Colonial Axe Class (2 day)

Service Description

In this two-day class, students will create a fully functional colonial style belt axe from start to finish. Learn forging skills as well as classic woodworking techniques. These skills will translate to many other areas of blacksmithing and weapon smithing for use down the road. Chris Maybury of Maybury Mill and Forge will bring his decades of experience to Iron Osprey Forge to lead the class. Students will create a fully functional belt axe similar to those used in colonial times and thru the 1700s. Students will forge their axes with hammer and anvil, including punching, drifting, mandrel use and more. Participants learn about various heat treatment processes and will employ one of the differential heat treatments by edge quenching their axe. Students will also learn to carve, shape and finish handles starting from a slab of wood and then how to ‘age’ or patina their work. Day one will involve forging, shaping and drifting the axe head. Various hammering and shaping techniques will be covered and the axes will be heat treated at the end of the day. Students will have an opportunity to practice file work, the use of drifts and mandrels, and can personalize their axes. For students who can only attend the first day, pre-shaped handles will be provided so they can do their own fit and finish at home. Day two will be focused on handcrafting and carving the axe handles. Basic woodworking techniques and handling will be covered, and students will fit their handles to their axe and leave with a complete belt axe. No experience is required to participate in this class although some experience with hand tools is helpful. The instructors will adapt to the participants’ skill level. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Classes will start at 0800 and students should expect to work about 8 hours. All materials, protective equipment and lunches will be provided. For the full two days, the cost is $350 per person. For those who can only attend the first day, a crafted handle will be provided with instructions on how to complete the axe at home and the cost will be $245.