Traditional Folded Axes: An Introduction to Symmetrical Fold Technique

In this video I try to show you how I forge a symmetrical folded "viking style" axe.
A very fun technique that test many aspects of your forging technique.
Thanks for watching!
/Nils
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#handforged #traditional #blacksmith

[@Xarthis]

This is the kind of stuff I really enjoy seeing on KZbin. Just someone showing their skill without embellishment or excess showmanship. Also, I appreciate that you show what can be done with limited tools. Makes it less scary for beginners to try.

[@vonlagour2570]

😢😢😢

[@fredericmartin8758]

Moins on utilise d'outils et plus il faut de savoir faire et d'habileté.😊

[@katjasbudig]

@@fredericmartin8758 C'est comme cela que j'ai appris à travailler....

[@joshuabonner4112]

Look so cool

[@johnathonheck1574]

All I got is a hammer, anvil and forge. I will make one. Because I must.

[@Raiaka]

It's a very rare treat to see a video of something being forged completely by hand. Thank you so much for making this.

[@user-mg6lz5tk9m]

У Ангелины Аргани топоры получше получаются .

[@Cedar_Wolf]

I love how, at the very end, you realized you hadn't filmed all of the steps, so you simply made a second axe that was a twin of the first one. That was brilliant!

[@bearlystrong3393]

I absolutely love this! So many of the blacksmithing videos on KZbin are completely based on extremely expensive equipment that the vast majority of aspiring smiths probably won't ever be able to afford. It's really good to see someone showing how to do it all by hand. Thanks for that!

[@michaelbarrett1914]

Absolutely! I worked as a Carpenter for several years making 4-6k/wk and I still can't afford a lot of that big fancy equipment that those guys have in their shops. 1) it is hard to find 2) you have to adapt your garage for much of it because it won't fit in a 9' tall garage, then you have to spend about 4-6500 for a rotary phase converter to bring adequate 3 phase power to your garage. It is not cheap.

[@peltiereric6497]

You have definitely become the ultimate axe maker here on KZbin, I don’t think anyone does better videos or more on axes than you

Probably the best comment ever.

[@peltiereric6497]

@ you deserve it, I’ve been making tomahawks for quite a while now but I’m still a novice on axes/ true axes so I’ve been watching many different creators learning techniques and developing tooling to make a go of it

[@danielcram6482]

I’d come here to say the same thing! And to add how grateful I am that you share what you learned by hard work and practice. It’s obvious that each step has a set of very purposeful strikes, hammer styles and weights, heats, forging temperatures, parts of the anvil, the list is enormous but I can see you’ve thought through each step. I’ve learned so much from your journey.

[@CausticPuffin]

He ain’t wrong. If I mention a video about an axe or Swede to any smith I know their first answer is usually: “Nils or Torbjörn.”

[@ChaitanyaYog]

Agreed

[@Nikolay_Pikalov]

Всё очень наглядно и понятно даже без знания языка и переводчика, а наблюдать за отличной работой отдельное удовольствие!

[@henningkemner1833]

I'm Danish, always been fascinated by old Norse tools and weapons. In 6th grade we were on excursion in Roskilde Denmark living like Vikings for 2 weeks. An experience I'll never forget.

[@Nienna_Asyare]

These types of smithing videos are always so fascinating to me, and I think it’s because everything is done by hand I was actually a bit surprised when you mentioned you didn’t use a grinder, I didn’t even consider that part!

[@kwmoore3464]

It's amazing that you make two axes at different times and they look like twins. Definitely remarkable craftsmanship.

[@cybernoid001]

Love to see blacksmithing videos like this where things are so well described and thoughtfully followed through. Really makes me want to build my own forge and give it a try.

[@gnosticAgnosticYT]

This has got to be the best, most informative axe forging tutorial I've seen yet. Great job! And thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@Ged]

Beautiful how it evolves, especially the addition of the edge steel!

[@allan.in.australia2415]

When I watch an axe making video I always come to your channel, you are dedicated to the art and are extremely talented in its execution. Thanks Nils.

Thank you Allan!

[@tamidon40]

I just really appreciate how you convey information to beginners/novices. I also have noticed how dramatically your channel has grown and improved over the last few years. I see the work you are putting in, and I’m grateful.

[@willnotcomply1328]

Glad I found this channel. As an aspiring knife/ax smith, this has been very helpful.

[@samhammond6370]

Finding videos like this always makes my day, seeing how the pros use traditional techniques is just fascinating!

THE WINNER IS: Unfortunately Aaron Kokesch never reached out for the axe. So the new winner is @magnusbergroth5319 If I don't hear from them in 7 days I will once again select another winner... Giveaway will end Oktober 2nd. To enter the giveaway, simply subscribe and leave a comment. The winner will be announced in this comment once selected. There are scammers out there. I will not ask you to join telegram or anything like that. Also a BIG THANKYOU to Nord Forge for the awesome forge! www.nordforge.com/produkt/sleipner/ Good luck and I will se you soon :) /Nils

[@adrian_r]

Don’t forget to pin this comment, great axe and forge.

