The Hamburger Weld: A Clever Approach to Axe Repair

We've all faced it: a favorite axe, a vital tool, split right down the middle. While most would reach for a tack weld, Nils Ogren takes us down a different, and fascinating, path in his latest video. He demonstrates a forge welding technique he calls the “hamburger” – a layered approach that’s as creative as it is practical. This isn’t about speed or efficiency; it's about the joy of the craft and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at the forge.

The beauty of this method lies in its ingenuity. Instead of tack welding the pieces first, Nils layers mild steel, high carbon steel, and more mild steel, effectively creating a “hamburger” stack. Then, into the fire it goes, where he attempts a forge weld without the initial tack. It's a bold move, and one he acknowledges is likely “a thousand times easier” to avoid. But that's what separates the craftspeople from the rest – the willingness to experiment and learn from the process.

The result? A repaired axe head that speaks to the skill and patience of the maker. Nils’s attention to detail shines through, from cleaning up the delamination with flux to the careful work with a small hammer. It's a process that showcases the iterative nature of bladesmithing – a constant cycle of observation, adjustment, and refinement.

What’s particularly inspiring is Nils's philosophy on the forge. He shares a pivotal conversation with a master blacksmith who emphasized the importance of embracing the entire process, even the grinding. He chose not to use his heat treating ovens, preferring the traditional, hands-on approach that allows him to truly connect with the craft. It’s a perspective many in the Rogue Blades community share – the love of forging itself, not just the finished product.

Speaking of heat treating, Nils’s observations on color temperature are a valuable reminder. He stresses that color perception is room-dependent and encourages viewers to train their eyes. For those just starting out, he suggests using an infrared thermometer or the magnet test—practical advice for anyone honing their skills at the anvil.

The video concludes with sharpening, where Nils wisely avoids the angle grinder, opting instead for files to achieve a beautiful, textured finish. He emphasizes that the file leaves a unique aesthetic that’s hard to replicate. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes the simplest tools yield the most satisfying results. If you're looking for a new technique to try, or just inspiration to keep pushing your forge work, this is a must-watch. Consider attending a Nordforge Field Trip or a Live Workshop to get your hands on the anvil.

Want to elevate your skills? Find a Blade Angel near you, enroll in a forge class, list a custom commission on the Rogue Blades marketplace, or create a creator profile to share your work with the community.