In 2022, during my long duration course with Woodland Ways, I decided to make an axe. A perfectly normal idea I thought. I had been dipping my toes in blacksmithing for a while so why not throw myself in at the deep end?
As with many of my hands-on hobbies I am very much self taught. I read as much as I can about a subject, watch countless videos on YouTube and decide to try something. As a starting piece I realised it was a big ask given my skill set, but why let something as daunting as that stop me? So with a mindset of "go big or go home" I selected the appropriate metals and hammered away. This took time and effort, which I was fine with, I had no deadline particularly in mind and so felt comfortable taking my time. Which was for the best. Given my homemade forge set up, I spent most of my time getting the metal up to heat. But after happily hitting it with a hammer I eventually was left with a reasonably axe like shape.
But the content of this blog isn't focused on the forging of the axe, it's more the journey it, and I, have gone through afterwards.
As I said, I'm self taught. If don't know what I'm doing I'll make it up as I go along and learn on the way. I felt like I'd overcome my biggest hurdle by forging the head of an axe, that kept it's edge and was strong enough not to shatter into a hundred pieces the first time I swung it.
I did however stumble over a few other unexpected hurdles.
First, in all my excitement I had completely failed to realise the axe had a slight curve in the cheek.
Second, I had a persistent problem with a split developing in the hand-carved handle after I'd driven the wedge into the eye to secure the head.
Third, I had quickly thrown together an axe cover. I had just riveted some leather together but forgotten to use a centre piece. Meaning that the cutting edge was coming into contact with the rivets every time I put it on.
Fourth, I had made the eye of the axe round. So the handle is a rounded tomahawk style shape. Whist this was alright at first, I have found that with use the axe twists in my hand .
Now, the reason for the title of my blog comes into play here. There is an importance of community involvement in the making of this axe. With each of these hurdles I have had a different member of the team offer observations and advice.
After the curve was pointed out. It was an easy fix to re-heat, hammer out the mistake and heat treat.
I was told you could drill a small hole into the handle before you put the wedge in to alleviate the pressure and prevent a split from forming. This simple step has proved completely effective.
After some guidance I was able to thoroughly enjoy making another axe cover. This time taking my time to plan and produce something more deliberate. I even got the chance to practice my blanket stitching and added some embellishments to the design. I figured if I was going to go to the effort of making an axe then I might as well have something decent to put on it.
I feel like my last task is to shape the eye of the axe again. Take it from a tomahawk circle to a more traditional shape. This way I can carve a new handle with flat sides to prevent the handle turning in my hand . To do this I'll need a drift. I don't actually own one of these so I guess I'll have to make one!
Although my blog may be coming to an end, the journey of my axe still continues. But I have a quiet confidence in myself and my village. It will last the distance.