacksmithing and the stuff you do is my dream. Thank you

[@tonybellezza4243]

A genuine handmade "Cross" A beautiful handmade Axe And a unique handmade Comment By George, I think we've got it...

[@iandouglas4378]

I love the way this cross was made. You have beautiful skill

[@jonesl.4895]

It's amazing how skilled you are a - cross all those different techniques. And everything was done with hand tools which makes it even better

[@lovejcdc]

I've never heard of a cross axe before but I have to say that is the most awesome looking axe I've seen. Just by looking at it I would have never guessed how it was accomplished. But after watching it, it makes sense. Truly an amazing build. God bless

[@dad_uchiha1707]

Nils! Your ability to get all this from nothing is absolutely mind blowing! Awesome job bro

[@johnparr5879]

Very satisfying to watch you work, and shape the axe head. Thank you. *

[@MrZatorak]

after this video, the only thought that CROSSED my mind was that I had found my new favorite channel. amazing work very detailed video❤‍🔥

[@eringonzalez7277]

That axe is truly beautiful. The cross melded so well I was wondering how you were going to pull it off when I saw the thumbnail. Whoever ends up winning this axe will be a lucky person.

[@stoicc6510]

Man, seeing how casually you do forge welds that would make me chuck my hammer across the shop makes me go cross -eyed. Great work on this axe, it looks great and is a fascinating representation of cultural crossover!

[@tattooedtwo]

Cross, I love the fact that you said don't quote me I'm just a guy on KZbin trying to make cool axes...great work brother

[@TheWeldingPanzer]

I've always seen the cross sword and it's always been really interesting to me. I've taken a lot of inspiration from the viking era in writing ideas for my book.

[@flash52958]

Loved watching you make the cross axe especially with the original techniques showing your proper skill instead of letting power hammers do all the forging and grinders doing all the grinding (except the end ofcourse) Cheers from a cross the ocean in Australia!

[@jasonslagle3618]

This axe had me Cross eyed admiring its beauty. And what an interesting part of norse history 850-950AD! This would be well treasured brother beautiful, simple, utilitarian sexy. Great work!

[@logansenn5487]

Extremely beautiful piece of art! If i am lucky enough to be chosen it will "Cross" my mind constantly🙃

[@Shookspeared]

It was such a joy to watch this Cross axe be made! Amazing craftsmanship

[@richardswimming9389]

Well done not too shabby for you first attempt you're definitely have weathered the unique process of forging metal thumbs up bro

[@calebdunn1288]

Owning that axe would cross the newest thing off my bucket list

[@666mogge]

I'm glad that this video cross ed thru my flow. A real work of art.

[@wheelersecuritygroup]

I love all the method used to make the Cross Axe. Nothing but hammer and anvil, purely by hand cheers sir

[@daveslater9141]

Watching you with your amazing craft abilities had me glued to the screen from start to end, I actually watched again straight after, you sir are amazing, you have a great ability and are very interesting and watchable, you just gained a fan.

[@teojoh95]

Really impressive mate! You have some serious talent. I’m glad I came (a)cross this!

[@VitalEternity]

Awesome Cross Axe! Have never seen this before but with the Viking overlap of the early days of Christianity's popularity, it makes sense. Big fan of this piece!

[@antoniolaurito2643]

I’m a welder fabricator and I’m getting into forging, and I forged a tomahawk out of a railroad spike, and a rebar, and I’ve made crosses out of railroad spikes in the past. She was pretty amazing.

[@jxnxs_nxt]

I Love this piece so much! The history, the kind of forging with the Cross inside,... Insane!

[@CREWSZx]

Me on other smithing channels hating the shape then getting triggered when they leave it until the grind. Here questioning the shape after the forge welds and Nils 30 seconds later perfecting it with his hammer. Especially forge welding the cross! New favorite smith channel!

[@tiffany-pa2345]

Viking CROSS Axe The axe is one of the oldest tools developed by humans; since the Neolithic age, it has been a symbol of battle and work. All ancient traditions associated the axe with lightning, water, and fertility, and attributed to it the power of making or stopping rain. It is a symbol of spiritual penetration and fertilization, as it opens the ground. The twin-bladed axe is often associated with the Hindu thunderbolt, so it is a symbol of celestial illumination. Related to the ox because of its shape, and can be a general talisman of strength. EDIT: Thanks for the beautiful work

[@oscaritolozano3]

a cross on an axe is definitely something id see out of a video game an absolutely wonderful video

[@jfiz7797]

Beautiful craftsmanship on the cross axe. Truly impressive work

[@kaveirinhaz]

Beautiful techniques and very tecnical. Maybe one day I´ll be able to forge one of these Cross Axes! Thank you for teaching how!

