Spend two days at Old Pound Smithy in North Devon learning to forge your own axe using traditional blacksmithing techniques. Working with a coal-fired forge, hand-operated bellows, hammers and anvils, you’ll transform a piece of steel into a functional axe head, then shape and fit a wooden handle to create a fully finished axe to take home.
The first day is spent at the forge, heating and shaping the steel using traditional hand tools. You’ll work with heavier hammers and specialist tools to develop the axe head, including punching and drifting the eye that will eventually hold the handle. It’s a hands-on introduction to some of the more demanding techniques of traditional blacksmithing.
On the second day, you’ll turn your attention to the wooden handle, shaping it using traditional woodworking tools before carefully fitting it to the axe head and securing it with a wedge. We’ll guide you through the finishing process, including preparing the cutting edge, so that by the end of the course you’ll have a complete axe made by your own hands.
No previous blacksmithing experience is required, but axe making is a physically demanding challenge that calls for strength, dexterity and good coordination. Working in a small group, with your own forge and anvil, you’ll receive guidance from our blacksmiths throughout both days as you develop the skills needed to forge and finish your axe. It’s a rewarding experience for those who enjoy practical, hands-on work and are ready for a more demanding introduction to traditional blacksmithing.
What you’ll do
Your first day begins with an introduction to the traditional coal-fired forge, hand-operated bellows and the tools you’ll be using. We’ll show you how to manage the fire, heat the steel and work safely at the anvil before beginning the process of forging your axe head.
Working with heavier steel, you’ll use hand hammers, sledges and traditional top and bottom fullers to draw out and shape the axe head. We’ll guide you through the techniques needed to move and control the hot metal, gradually developing the distinctive form of your axe.
One of the most satisfying stages is creating the eye of the axe. Using a punch and drift, you’ll form and enlarge the opening through the hot steel where the wooden handle will eventually fit. This is a traditional blacksmithing technique that requires careful control of heat, hammer blows and the shape of the metal.
On the second day, you’ll move from metalworking to woodworking, shaping your axe handle using traditional hand tools, including drawknives. You’ll carefully fit the handle into the eye of your forged axe head, adjusting the fit before securing it with a wooden wedge.
Finally, you’ll refine the cutting edge and complete the finishing touches using traditional tools and our old-fashioned wet grinding stone. By the end of the second day, you’ll take home a fully finished, hand-forged axe, complete with a wooden handle you’ve shaped and fitted yourself.
A Physically Demanding Course
Our Two-Day Axe Making Course is one of the most physically demanding experiences we offer. Forging an axe head involves working with substantial pieces of hot steel, using heavy hammers and sledges, and repeatedly striking the metal with accuracy and control. You’ll need a reasonable level of physical strength, good hand-eye coordination and the dexterity to handle tools safely and effectively.
Previous blacksmithing experience isn’t essential, as we’ll demonstrate each technique and guide you through the process. However, this is a challenging two-day course requiring stamina, concentration and the ability to work confidently with heavy hand tools. If you’re unsure whether it’s suitable for you, please get in touch before booking so we can discuss what’s involved.
What you’ll make
Over the two days, you’ll create a fully finished, hand-forged axe, complete with a wooden handle you’ve shaped and fitted yourself. Starting with a solid piece of steel, you’ll forge the axe head using traditional blacksmithing techniques, developing its shape and forming the eye that will hold the handle.
The finished axe head will carry the marks of the forging process, giving it a character that reflects the work you’ve put into it. We’ll guide you through refining its shape and preparing the cutting edge, creating a practical tool rather than simply a decorative object.
You’ll also make the handle, shaping the wood with traditional hand tools to achieve a comfortable grip and a secure fit within the axe head. Once fitted and wedged into place, the handle completes the transformation from a piece of raw steel and timber into a finished, functional axe.
By the end of the course, you’ll take home an axe that you’ve forged, shaped, handled and finished yourself. No two axes will be exactly alike, and yours will be a lasting reminder of the traditional skills, effort and craftsmanship involved in making a tool entirely by hand.
Who Is This Experience For?
Our Two-Day Axe Making Course is ideal for people who enjoy practical challenges, traditional crafts and working with their hands. It’s particularly rewarding for those interested in blacksmithing, toolmaking or traditional woodworking, offering the opportunity to experience the demanding but satisfying process of creating a functional axe entirely by hand.
Whether you’ve tried blacksmithing before or you’re looking for an ambitious first experience, this course offers a chance to develop traditional forging skills and tackle a substantial project. It also makes a memorable gift for someone who enjoys hands-on activities and has the strength, coordination and stamina needed for heavier forge work.
Book Your Two-Day Axe Making Course
Ready to take on the challenge of forging your own axe using traditional blacksmithing techniques?
Choose an available date and book your Two-Day Axe Making Course at Old Pound Smithy in North Devon. Over two days, you’ll forge your own axe head, shape and fit a wooden handle, and create a fully finished axe using traditional hand tools.
All tools, materials and safety equipment are provided. Previous blacksmithing experience isn’t required, but this is a physically demanding course requiring strength, coordination and stamina. Please read the course requirements above before booking.
Want to try more blacksmithing?
Interested in traditional blacksmithing but looking for a less physically demanding experience? Our One-Day Blacksmithing Experience is a great introduction to working with hot steel, while our Two-Day Knife Making Course offers the opportunity to forge and finish your own knife using traditional hand tools.
For something more creative, explore our Forged Geometry Sculpture Course, where you’ll use traditional forging techniques to create your own sculptural piece. You can also discover our full range of blacksmithing courses in North Devon, from short introductory sessions to more involved two-day projects.
