Well, we thought everyone might enjoy seeing what it takes to create a Wolf Valley Forge axe. Each axe is handforged by Ike. Let’s get started!
All of our axes start with blocks of 41-42 Chromoly steel, which is extremely tough and wear-resistant.
First step after cutting the steel to size is to mark the eye hole. The straightness of the entire axe is all based around this first step. Next we begin to hot-punch through the eye-hole using a chisel.
After we have chiseled through the head, we start to drift out the eye and shape the poll.
After this we begin the drawing process, to get the length of the axe.
From here we begin shaping the bit and cutting edge.
After the bit is mostly to shape, we re-drift and straighten the axe.
Here we are forging down the lugs to create more steel-to-wood contact of the finished axe.
The drift is then run in from the top, to create an hourglass shaped eye.
The straightness and shape are checked at this point.
Once satisfied with the axe, each head is then stamped with our Wolf Valley Forge logo.
The final straightness is carefully checked, and the head is set to cool.
After the forging process is completed, we then grind the poll and cutting edge to shape.
Each head is stamped with its own weight, and is then ready for heat treating.
Axe handles are made one at a time for each particular head.
After getting a good head-to-handle fit, both wood and steel wedges are used to secure the head in place. Next the handle is hand sanded and either stained or left natural, before being put into a hot linseed oil based mixture. This swells the wood around the head and also makes the handle more water resistant.
A sheath is made custom for each axe. All sheaths are made right here, using high quality Hermann Oak leather.
The finished axe, ready for your next bush crafting adventure!