[@stampejager]

Riktigt inspirerande film om smide. Ett livsmål är att damma av sina gamla smideskunskaper och göra en egen yxa och en cross vikinga yxa är en levande dröm

[@josephbates8117]

Your videos have inspired me to start forging! I've found a local smith and I'm doing a work exchange for forge time! I hope someday I can try forging a cross axe too.

[@justinfoy7514]

Thais ax is gorgeous! I really like the CROSS that is forged into it.

[@toml3806]

@nilsogren. The precision of your hammer blows is very impressive. Well done, sir.

[@XMooseManX]

This Cross axe project has inspired me to use my kiln I usually use for melting silver for my jewelry, for blacksmithing. So many channels make it look so far out of attaining because they have so many thousands of dollars worth of tools. I just subbed to the channel, beautiful work. Thank you for sharing.

[@DevonJones_]

Its really amazing watching people just turn a block of metal into something so beautiful and unique. It always blows my mind how there are humans all throughout history with so much talent to be able to accomplish this. Would love to see more builds like the Viking Cross Axe using techniques they could've used back then, really loved the video glad to join as a subscriber! Its also cool watching other people looking into Viking history the late Viking era is a very interesting time frame as Christianity was being introduced to them, there were so many different religions and beliefs amongst the different Viking groups, that most didn't even have a name for what they believed in. So many of them would carry different religions elements for protection from many different beliefs as like a "shotgun method" of covering them with god's favor because they didn't know what was a 100% the truth so they thought better safe then sorry. Which is believed why we find things such as a Cross, hammer or other religious items on one Viking.

[@kennethcoffey3379]

Was a joy to watch you make the cross axe.

[@calebkutchenriter9315]

A Viking cross axe,I’d say I’ve never seen or heard of even in history books but I like this piece of history.

[@dustinpeters8295]

Amazing work Nils, beautiful Cross axe

[@williambehnke3381]

Very impressive craftsmanship! The cross axe is amazing!

[@pauldavis1137]

Beautiful Cross Axe. A very nice copy of an original design. Thank you for showing us the build.

[@jordanherwig2408]

I just came a”cross” your channel and am a huge fan! The cinematics were amazing and you are incredibly talented

[@jasonesnard4663]

Wow forge welding a cross was cool to see! When i saw it finnished i had to watch and see how he did the "CROSS" inside! craftsmanship is amazing! Such a beautiful peace! And Razor sharp too! Amazing!

[@travismurrah4055]

It was very cool to watch all the meticulous forge welding done by hand. Well done and I’m excited to see more cool projects like this!Cross, hope I’m lucky enough to win it!

[@dj_koen1265]

very relaxing to watch you make axes

[@JeremyNaus]

Nice axe. I first thought you'd make the axe and then 'cut' the rest away to leave the cross; but love how you made it.

[@hedbergforgemetalworks7783]

I love this “Cross” axe!! Well done Nils!!

[@anargilwest6261]

This is the first time i came a"cross" your channel, always glad to see great talent, you have earned a sub!

[@darcybrawataakaontariostac6835]

Glad you expanded your knowledge by making the Viking Cross Axe

[@bjdemeo5448]

What an amazing axe with Cross. Beautiful work and fun to watch!

[@wericksonalexandre718]

It's impressive how someone who really knows what they're doing can produce, this ax with a cross was simply magnificent, my sincere congratulations

[@zoichikanoe6242]

What a precision there with the hammer, also quite the welds with the forge. Beautiful work.

[@Adam-fn3ed]

CROSS This is a beautiful piece of work, mate. Absolutely stunning

[@Termini_Man]

That is a pretty cool axe. i thank you for not smoothing down the whole head, it looks really cool without it being smoothed down. The integration of a complex shape, in this case a "cross", is really cool

[@Luke-hx6gm]

Beautifully done Cross Axe!!

[@samshute3859]

Super awesome to see the process this way. Cross looking sweet!

[@michaelgroh4654]

I absolutely love how this cross axe came out, I'm still a newbie to forging and this is nothing short of inspiring to see come to life. I hope to be able to do something like this one day

[@bufordteejustice1119]

What a beautiful AXE. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulmccullough7352]

Cross, i was captivated the whole way through. wonderful job

[@Bratpfannenfett]

"Is it just me, or does watching this blacksmith forge an axe feel like witnessing a heated cross between a cooking show and a medieval battle reenactment? 🔥🗡 It's like Gordon Ramsay meets King Arthur! Who knew hammering metal could be so epic?"