Forging a Bearded Axe: A Step-by-Step Guide

[@bar3550]

As a beginner blacksmith at a living history site in Indiana, US. I can easily say I appreciate these videos, they are extremely inspiring and educational to especially newcomers to the craft. I especially enjoy watching tool making (having done so much research into it recently), so making these axes without power tools is phenomenal to see.

[@StodOneR]

I personally prefer and recommend making an axe not by punching a hole through it but by making a "double axe" and then folding it back in on itself . It will teach you a bit more of required techniques it's also how it used to be done. On top of all that it doesent require you to make any additional holes or slits in order to add a hardened piece of steel to the edge. And tbh I'm quite surprised why more people don't make it like that

[@justinkedgetor5949]

What's a good way to get started in the craft? I've always been fascinated by blacksmithing and would like to try my hand at it a bit

[@StodOneR]

@@justinkedgetor5949 you do not need much , 1.Source of air 2.fire 3.thing to hit red hot piece of steel with 4. Thing to lay the red hot piece of steel on while hitting it. 1.For airflow I used a vacuum cleaner and placed the hose on the exit side of vacuum cleaner 2.for fire place I just layed a bunch of bricks around on the ground in such a manner so that the charcoal gets most air. I also just dug a hole in the ground 3.Simple hammer. 4.just find any old big chunk of iron/steel. I started with a railroad piece , then I upgraded it by making a horn on it . After a bit I found a steel plate with some holes in it which I simply placed on a log . The point is it's not that hard to start(you won't be forging swords instantly but it's a starting point and a learning point after which you can build up your blacksmithing journey. PS. I didn't add a thing to hold a red hot piece of steel with because that's optional :p. I started by mostly using longer pieces of steel that way I didn't need thongs and for pieces that were to small I used simple pliers or vice grips.

[@armadilloforge]

Find a class near you, or someone who has been doing it for a while. You will be a lot farther ahead once you know the basics.@@justinkedgetor5949

[@DBRGB]

As a retired welder/electrician who used to fabricate parts for heavy equipment, watching you make this neared axe gave me a hunger I had thought was gone. There’s a pleasurable satisfaction from getting an idea, making a plan to achieve that goal and using one’s hands to create that idea into a functional tool. It cannot be explained to anyone who has never had the experience, but to those of us who have, it’s a true love. Thank you so very much for reigniting the fire in me!!!

[@charlesbrack7017]

In today's era of power everything it's really refreshing to watch somebody build such a beautiful implement without using power tools. I myself am a woodworker and I am slowly learning to build more and more things with hand tools only. Thanks for this great video!

[@andrewrobinson2869]

Finally a real blacksmith made by Hand . I am so sick of these people that say made by hand yet a power hammer it doing the main hitting, now subscribed. Thankyou it looks awesome. Andy Australia

[@rieperman47]

It is simply amazing that even a small detail during the making process can have such a profound impact on the end product.

[@davefrysinger8445]

Beautiful, just beautiful. Very nice for camping.

The winner is @danielhenry3720. Unforutnatly he never replied, So the new winner is @Macikja The Giveaway will end the 7th of August! Subscribe & leave a commet to enter 😊 /Nils

[@melanisticmandalorian]

PLEASE, PICK ME !!! I want the axe !!!

[@garyyokel2310]

Love the way you explain your reasoning for doing each step and how you decide the order to do them.

[@NK-ne9uf]

This would make a great axe to have as a sample to aspire to in my own blacksmithing

[@SurfandRap]

Been trying to get one of these for awhile now between this and the small aplungen… this one seems a bit more stocky, I like it. Well if this is all I need to do to enter the giveaway then here is my comment, and I’m already subscribed. Should we recommend your page and work as well ??? @nilsogren

[@matthewkrahn5890]

I'm already subscribed. Nice axe as always.

[@Silkstep]

I love to watch a skilled craftsman.

[@jeremyboyd5759]

Your truly a gifted blacksmith. I appreciate the effort it takes to make one without modern machines. Bravo!

[@darrenwerner1829]

That my friend is one of the best tutorials I've seen and ive watched many on utube. Thank you.

[@turtrenold8532]

my father would be very proud to own this axe

[@ThatWorks]

So good! You got this down!!! thanks for sharing your process!

Thanks guys!

[@fyreantz2555]

I would totally raid England with that weapon!

[@gummel82]

Lmao

[@carpediem3391]

You ain’t got that power anymore

[@grantrichardson5766]

You talking 793 AD, or now? If so, I recommend working your way up the Thames on your longship to London. Can't even carry a pocket knife there now, easy pickings like Lindisfarne.

