Traditional Folded Axes: An Introduction to Symmetrical Fold Technique

[@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.

[@ЮркоБелов-р4н]

У Ангелины Аргани топоры получше получаются .

[@BenHeasley-yg6xs]

All of my projects are all by hand

[@ImaLurkin]

100% agree! It’s inspiring to see the basics turn into a beautiful piece of art.

[@robscott4723]

Nils,your vocal instruction,your skills and remarkable camera work puts you in the very upper bracket of Blacksmith instructors

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@richardpeterson6813]

Na Halli Oh! Dude, what a bad ass. The skill, the delivery, the clarity. Not many walk among us with the ability to teach as you. Peace and blessings..

[@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.

[@Nikolay_Pikalov]

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

[@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.

[@zackdavid9961]

Just forged my first axe yesterday after watching this video many times. First forge weld too.

[@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.

[@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!

[@californiadreamin8423]

Nice Swedish music 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@terenceryan5214]

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

[@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.

[@loboxx337]

This man should be on Netflix making Viking movies/series.

[@BLS_Forge]

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

[@alanb2195]

Totally agree, very cluey

[@markmickelson-j8p]

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.

[@Rob-u8x]

Been hospitalised for 3 weeks so watched a lot of youtube. This is one of the best. I now want a forge, anvil, lathe and belt grinder. The wife is not happy.

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

[@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 😀

[@willnotcomply1328]

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

[@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!)

[@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!

[@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.

[@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]

[@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!

[@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. 😊

[@TheEXTREMEcleaningguys]

As a beginner forge man/blacksmith I really enjoy this content because you learn so much from the creator as he talks you through the process of what he is doing, I really like the raised cheek look on hammers/axes so watching it be done is a real learning experience. Great genuine channel and brilliant content. If you’re a newbie to this game then I advise to keep watching these videos as you will pick up so much. 😁 🔨 🔥

[@thomasbrooks1037]

I've seen far too many videos where it is dead silent. With the exception of the hammer blows. You have no idea of what technique, tools, sizes, or temperatures are used. I found this super informative. The skill and willingness to teach I saw in this video was refreshing. Thank you.

[@samhammond6370]

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

[@MtPhillipMetalWorks]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@karenmyers7011]

Been pipe welder for 40 years enjoyed your craftsmanship! Good job Richard/ welder

[@garretlarsen]

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

[@johnwicksfoknpencil]

That pic of Arnold in the background is just raw focus and determination. I can see why you’d keep it around your work shop. Incredible take! And a beautiful axe, such a good job

[@giovannizappetta7046]

I have watched a lot of videos, and the thoroughness of instruction, and the simplicity of explanations makes this video one that be beginners, and/or more accomplished, Blacksmith cannot only relate to, but learn from.

[@ProfPoindexter1968]

Awesome that you remade the axe so you could show all the steps instead of just inserting some dialog later. You're not only an excellent smith, but a wonderful teacher.

[@rockykelley4759]

My grandfather did the same stuff your doing. I've seen some of his things, most are in a local museum. Unfotunatly he passed away just before I was born, so I never got to learn anything from him. I'm told he was a tremendous blacksmith. He too was a swede, from the northern part . Thank you for posting your videos, I learn alot from watching you. I'm to old to take up the art, but I do enjoy watching you. Again, THANK YOU!!

[@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.

[@hmkedar]

Amazing! My four year old kid loves watching this video! Great craftsmanship, and it's super inspiring to watch. This is what the internet is for--and you nailed it...er...really hammered it home. :)

[@brianpeterson5392]

What a great and engaging video. I wish all blacksmithing videos were done like this. You're an inspiring teacher with awesome skills. Thank you so much, I learned a lot.

[@RCpigeon]

Love the video, as a blacksmith woodworker and and historic enthusiast i really appreciate the authenticity of the process, nice videography skills too! Bravo

[@axemen210]

I love how you simply drop "Welp I made two because I missed filming some steps" I wish more channels were that dedicated! I have this dream of having my own forge once I move to Sweden, and these videos are holding me over 😄

[@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.

[@rumplefourskin6775]

That's so cool to see the Black Bear Forge guy supporting the next generation of black smiths. He's an awesome dude. I've been watching his youtube channel for a few years, but I just discovered you with this video. Great 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!