[@larsstefanaxelsson]

Kan bara instämma! Fint arbete.

[@goodcitizen3780]

After seeing this video I was going to subscribe anyway. Great show. Very simple explanations. Thorough and to the point. Beautiful work as well.

@@adrian_rthanks, totally forgot to pin it 😅

[@terryTKkane]

Is it pinned? This is so hard to find. I have to scroll thousands of very nice comments just to find it every time I check to see if it's my name 😀

[@MrPod15]

It’s so nice to learn how real craftsmen continue to use the same forging techniques used since copper and tin were smelt thousands of years ago. Nature never uses straight lines. Your ability to manipulate metals into natural ergonomic shapes is inspiring to those who follow in the footsteps of artisans embarking on such an honest profession. I offer you my respect sir.

[@robertgreenlaw]

This is the type of comment that I enjoy reading. Something that praises a person for their hard work and talent, not telling them everything is wrong, etc. Thank you!

Thank you! I stand on the shoulders of much greater men than me. Not to mention the beauty of nature.

[@user-hg6xb7ck6j]

Thank you for including so much information concerning materials and the processes that you use as you forge and work. The knowledge that you share give all of us in the blacksmithing world the opportunity to improve. Your encouraging comments also give the less practiced of us more courage to try new methods and I for one appreciate it. Thanks again.

[@terenceryan5214]

It’s good to see so many people keeping the old ways alive. Great video! Thanks!

[@BLS_Forge]

Skilled craftsmanship as always Nils. I love the little high carbon insert idea before fire welding

[@connorsummers8987]

A pleasure to watch you work as always. You and a few others on KZbin have inspired me to get into blacksmithing with your videos and teaching. Keep doing the amazing work!!!

[@wolf187th8]

Very fascinating. Have been a fan of Forged In Fire for years, but to watch someone slow build an ax, and explain what they are doing is also very interesting. Being able to see how the two steels are forge welded, how the head and handle are worked together, and the wedges to keep everything tight. Truly a fantastic video.

[@kahlen109]

Hey, I just found your channel tonight, and I've been hooked on all of these videos. You're very inspiring, and I agree with one of the other comments I saw, seeing how you use limited tools really helps beginners like myself, and it gives me hope to know that it doesnt have to be a two year commitment just to make my own axe, I'm looking forward to more of your videos!

[@everydayjoe7786]

I just love how well you explain the different steps, even someone like me without any forging experience understands what you are doing and can appriciate the work that goes into the axe.

[@roraev9296]

I'm constantly amazed by the quality of your work. Thank you, I've learned a lot from you.

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

So nicely done. A real crafts-man. I appreciated how deceptively simple you made that seem. Thank you.

[@BRG13DEAN]

Folded axes have always amazed me. Beautiful work!

[@armyphillips8157]

It is amazing how you make something so difficult look so effortless and easy. You are becoming a Master of your craft and its so encouraging.

[@MtPhillipMetalWorks]

fantastic video yet again Nils, you truly are becoming one of the great traditional axe makers in the world!

[@dexeter3033]

Such a beautiful piece. Thanks for showing us how it's done.

[@luisenriquemunoz8793]

Excellent work! So cool that you share your knowledge with us. Thank you!

[@mikecolumna]

Thanks for all the awesome content! Also thanks for sharing your forging talent and for taking us with you on your blacksmithing journey! The axe in this episode looks fantastic. I would be proud to be it's new owner!

[@sakuraknight9274]

Your work is totally awesome! An old trick in America is to soak the hickory Axe handle in kerosene for about 3 months and give it 3or 4 coats of a mixture of boiled linseed oil and turpentine! Wado! (Cherokee word meaning thank you!)

[@mikeharner3977]

I love to see things like this done by hand. The patience required for the process, especially finishing work, is something I struggle with. I rely too much on power tools in my desire to complete projects of my own. That said, with all the hours you've put into your craft, I have no doubt you love what you do, and it shows in the excellent work produced. I'm glad Mr. Ahman's videos brought me to your channel.

[@davidlansing1870]

This is a terrific tutorial on a folded axe and makes me think I could potentially tackle making one. Thank you for sharing your skills & techniques with the world.

[@Archaeonomy]

Its wonderful to see a skilled craftsman at work, I love seeing the final object take shape. I have seen this type of axe in museums many times, and its great to see how they were made. Thank you!

[@floriankainz3067]

Beautiful axe! I appreciate seeing the entire process done by hand, without machines that I couldn’t possibly set up in my garage. This way I can at least dream about doing similar projects myself. 😊

[@budlloyd3127]

beautiful work as always!

