1 When you arrive
On arrival, you’ll be signed in and introduced to the smith who will talk through the course step-by-step and help you select which design you would like to make. We’ll discuss what you want to achieve for the day before providing you with protective equipment and a safety briefing.
2 Firing up the forge
The forge will have been lit and heating up before you arrive, so it’s ready to go! You will get an introduction on how to control and maintain the fire of the forge to a forging heat.
3 Forging the Axe Head
You will start the forging process by drifting and shaping the eye of the axe head, you will then forge the cheeks with processes such as cross peening and fullering to move and manipulate the material to its intended location.
4 Shaping the Axe Head
You will then begin work on the business end of the axe, a decorative axe is made out of mild steel and you will only shape the face of the axe, if you are making a functional axe you will begin to shape the face of the axe then forge wield the high carbon edge, this is to give you a harder blade that is better able to maintain sharpness when being used.
5 Finishing
When the axe head is shaped it is out to the grinding bay to use tools to shape and grind a bevel into the axe head using tools such as an angle grinder, if required you will harden the axe with oil quenching. If time allows our team will discuss handle options available for purchase and either assist with fitting your handle or support in how to do this yourself at home.
6 Handling
The last step is handling your axe at home, use a number of woodworking tools to shape the handle and fit your axe. This will ensure it’s smooth and comfortable to use, or simply looking beautiful to display!
7 Photo Time
It’s great fun working alongside one another and crafting something unique! Once the forging is complete, it’s time to pose for those all-important photos at our wooden stage!
