Damascus Axe Master Class

Damascus Axe Master Class

Craft an axe that'll make a viking jealous

Over 20 people have attended this class

Description

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

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What you will learn

  • 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

What you will get

  • Traditional Scandinavian wrapped axe made from pattern-welded Damascus steel

What to bring

  • All materials included

What to wear

Please wear clothing appropriate for a workshop. This includes long pants and sleeves preferably natural fibre, solid shoes/boots.

Appropriate for

This advanced class is only suitable for experienced and confident students, however no prior power hammer experience is required.


Eveleigh Works

5.0
(763 Reviews)

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. 

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5.0 (19 reviews)
Basilrated it
05 May 2025
I’ve done a bit of forging before, but this class was seriously good. Matt runs the whole thing solo, and he’s got the right mix of know-how and chill. The workshop’s well set up — nothing fancy, but everything works, and it’s clear he actually uses it. We got stuck in pretty quick, and the whole day had a good rhythm — no standing around waiting for someone to fix a grinder or find the tongs. I ended up with a Damascus axe that I’m pretty stoked with, and even picked up a few new tricks. Definitely worth doing, whether you’re just starting out or already getting the forge hot on your own.
Juliarated it
26 Nov 2024
Great people, support if and when needed. Fantastic 4 days. Very happy when the end result.
Michaelrated it
26 Nov 2024
Loved it! Matt was brilliant, patient and informative. A highly educational course and greatly satisfying result. I highly recommend this to anyone keen to learn the art of blacksmithing and Damascus steel work.
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Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 14 days before class starts. Free of charge.
  • A transfer can be requested 14 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
  • A credit note can be requested 14 days before the class starts. Free of charge.

No changes will be allowed after these times.

We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.

Terms & Conditions

Anyone partaking in any classes or coming to any events at Eveleigh Works or organised by Eveleigh Works must agree to these terms and conditions.

1.) LIABILITY WAIVER

I agree to take on full responsibility for any damages, injuries and for physical and/or personal property, which I might incur whilst participating in classes and/or events organised by Eveleigh Works.

2.) PHOTO & VIDEO

I agree to give Eveleigh Works unrestricted publishing rights for any photographs or videos taken at Eveleigh Works classes and events or on Eveleigh Works's premises. (For use of Eveleigh Works marketing materials).

3.) REFUNDS

Please see refund policy. 

4.) CANCELLATIONS

In the event that a class is cancelled, students will be notified via text message or email and entitled to a full refund or credit to transfer.

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