1-Day Blacksmithing Experience: Make Your Own Axe

In this one-day course, you will explore the fundamentals of blacksmithing and forge work, focusing on crafting a small axe head. Under the expert guidance of Jacek Robótka, you’ll learn the traditional “bow tie” method of axe construction, where a high-carbon steel edge is forge-welded into a softer iron body, which is then folded to form the axe’s eye.

What you'll learn:

Starting with fire control and hammering techniques, you’ll work with carbon steel to create your own axe head. Throughout the day, you’ll:

- Forge the axe head: Shape the body and insert the high-carbon steel edge.

- Forge welding: Weld the steel edge and iron body together.

- Axe shaping: Shape the axe’s cutting edge and form the eye (the hole for the handle).

- Heat treatment: Use three heat-treating processes—normalising, hardening, and tempering—to strengthen your axe head.

- Finishing: Grind and clean the axe head, fit it to a pre-made wooden shaft, and sharpen and strop the blade to a razor-sharp edge.

By the end of the course, you'll take home a fully finished and sharp axe, perfect for outdoor activities, survival, bushcraft, or historical reenactments.

No experience necessary.

This beginner-friendly course will guide you step-by-step through the entire process, including:

- Forge safety and using the gas forge, hammer, and anvil.

- Forming and forge welding a “bow tie” axe head.

- Shaping and grinding the axe profile.

- Heat treatment (normalising, hardening, tempering).

- Blade finishing, sharpening, and edge testing.

- Fitting the handle.

Who can attend:

The course is open to anyone aged 18 and over. Younger participants are welcome if accompanied by a parent or guardian. If you have any specific needs, please let us know ahead of time.

What to bring:

- Non-flammable clothing (cotton or wool is ideal; avoid synthetic fabrics like shell suits or fleeces).

- Sturdy shoes (preferably leather).

- Your own lunch (not provided).

- Safety equipment: all required safety gear will be provided during the class.

Course details:

Location: Leeds (Full address provided upon booking).

Duration: 9 AM – 5 PM.

Parking: On-street parking available.

Gift certificates:

Electronic gift certificates are available upon request, making this course an excellent gift for anyone interested in learning the art of blacksmithing.

This course is a perfect introduction to bladesmithing and axe making, giving you hands-on experience in traditional blacksmithing techniques and leaving you with a custom-made axe you can be proud of.