Forge Welding Axes: A Deep Dive into Laminated Edges

A lot of us here in Rogue Blades are chasing that feeling – the satisfaction of shaping metal with fire and hammer, creating something useful and beautiful from raw materials. It’s a journey that takes time, patience, and a willingness to learn from every heat. Nils Ogren’s recent video on forge welding axes really embodies that spirit. He’s not flashy, just methodical and clearly passionate about the craft, and the results speak for themselves.

This isn't just about making an axe; it’s about understanding the fundamentals of forge welding and how to apply them. Nils’s approach is refreshingly low-tech—no power hammer, no grinder, just pure blacksmithing skill. If you're already comfortable with the basics of forging, this video offers a masterclass in a technique that elevates your work.

Let's break down some of the key takeaways. First, the eye punching. Nils’s technique of rotating the billet after each blow to compensate for inaccuracies is brilliant. It's a simple trick that prevents the eye from becoming off-center, a common pitfall for many of us still learning at the anvil. That's the kind of practical tip you pick up from a seasoned knife maker, the kind of thing you won't find in a textbook.

Then there's the lug forging. Working from the middle outwards is crucial to avoid distorting the eye. He emphasizes this, and it's a lesson that applies to many forging projects. It's a reminder that understanding the flow of metal is just as important as the hammer blows themselves.

But the real star of the show is the forge welding itself. Nils’s process of creating a “taco” in the mild steel body and then carefully inserting and welding the high-carbon steel edge is a testament to his skill. The wedge-shaped bit, the flux application, the careful heating – it’s all about control and precision. He’s not rushing anything, and that’s a good example for us all to follow. It’s a technique that would be right at home in a workshop tour of a Bladesmithing HolyPlace.

For those of us who aspire to reach Blade Angel status, this video is a great reminder of the foundational skills that underpin advanced techniques. It’s not about chasing the latest gadget or shortcut; it’s about mastering the basics and building a solid foundation. It's the kind of knowledge you can share with other aspiring bladesmiths, helping to grow the Rogue Blades community.

If you're looking to expand your skillset beyond EDC knives and kitchen knives, or even explore sword smithing or axe making, this is a valuable resource. The process is meticulous, but the payoff – a beautifully forged, laminated axe – is well worth the effort. And if you’re inspired to try it yourself, consider joining a forge class or even listing a custom commission on the Sovereign.ink marketplace.

Whether you’re a seasoned bladesmith or just starting out, there’s something to learn from Nils’s approach. It’s a reminder that the best bladesmithing isn’t about brute force; it’s about skill, patience, and a deep understanding of the materials.