[@gerardhogan3]

Gday from Australia my friend. You did a really good job mate. Looks nice and has a good looking shape

[@StevenHaggard]

Seeing the forging without the use of power hammers is amazing. Not all of us can afford those and must rely on hand work for most of what we do. Thanks for the step by step process.

[@Jarinkeroinen]

What an inspiring video you have created. I am just a student of forging. Have made couple of puukko’s and thinking about making of an axe. And you just show me that it is totally possible without many heavy machines, just with hammer, anvil and forge! This is like dry wood to fire for my dreams… Thank you very much for such an inspiring content!

[@Maxgess]

Giveaway is probably already over, but right now I don't actually care. Craftmanship videos like this are just so fascinating and learning (sort of) how to do these things is such a cool thing. I wish I had the time, tools, skills and money to do things like this myself but life being as it is, that's just not likely. That said, this is a great next best thing. Thank you for showing us all how it's done!

[@rodroehnelt6477]

18:30 Tools and how they are made is fascinating. While you made the process appear direct and easy to follow, I believe you have developed a great deal of sensitivity to what is taking place in the heated metal. Thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge.

[@richarber1856]

I'm so glad this video showed up in my feed .... I admire your patience and determination as much as I do your skill. I can see that it isn't easy, but you make it look that way. Thanks for the inspiration. Happy Christmas - 2024 !!

[@stevereed2788]

Fire, steel and wood; there's something so natural and magnificent about the whole process! Beautifully made and remarkable! I've always considered the tool to be the interface between the work and the man. I can only imagine what it would be like to chop wood with such a fine tool! Thank you for the wonderful video, it's simply a treasure!

[@JoeHaner]

I love the fact that you made the axe from start to finish by hand great workmanship.

[@halomerc5423]

Thank you for uploading things like this. Im not lucky enough to have the space for a work shop and anvil but i love still learning different methods. The lovely people that upload these things to youtube allow me to still learn

[@noobFab]

Like Torbjorn Ahman, this is another fabulous blacksmithing channel. Where TA seems to be more oriented towards visual storytelling, I really like all of the very detailed explanations that I get here which help a clueless novice like me to understand the what and the why of creating the ultimate Boy Scout toy. Thank you!

[@Flames-dp6hw]

Deep respect for the great amount of craftsmanship you used in this video, that truly is a beautiful axe!! Thank you for showing us how you made it.

[@bikerfirefarter7280]

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

[@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.

[@adrianj4235]

Thanks for doing these videos with the process all by hand as a beginner blacksmith in a small community forge it shows me how I could possibly do it myself and I really appreciate it

[@daddy-cheese9982]

Finally something that is possible with a low end set up, I’ve been looking for one of these.

[@jamesabreu613]

I was a horse shoer and I must say that it was a pleasure to see you work and I got I'm very impressed with the job you did

[@SteveTRD]

Just someone showing their skill without excess theatrics! Well done Sir...

[@concerninghobbits5536]

This was so satisfying to watch! There's nothing wrong with using technology to speed up or enhance tool making but it's a lot more fun to see the process done in a simpler way.

[@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.

[@ruthlesace]

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

[@Wordsmithcrafts]

A very tidy video and comprehensive description of the process. Thank you for posting it!

[@sniper60605]

Nils, from the states here, great work on the axe!

[@arturpiotrowski6519]

I always were a little intrigued by forging your own knives, axes and other stuff. BUT your video is so relaxing, and inspiring that, while watching, i begun to imagine myself in my thirties forging axes by hand for fun and giving them to my friends. And my beautiful wife would come to see me from time to time and say what a beautiful job I've done.... Man, that would be my best life.

[@olofgeijer1222]

Äntligen någon som smider istället för att slipa fram sina grejer. Bra jobbat Nils !

[@TheConservativeCanadian]

First time here. With all the knife and sword guys out there, I love seeing axes being made. Your wall with Arnold amongst all the axes made me smile, then subscribe. Tack själv!

