Forging a Viking Axe

August 2 - August 6, 2024

Forging a Viking Axe

$900.00

Details Fee Breakdown:
Tuition: $770
Material Fee: $130

Participants in this workshop will learn how to forge and heat treat their own Viking Style Bearded Axe, first forging the tools needed in order to forge that axe. The class will start with the forging of a mandrel to form the axe eye, and a pair of knee tongs that will aid in holding the axe head while we work on it. The axe body will be folded around the mandrel and forge welded together. Forge welding is a big component of the class and ideally an entire day would be taken up with forge welding. The blades will then be heat treated. Participants will also learn how to sharpen their axes, and how to seat them properly on the wooden handles. Participants should have successfully forge welded at least once prior to their arrival to get the most out of this class.

Workshops run from 9:00am to 5:00pm each day
Lunch is included for all participants

Level: Intermediate
Workshop Levels

Definitions of Skill Levels for Workshops

  • Beginner and Beyond: Introductory level course that presents basic knowledge of tools, materials and techniques and is geared towards first timers or those who want to improve and expand their technique. It takes time to build skills.
  • Advanced Beginner and Beyond: Instruction that assumes some familiarity with tools, materials and equipment. Includes reviews and builds on basic skill sets, allows for those with more experience to work at their own pace. Further development of fundamentals, participants have had at least one class or equivalent with professional instruction.
  • Intermediate: Course content that assumes a working knowledge of basic studio tools, materials and equipment necessary to accomplish the projects and techniques to be explored. Participants feel comfortable in the studio setting.
  • Intermediate to Advanced: Course content that requires a proficient working knowledge of studio tools, materials and equipment necessary to accomplish the projects and techniques to be explored in class.
  • Advanced: Assumes proficiency and advanced working knowledge of materials and studio tools and equipment so that the focus is on artistic narrative and/or technical development.
Ages: Adult

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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Jordan Borstelmann

Jordan Borstelmann is the owner of Crooked Path Forge. His first experience smithing was a 2 week beginners course in 2004 at the Penland School of Crafts. He then apprenticed for a year under blacksmith Yaw Owusu Shangofemi, from 2008 to 2009. Jordan acquired his own shop in 2010 and has been learning what skills he can ever since. He has always been fascinated with tools, how they work, and why they are the shape that they are. The creative process starts with the tools you use to hammer your steel to shape, with the punches and chisels, and vises and anvils with which you manipulate the metal. The smith doesn’t just apply paint to the canvas, they get to make the brush that applies that paint. To Jordan that adds an extra layer to his work and his art. It allows a level of uniqueness and originality that cannot be obtained any other way.

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