[@zacnewton177]

So pumped I stumbled across your channel! Beautiful craftsmanship and great watching!

[@user-yw1yh1im3s]

Awesome job explaining every step

[@HalfWolf2]

Amazing axe, I was actually considering getting myself an axe like this as a camp/survival axe, the kind that can also be used kinda like a knife, and you sure as hell got that one razor sharp!

[@something_cleverer]

This is so interesting to watch! I was very lucky to go to a community college in Minnesota that offered glass blowing courses... That was fun but it was also very stressful because of the constant urgency and risk of breaking and shattering. It might be fun to go into hobbyist blacksmithing instead: sturdier materials, and while I'm sure it comes with its own appropriate times for urgency, maybe it wouldn't be quite as much? In any case, this video was wonderful. I'm a subscriber now so I'll voraciously consume more blacksmithing content. Thank you for being here!

[@ericpierstorff1802]

Thank you for stopping and explaining your process in forging your axe. Very nice-looking axe.

[@matthewjasaitis7808]

Thank you for showing us you craft. Your work is phenomenal. I love the balance of that axe.

[@hueysidearmext.1380]

This is super cool! The mix of pine tar, linseed and turpentine sounds like a secret you gave us there!! Thanks for that!! 🙏

[@Neruomir]

Heads up tho is smells, a lot. The smell tends to stick to your hands to, a heavy smoky smell besides that is a really good finish that ads a lot of rot and insect protection. oldtimers have used tar for ages so not really a secret just not used as often now, prob because the smell.

[@timothytakahashi1747]

Thank you for making another tutorial, your folded axe looks awesome. As a novice who hasn't forge welded yet, I see folded axes as the true gauge of a good blacksmith. Thanks again for your inspiring videos and I look forward to the next one.

[@Plznojudge]

great video broseph

[@1.Talent_Show]

I love your demeanor and the fiddle music in the back ground fits perfectly. Good job!

[@willXbarrett]

This was the first video of yours that I've watched, and I'm now a new subscriber! Great stuff - I really appreciate your informative descriptions of each step of the process.

[@jay-paulson]

Thanks for showing this technique. I've been blacksmithing as a hobby for a couple years and made a dozen or so knives. I have been wanting to try making an axe, but afraid of drifting an eye with my tools and skill level. This technique however is something I can do, so you have inspired me to forge an axe this winter. Thank you for making content like this, I look forward to seeing more.

[@mrkiky]

I'm in the same situation as you. Started about 2-3 years ago, made around 12 knives and some other stuff. Finished my first axe last week. Made my own punch and drift too and I have to say drifting was an absolute pain. But I'm more afraid of forge welding than punching and drifting so there you go 😂

[@magnusbergroth5319]

Härligt att se en yxa gjord för hand på detta sätt! Tack för en verkligen inspirerande video. 👍👌

Tjena! Eftersom förra vinnaren aldrig svarade, så är nu yxan din, om du vill ha den. Skicka ett mail till mig, så styr vi upp frakten. [e-mail]

[@austrailalanmtb7557]

So satisfying to watch.. great instructions.. cant wait to upgrade my workshop and try some of your tutorials.

[@justinwilliams319]

I can't wait to practice this! Slowly building my forge at the moment but this video is going into the forge Playlist. Thanks!

[@BlodLysten88]

Älskar dina videor, sluta aldrig med det du gör!!!

Jag ska försöka!

[@garretlarsen]

Well I better leave a comment so then I’ll have a chance of getting a beautiful axe

[@louisallison9290]

Your work is meticulous and artful, showing great respect for traditional methods and values. I wish you well deserved success in your smithing trade.

[@matthewnasci2646]

It's always enjoyable to watch skilled craftsmen ply their trade. As a former schooled, industrial welder I do understand your procedures pertaining to heat, color, forging, and their effect on steel. Thats what interests me in watching your videos, which is very comprehensive and informative. Nice tutorial, and thanks for posting it.

[@briankeith4574]

The forge looks to be very efficient and well built. The steps and production of the video is great too. I appreciate the steps so I can go back and see the steps I need to work again. You’ve kept the process simple and easy to understand.

[@BranDouche]

This is a gem of an axe. Beautiful forging. I have always wanted to learn smithing. I hope whomever wins your contest, they really appreciate the work and soul that I'm sure goes into each and every piece you create. Thank you for this video, God Bless.

[@garylanders1470]

Another outstanding display of craftsmanship.

[@zachk8683]

Excellent work! Beautiful process

[@danielstinogel5876]

Beautiful work. I especially like the use of a center punch to mark sections, I hadn't considered that before.

[@xv15Magnum]

I've just started on my journey with blacksmithing, and watching a practiced hand at work is absolutely mindblowing. Great stuff, well worth a sub.

[@Davidthetree]

Loved watching this! I've known about the technique of folding in the edge steel but I've never seen it so clearly demonstrated before.

