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

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en.natmus.dk/historical-knowl...
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#handforged #traditional #blacksmith

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.

[@hybredmoon]

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.

[@basdejong1598]

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.

[@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!

[@garryfabac217]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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 !

[@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.

[@Mischievous_Moth]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@ssatter130]

I love this cross axe, the amount of skill you are showing is astounding. I want to learn to forge more and more each video like this that I see. Keep it up!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@microprophet8822]

You are just an amazing blacksmith! Nice and intricate work on this Cross-Axe!!!

[@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!!!

[@jxnxs_nxt]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@christopherhuber7428]

Cross! That is so amazing how you can turn just some regular steel into something so awesome. Actually my 1st time watching and I quite enjoyed watching you work. Kind of ASMR like. I will continue to watch and watch some of your previous work.

[@jfiz7797]

Beautiful craftsmanship on the cross axe. Truly impressive work

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@zoichikanoe6242]

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

[@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.

[@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]

✝️

[@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. 👌

[@MrJaffaJack]

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

[@charleshebert9958]

You are a guy who makes cool axes! It's such a specific dedication. Watching you master this classic art form fascinates me. From the "beginner's guide to axe-making" to the taco technique to this cross-axe, your skill development is inspiring!

[@renstewart9725]

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

[@anargilwest6261]

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

[@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

[@mirak675]

det är härligt att se en svensk smid, dessutom en som gör allt för hand! älskar slutresultatet viste inta att en viking cross yxa passade så bra ihop. och videon gav mig motivation att fortsätta med mina egna prospekt.

[@kei_on_tv8157]

Pillaging for Jesus

[@pauldavis1137]

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

[@dad_uchiha1707]

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

[@zokker92]

As a historian I always wanted such a magnificent Viking Cross Axe :)

[@aarondyson7286]

Amazing work. Love the Cross axe. I will be researching more about the history of it for sure.

[@bigtsperspective5831]

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

[@johnparr5879]

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

[@mattpel3243]

I love your work and the fact that your not using power tool is also impressive good jobs on this ‘’cross’’ viking axes cant wait to see more of your video !!!

[@justing7880]

Very interesting method in form8ng the Cross. I would've never thought about a pinch and draw on that small of a piece. Also, I'm a big fan of the lower layer count Damascus. It doesn't feel as "busy" as a high count and it looks bolder as well as making it easier to appreciate the seems of different steels.

[@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

[@bobkeller8383]

That is the best cross axe I've ever seen. Excellent skills my brother. Love it! Nice work sir.

[@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!

[@Justinbuchanan82]

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

[@iandouglas4378]

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

[@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!

[@punkmaster1864]

your work is always incredible. watching your process on the cross axe was really fun and educational!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@gregganderson9379]

Awesome job, very enjoyable to watch.

[@edthebearintheair]

This is the first video KZbin offered me with someone forging anything let alone something with a Cross in it. I have to say the CROSS Axe is an artistic wonder. What are the dimensions of the CROSS Axe? What does the CROSS Axe weigh? I will be watching your other videos. After reviewing your channel I see that the CROSS Axe is just the tip of the iceberg in the amazing work you do. Keep it up.

[@demand867]

Thanks for a great video. I really enjoyed seeing the techniques you used to create the cross axe.

[@kieranstreet]

In construction, a "cross-bracing" technique is commonly used to reinforce structures and distribute loads. Cross-bracing involves placing diagonal members (often made of steel or wood) between vertical or horizontal members to increase stability and prevent lateral movement. This technique is particularly effective in earthquake-prone areas and tall buildings to ensure structural integrity and safety.

[@stefanwws]

Awsome work with the forge and the camera thanks for the video! The Cross Axe is awesome hope to get my hands on it.

[@InquisitorJesus]

I just stumbled across your channel and had to watch till the end to see how you managed to get the Cross shape in there. Now to look up the history of such axes.

[@chimeraelite]

Dude the cross axe is beautiful. Love your editing.

[@understorey_life]

A real cross -merizing peace of art! Started learning forge welding, but the beginning is not too easy. Deffo giving it another crack, this cross axe sparked so many possibilities! Cheers 🤠

[@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

[@noaheast6285]

That “cross” axe is absolutely stunning

[@kendallc8807]

Great video! Loved the axe. Love seeing talented people plying their trade. Cross for entry into drawing.

[@dustinpeters8295]

Amazing work Nils, beautiful Cross axe

[@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.

[@hachazosmil]

Beatiful work and craftmanship. Love this viking cross axe.

[@michaelhorne5403]

Incredible skill is needed to forge a cross shape into an axe like this. Enjoyed watching, Thank You.

[@PitchforkParty69]

Awesome work! I've never seen a Cross axe before but that is one of the coolest axes I've ever seen

[@666mogge]

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

[@toml3806]

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

[@dj_koen1265]

very relaxing to watch you make axes

[@ripcurlreadiness8777]

CROSS WHAT AWSOME WORK. THANKS FOR SHARING. I TRULY LOVE HAND CRAFTED TOOLS LIKE THIS !! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@armandtdeklerk8943]

As the original makers of this axe once crossed the sea, may this one cross it once again. Amazing craftmanship

[@xenith0351]

The workmanship Here in making this cross axe is so great to watch well done on learning a new process. And the end result shows Ur skill

[@tonybellezza4243]

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

[@Luke-hx6gm]

Beautifully done Cross Axe!!

[@justincrum1005]

You did a great job on that ax. I am a Christian and I like that you put the cross in it. I also like that you give it away it says in the Bible it is better to give them receive. I noticed all the other axes behind your head, did you make those as well, my boys and I really enjoyed going out in the woods and using our axes to cut up logs for firewood and spend time together

[@richardswimming9389]

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

[@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❤‍🔥

[@chrisrichards1873]

Beautiful Cross Axe Nils, well done.

[@Adam-fn3ed]

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

[@pepenai]

This axe is awesome and the Cross is the best detail. Well done!

[@g49385]

The way he welded the cross was BRILLIANT!!!

[@williambehnke3381]

Very impressive craftsmanship! The cross axe is amazing!

[@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!

[@leviathan8544]

That is a really cool Cross axe, I love forging, I love how you didn't use many power tools, and I'm glad I got to watch you make this because it Was awesome!

[@justinfoy7514]

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

[@teojoh95]

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