[@kyleeames8229]

The Vikings did a lot of good work getting rid of all those annoying irregular plurals the first time around. Finish the job! Childs, not children. Womans, not women, etc.

[@fyreantz2555]

@@carpediem3391 I ain't got no boat, and rowers are too expensive to hire.

[@mikesolley7694]

Nice one Niles, I love the hand made texture and non mass produced look.She is a JEM!

[@SaintGalganoArmory]

MAN! This was an amazingly educational video, as this is one of my FAVORITE AXES! This is going to be my next project after I finish the current axe that I am making! Thank you for these Step-by-step how to do by hand guides! They have really helped me a lot, and now I really love forging axes! Keep these coming mate!

[@capochache]

youtube just recomended me your channel and i couldn't be more happy about it. Amazaing job with that axe and keep doing it like that!!

[@4est_Trekker]

Beautiful work once again, Nils, both in craftsmanship and videography. Thanks for sharing!

[@kennytan8840]

Thanks for the opportunity 😊

[@nikminassian9084]

I love this. Not using power tools makes it so much more inspiring to attempt!

[@kwmoore3464]

I've got a small collection of axes & hatchets but I've never seen a bearded that looks as good as the ones you make.

[@abgebrueht]

Hi Nils; as always. Nice axe. I would love to see your complete axe collection. I know you started the channel because your first intend was to try out diffrent axe types and forms for learning purpose. I like the design of this recent axe a lot. Keep up with your work and passion. (:

[@280AI]

I absolutely love that shape. I’ve never seen a commercial one in that shape. Nice work.

[@flekovich]

This design is beautiful, for some reason this is my favourite style of any tool or weapon out there.

[@Emperor-Justinius]

Love that axe, you got the grip curve correct!

[@theevilhermit231]

Absolutely love the feel of your blades slicing through wood.

[@jonathanvincent7891]

One of the first axe making videos I've seen that is actually no power tools used, really cool to see

[@cooljefta]

I love watching this kind of blacksmithing.

[@MrWoundedsquirrel]

Excellent tutorial! Not over dramatized, I will save this video for when I'm ready to make one. I'm almost there

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Beautiful. It’s really nice seeing the process with just hand tools. Thanks Nils.

[@calumblair]

Everyone would love this axe. Quality craftsmanship. Good luck to the winner

[@SjaakJournaal]

shows real craftsmanship to see how close to finish you are able to forge it!

[@Tehrawrzorz]

Something so cool about turning an elemental force like metal and fire into a work of art that can be used!

[@andrewgarrett76]

Thank you very much for showing how you can forge these by hand! Looks beautiful!

[@tonyweldon1491]

As a beginner blacksmith I have never made an axe and watching how you and many others have made them and other tools, I appreciate the time and diligence needed to make a good tool. I look forward to many opportunities to expand my craft and one day to make hammers and axes. Thank you for demonstrating how to make one without power tools.

[@christian3782]

One can learn so much of you and your working. It`take me years to come to a point near you, but watching you working makes me trying...

[@roblescurbappealconcrete]

I’ve been wanting to see someone smith an axe with no power tools. It seems like everyone wants to make the best looking knives and axes the easiest and fastest way they can. I think this is a beautiful art that should not be forgotten, and I thank you for making this video showing the true skills of a blacksmith. Really enjoyed it and I learned a lot. Thank you Texas

[@stopadoesit960]

Wery nice work! Thank you for taking the time to show step by step for those of us who don't have power tools.

Thanks! Its a lot of fun for me too :)

[@bengriffiths1908]

beautiful ax. I love the whole process by hand. I am learning on a coal forge with no power tools so videos like this are my favorite! Thank-you.

[@dustinparker2730]

Thank you for the step by step guide to axe making. Your instructions are thorough and easy to understand.

[@scottaustin5290]

Your work is extremely impressive thx for sharing your skills

[@wkjeeping9053]

This is how I grew up forging. All by hand and brute force. That's just great watching that being made. Imo things made by hand are taken care of way better.

[@roberthouston1280]

Beautiful axe! We have a 60-acre farm in Pennsylvania that is half-wooded with a stream running through it. My goal next month is to blaze a trail from the barn to the stream, to make it easier to access the water. Years ago there were trout in the stream and I have a dream of restocking it.

[@michaelmosley254]

Very nice I like seeing the work done by hand

[@tomwilliams1639]

The Art of Forging, be it a blade, Ax head, or Sword, is an art form that has a limited number of Masters. And you are a Master of the trade. That is truly a work of art.

[@allenpentico2585]

Loved watching how it's done by hand.

[@adambehrens4127]

Such a beautiful axe and amazing craftmanship.

