I'm going to make my first viking bearded axe using the traditional bow tie method like the one Jim Austin made in the ABANA video. I need to know what size material to start with. I'm just guessing somewhere around 2" x 4" x 1/2 or maybe 5/8"? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Rusty

I believe he started with 2X4X3/4.

he has a whole WIP thread over on Don Fogg's bladesmith forum..If Im not mistaken he tells what size he starts with..Its in the "historical" section..On the top, pinned..

Or you could look in this site and notice we have a axe section....

The starting stock is 2" x 4" x 3/4" (1018 mild)

have you seen Jim Austins axe tutorial and the thread "viking age axe tutorial" on bladesmiths forum . its exceptional work both in the craftsmanship and presentation .I would highly recommend it .
there is good stuff here for sure , no reason not to look at it all.

http://forums.dfoggknives.com/index.php?showtopic=17953&st=0 there you go :)

I like the fact he showed the notching of the bit to be steeled,. This is a great post and sharing how to keep the bit in place while we are welding. Many attempt steeling with out that step and it never seems to stay in place with out it. That single thing makes it so much easier to hold in place.

I visited with Jim Austin and second what Basher said, the man knows axes :)

Thanks for the info all, being relatively new to this site I'm amazed at the the amount of valuable info there is to research. Jim Austins video and thread will be very helpful in guiding me through the whole process... I need to make some drifts to hold the shape of the eye, does anyone have a suggestion on what degree of bevel I should shape my drifts to?

How very convenient... I had lost the link to that thread, and couldn't remember where it was. I was just thinking about how to find it again a moment before I hit this thread... are you guys playing psychic or something? LOL. Thanks much.