[@HerrMann441]

Love seeing craftsman showing off their skills! Supreme work!

[@user-es5de3wr4r]

I really enjoyed your show. Beautiful work.

[@sebytro]

This was so relaxing to watch! Thank you, Nils.

[@billbrown5662]

Love getting back to the basics. Thanks for sharing.

[@FourthMatrix]

There is something very cathartic about this art, and it seeps right into me like the warmth of the hearth on a cold winter night. Thank you!

[@ruthlesace]

I like that you show what you're doing as well as describe why you are doing it.

[@AndyPanda9]

Very interesting to see how you do this. Fantastic job! True craftsmanship!

[@ignaciogarza2502]

This is the most beautiful axe I've ever seen ! Please keep it up . I've learned a lot

[@LenR6]

I have a lot of respect for your amazing craftsmanship and patience. The one compliments the other without a doubt !

[@firmamentbubbleboyaskstobe7076]

Very beautiful axe…. I love to watch forging and metalworking videos, and yours is very thorough and the process is explained in detail… now I’m going to have to watch the rest of your videos over the next few weeks. Thanks, subbed, and look forward to more. 🙏😊🙏

[@blazingsun4674]

I love that this popped up right when I was thinking of making my own axe, this was very informative and since i only have a cheap hammer and anvil showing this full hand forged was very helpful!

[@dominicm6144]

It's a pleasure to watch a craftsman at work. Thanks for the video!

[@Pashinski1]

Great camera work and exceptional job explaining the steps required. Doing everything by hand and no power tools is a nice touch.

[@El-Burrito]

Wow, that axe is really nice! I love seeing smithing done by hand like this. Great stuff

[@Deimoclese]

This was an amazing watch, the sheer patience involved is incredible. I laude your craftsmanship sir. Crazy to think the axe will outlive you. Id be honored to give it a good home.

[@fergusdangerfield156]

Beautiful work! A real joy to watch. Thank you x.

[@bogower4216]

Very helpful demonstration, Nils! Great looking axe skillfully produced.

[@DoktorCalle]

Super Nice work! This was the first I saw on your channel - and there will be more. I have made a few knife blades and such but you really made me want to try this out.

[@davidbradley1759]

Beautiful and practical! Great work!

[@bobbuilder7946]

Beautiful stuff mate. Really enjoyed that. I'm in the process of getting together the equipment to begin blacksmithing this year, it's been a dream for a long time and this is my year. Really enjoy the content that artisans like you produce, learning so much.

[@KennyVo120]

Love the video, nothing like seeing skilled work from a professional, and so clearly explained as well!!

[@garyhaynes897]

Great informative video. I really like the shape and forging technique.

[@longforgottengods9571]

I love watching the workmanship of metal forging especially when done without power tools, seeing the skill and time put into making a piece like this teaches me to appreciate and respect the tools I have.

[@martinriley106]

This is astounding craftsmanship. So amazing to see how an axe head is made.

[@aaronaxelsson5871]

Väldigt bra video! Pedagogiskt och tydligt, utan att bli tråkigt. Grymt jobb!

[@gwood696969]

This is the first fully hand-forged axe I’ve seen. I am totally impressed with your explanation of the process and reasons for doing each step. Amazing video and axe! Thanks for your content.

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Amazing. Love the old skool photo of Ahnold in the background!

[@adammiklaszewski3209]

Wonderful wideo! Amazing work, really enjoyed seeing you create this axe with this more traditional process

[@TysoniusRex]

Beautiful work, but what I really appreciate is that there was little or no wasted effort in your shaping of the axehead. Totally glad I found your channel.

[@PickledShark]

Awesome 👏 This is my first time on your channel and I have to say I’m impressed. You’ve got to love this axe! Simple, efficient, functional, but also elegant. 🍻

[@williamdurflinger2594]

Mesmerizing to watch you work!

[@jacobkuhlins6080]

I appreciate how educational this video really is. A lot of times it’s hard to understand certain steps that are shown because the explanation is poor or the set up steps are missing, but this video really helped to answer a lot of my questions. Thanks!

[@HUSTLE_MONEY]

So beautifully done. I really enjoyed seeing you shape the ends of the head before folding, so skillfully done. Finally music that compliments the video, tone of voice and cadence. Well enjoyable. Thank you!

[@myslash09]

Very satisfying watching you work ! That came out real nice. Look forward to watching more.

[@GinnyEvergreen]

I LOVE any traditional craft, amazing work, this is amazing!!❤

[@geoffbridges3149]

What an absolutley beautiful axe! Great perspective on how they were made traditionally.

[@TheJaguarspark]

Love the technique you are demonstrating. I've been doing a wrapped eye approach, and have wondered how to get the langets without using a drift. The preforming is a great idea. Thanks for sharing!