[@viktorsommerclewemar5292]

Älskar hantverket! Och klippningen med musiken i bakgrunden gör det bara ännu mer genuint! Du är en källa till inspiration, Nils! 💯

[@Heuroya]

10:44 I felt interesting expression ‘apple seed edge’. Its edge shape is ‘Hamaguri-Ba(蛤刃)’ in Japanese blacksmiths. Hamaguri-Ba means ‘hard clam edge’.

[@leonrog5653]

What an awesome video. I have to check out more of your channel in the future. I’m so happy to got this in my recommendations!

[@tonysexton232]

I love how the entire axe was hand forged and shaped. Well done!

[@Fire_And_Iron]

Impressive, I’ve never seen more clear, concise or informative videos on the forging of axes than your videos.

Thank you!

[@SuperXavierLambert]

Total respect ! Blacksmithing is a mix of art and chemistry (in French, we make a difference between « chimie » and « alchimie »), and you are a master in both ! 🤘🏼

[@gilbertmckown6161]

These forging by hand tutorials are so fun to watch let alone great for anyone with tool envy. You really don't need much to make something thats both functional and beautiful!

[@gilbertmckown6161]

Hot rasping for the win!

[@charlescrawford436]

Thanks for the tutorial. Great guide through the hand forging process. Impressive work!!

[@cuthbertdingleberry2325]

You sir are a consummate craftsman. Such a talented guy. Bravo!

[@klauspresser4176]

Hello my Friend ,as an Toolmaker let me say Congratulaions WELL Done ...Hurray 😊😊😊 All the best greetings from Germany. Klaus

[@truethought369]

Your work on this Axe is superb, I find it very satisfying to see these traditional skills being kept alive for future people to learn. Thank you, & have a wonderful life.

[@ScottWetz]

You have a true talent. Whoever ends up with axe will something to last them a lifetime and would be able to hand it down for generations. Thanks for sharing your skills with us.

[@Displacement-destroyer]

I've been gradually building up tools to try and do this myself knives axes hatchets just about any blade cutting tool and good to see somebody actually explain what they're doing and why they're doing it through the process thanks for the great video

[@brianlouishaddock4551]

A first class show of axe making, sum thing I would have liked to make, I did make a 14inch bowe knife, from a big lorry spring, all I had was oxe torch an old anvil in my of time at work, it was very high carbon steel and,sprung as well. The hardest part was getting the curve out of the spring steal with out softening it , it worked out to a very good finish , I spent hundreds of hours filing it ,to a very fine condition and sharpness ,a brass hand guard , Paxoline Handel with a nice aluminium pommel my final test was to place it between to bits of rail track, and hit it as hard as I could with a 14 pound sledge hammer, I closed my eyes at the last second, it took of like a built, when I did find it it was as straight as I made it , it was so strong and razor sharp on all of the edges , and with the weight, just a little effort was all that was needed , to chop or cut in any direction my first and last effort at forging. So hats of to you.

[@brianlouishaddock4551]

Thank you for the reply, it is nice to know ,that one’s efforts are appreciated,and you have your whole life in-front of you , as mine is coming to its end,sum time when, just stretch your potential and you will be on the master crafts list , of go to axe makers, I can see it in the comments column Best regards Brian.

[@brianlouishaddock4551]

Ps. When I was in America years ago I used to visit the Bouse Black powder shoot once a year, and my partner was an axe thrower ,she was so graceful and made it look so easy, it took me weeks ,just to get it right, may be a Viking throwing axe would be nice to see ,unless you have already made one ,and it is on a video Brian.

[@jjreno7843]

I am not a blacksmith, however I have restored dozens of old ax heads and have plenty of heads that were sharpened to short to be useful. I haven't ever seen that method of adding edge material back to the head. Neat. Thanks for the great video.

[@shaft1066]

Outstanding work with just hand tools, hope to try this way one day.

[@Darkloud84]

I admire the fact that you’ve made this with traditional techniques, that requires talent. The finished piece is wonderful. Thanks for the video, looking forward to whatever is next.

[@Veritequiparles]

Absolutely beautiful. I appreciate the labours of a person who takes the time to skilfully craft such a beautiful piece. I can imagine the balance of the finished item. That is a fine tool.

[@joshboatman3387]

I’d be proud to have that hanging next to my Gränsfors. It’s a beautiful tool!

[@markc6650]

That was a very well done video! I'm building a new shop after a move and can't wait to play in the fire again. You are a good inspiration to get back in there and get to making again!

[@MrMakto]

I am so glad I found your channel, I have been wanting to get into axe making for a LONG time. Your one of the few channels who go into detail of the handmade process vs press/power hammer only.

