Damascus Axe Master Class
Axes have been used in battle and to harvest timber for millennia and were an integral part of Viking and early Scandinavian life. This 4 day workshop will take participants through the process of making a Damascus Steel Wrapped Axe–an object that is as beautiful as it is functional.
Originally used to make steel tough, resistant to shattering and capable of being honed to a sharp resilient edge, the swirling patterns of Damascus steel have been used as blades for swords and knives since the 3rd century. Today the process is alive and well with Damascus knives becoming ever more complex and ornate. This masterclass will start by taking participants through the process of making their own Damascus steel billet, which they will then forge into the axe head.
Participants will start by learning about the properties of steel and create the swirling patterns by stacking and fire-welding steel alloys with a power hammer. Once the billet is complete it will be forged into the axe-head using traditional anvil-forging methods and power-hammer, finishing off by applying an acid-etch to develop the pattern and shaping the handle from a piece of spotted-gum timber.
This class requires prior blacksmithing experience, if you're unsure, just ask us!
Topics
- Steel selection: hard vs tough
- Stock preparation
- Fire-welding
- Working a billet on a power hammer
- Damascus pattern development
- Forging the wrapped axe
- How to make Damascus steel
- Use striking and a hydraulic press to forge a billet of Damascus steel
- Fire welding with a wrapped eye, handle shaping and fitment
- Traditional Scandinavian wrapped axe made from pattern-welded Damascus steel
- All materials included
Please wear clothing appropriate for a workshop. This includes long pants and sleeves preferably natural fibre, solid shoes/boots.
This advanced class is only suitable for experienced and confident students, however no prior power hammer experience is required.
Vendor since 2016
Learn the metal arts at Eveleigh Works in Redfern, Sydney. Get your hands dirty with our short courses in blacksmithing, knife and tool-making. Courses for newbies and old hands, instructed by practicing craftspeople within the heritage workshop of an 1880s locomotive factory.
15 January 2019 • Damascus Axe Master Class
This course was the best yet and it is a definite must.
24 July 2018 • Damascus Axe Master Class
This course was absolutely fantastic. For anyone with basic blacksmith experience, Matt takes you to a whole new level. The individual tailoring of the coaching is phenomenal in teaching an ancient and complex part of the blacksmiths craft. The range of tools and equipment on hand at the Everleigh Works, and discussions with other craftsmen on site make this a truely unique opportunity. It was fantastic value for money
24 July 2018 • Damascus Axe Master Class
Had a blast learning Damascus axe, Matt is super patient and generous about tips and instruction, very attentively helping us and still gives us lots of space to do things ourselves. Definitely worth doing yiewww