[@peterjmcgee4680]

I've been watching You for a while and I'm learning quite a bit.I see that you're doing a lot with your bare hands and no modern tools.That shows me that you Have a good set of Craftsman's hands. That's what my grandfather used to call it on. Somebody can turn around and make something with old style. Twolf and not need anything modern to get the job done I appreciate stuff like that. It's hard to. Find a Craftsman who still do that Nowadays everything is rushed through on a machine. Nobody nobody does hand work anymore. Nobody appreciates it except for old-timers Like me and a few others that I knowe still get together and do things with our hands and old hand tools.

[@christopherneveils3778]

Folded Axe!! I love this video. I would love to have this axe and would actually use it. I even watched this with my 3 year old daughter. Fun bonding time watching an interesting video on making a tool.

[@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!

[@martinriley106]

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

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Great instruction for those of us who have no power hammers or a huge shop full of tools. This is a video that I can try to duplicate with what I have.

[@garyhaynes897]

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

[@tonycrabtree5677]

Great Video! I’ve been an amateur bladesmith for a few years now. I got my first request for a Viking style bearded battleaxe recently so your video is spot on for me! You have provided a simple and easy to follow process. The challenge for me will be to create a longer edge, but I believe your technique will still apply. Thanks again for posting. Looking forward to watching you make a handle.

[@scottmills4164]

Damn man, so accurate from start to finish. First time watching your stuff. I will be back!

[@TheScoutingWolf]

Hi Nils, first time viewer here 😊 watched this video then took a look at your channel and watched your "Future of the channel" one. As an aspiring amateur blacksmith with a back garden coal forge, keep doing what you're doing. It helps people like myself and encourages us to give it a try ourselves. Keep being authentic and true to yourself. You'll gain a more faithful fan base that will stick with you, through the good times and bad. With much love and appreciation, a random UK viewer.

Thank you very much!

[@mattieb3152]

The best folded axe vid I have seen on youtube so far. You use different parts of the anvil so naturally it inspires me to get off my behind and get my gear set up properly. Thanks for the great vid 👌

Thats great to hear!

[@guyamacon]

Absolutely love the forge welding process along with the edge steel. Way better than a store-bought axe.

[@redrover1565]

Thank you for the step-by-step instructions/demonstration. Not only are your axes great tools, they are pleasing to the eye.

[@LvBlackbelt]

I can't stop watching your videos. I love your work and guidance.

[@richardturk7162]

Very well done and I am glad you didn't torch or burn the wooden handle. People seem to think burning the wood makes it look old but really it only makes the builder look lazy. If you want a darker handle treat it a few times and it will darken. Pine tar and wax is my choice for a finish because it lasts for years.

[@reyniercampher3815]

This is the best "forging process" video that I have ever seen. Great work.

Thank you!

[@reyniercampher3815]

@ wonderful content, I'm excited to see more.

[@sukeywatson1281]

I loved this video: great quality, music not interfering with well stated explanations, and nnot only that, I find metal working fascinating. Might take some stills of your video and make a watercolor painting of the forge in use.

[@Martin-hc6cm]

It's always nice to watch competent craftsmen.

[@matttheplum]

I've just found your channel today. Very refreshing so see someone on here not use grinders for everything. Im going to have a go at making an axe myself now.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidchetcuti1356]

Beautiful axe. I am slowly acquiring some of the tools needed to begin learning to forge steel. You are definitely an inspiration. Thank you.

[@ElessarEstel]

Do what I did. Build a cheap forge with brick and a hair dryer. All you need is a hammer, a forge, and a piece of railroad to use as an anvil. I did that for several years and bought new equipment when I could afford it. After a few years I had a fully functional forge, but the best part was that by the time I had all that, I was already proficient because I had been forging with the bare minimum the whole time I built it up. I think it cost me about $50 and a shady trip to the railroad to get started lol Edit. This is hypothetical and I didn't and never would take unused, discarded ties from the railroad that are just laying there to rust away anyways, because that would be illegal lol

[@HeroIna-q2j]

THese crafting and smithing videos are just the shit thats most worthwhile and satisfying and inspiring to watch. Despite being a simplistic looking weapon forged.. I bet it wasnt as easy as it looks.... I just love this stuff man, my drug!

[@HeroIna-q2j]

Bows, Arrows,Armours,Tools,Makeshift Tools bring it on!