[@philxcskier]

I really like how clear you showed all the steps! If you choose my comment- I want to use the axe to make a handmade chair (no power tools). I think that would be really cool!

[@bernardflood8289]

Greetings from Ireland. You are a good teacher

[@terryTKkane]

I wish I could do that... To have all the traditional tools to create an item of beauty. It's just a dream for me at the moment. Great video. 👍

[@callewis576]

Appreciate the work all being done by hand!

[@tekurohamada7068]

I’ve never done any kind of forging but I’m an artist I worked with wood clay and stone and I like to think that I can somewhat imagine what working with steel would be like and I’m just amazed at the amount of control you have over the material, it all goes exactly where you want it, you don’t distort one part when working on another, the edges are beautiful and clean even at the stage of forging, and the seem between the blade and the head is invisible. Amazing work, beautiful axe and great guide!

[@kevronkawasaki5701]

I am very impressed by the quality of work and the quality of the video well done!

[@lgodsey123]

Excellent Axe! I’ve just gotten into blacksmithing a few months ago and will 100% try this method for my first one.

[@SluiceGooseProspecting]

While I love watching forging videos, there is something about a piece made completely by hand without the use of power tools that makes it so much more satisfying for me. And this is something that is fully functional and would be an asset to anyone that had it. Beautiful work!

[@charlie-charles]

An axe! Just a simple tool and yet so mysterious... Why we are loving it so much! Craftsmanship full of taste soul and details! Thanks for your work 🙏🏼

[@stevenuniverse850]

This kind of work empowers the budget builder. You show that you don't need all the fancy stuff to get the job done!

[@stevenuniverse850]

Can @nilsogren confirm this is his comment below?

[@stevenuniverse850]

This guy is a scammer

[@modrisposse3346]

Greetings from Latvia! Men here respect good axes! :)

[@jeremyjjbrown]

Thanks for showing these al by hand videos. They really show how making an axe is achievable without a power hammer or press.

[@ben24061]

True craftmanship! Nice work.

[@guybloom6449]

Very informative, blacksmiths are important.

[@lucaswilson9969]

Awesome to see the whole process and how to do it without the power hammer, lovely axe!

[@marcinossowski3212]

I found two old Prussian Beilpicke axes and I have to renovate them. You do a great work! Take care! :)

[@deforrestgardner1474]

Beautiful, I'm going to use your video when I am able to make my own attempt at blacksmith work! Very nice, educational, an taught me some stuff I haven't seen before.

[@miami2pr]

Love that masterpiece. Excellent craftsmanship. God bless.

[@hillbilly4christ638]

You have combined two things that I really enjoy. 1. Traditional blacksmithing. 2. Axes. You also make other edged tools, but primarily the axes. We not only get to learn some history, but also get to see how these processes have been done. I also appreciate your artistry and your attention to detail. The camera work is also very good. I am subscribed to TA's channel as well and was pleased to see you two working together. God Bless you.

[@davidhorner238]

Thank you for the educational, step by step video making it with hand tools, it is very helpful to those without them. Very beautiful work!

[@cooper_pdx]

I like how concise your videos are. Your editing is very good.

[@wallyschmidt77]

That's a beautiful axe! I also got a kick out of the golf ball handle for your file. I would not have thought of that!

[@rickbray7100]

Love it. It’s great to see something formed completely with hand tools. I have seen many axes made but none with this much care.

[@TheBigE19591]

Good job. I liked how you explained what and how you where working. Being a beginner that really helps.

[@sergiucuruciuc1958]

Beautiful craftsmanship i love blacksmithing

[@StuartMoores]

beautiful work by a true artisan

[@dennisgonyier9542]

Very instructive video. The ax has pleasing proportions and is undoubtedly a useful tool for roughing out large objects such as dough bowls, large spoons and other useful items. Great job.

[@brianssimplesmithy1072]

Hello from the Philippines! I always have watched your videos for as long as I can remember and seeing a video of how you make your axes by hand inspires me to continue my hobby of blacksmithing especially since I dont have much tools that make the whole process more efficient. Always happy to watch you make awe inspiring art!

[@kelchforge63]

I appreciate you showing accurate forging and clean work

[@BrynPrice]

Really enjoying this series - watching in reverse as I’ve only just discovered the channel

[@johanvosloo2817]

Best I have seen online yet, well done!

Thats a very nice thibg to say! Thank you!

[@bwcrampton5135]

It is nice to see an axe of excellent quality made without power tools! Returning to the way it started. Well done!

[@connorsummers8987]

Been a huge fan of your stuff for a while. Even bigger fan now that you’ve started doing tutorial videos without power tools!!