Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Made my first tomahawk today. Watched Modern Marvels on axes and finally got the urge to get my buttocks off the couch and go do some smithing. Forged from W1 square bar, the eye hole was slot punched with a slot punch I made from 4140 1 inch round bar, then I drifted it to shape (first time I ever made and used a slot punch too, worked out very well). Hardened in Park's, then draw tempered with a torch (will do a 400F temper for an hour or two when I get my temper tank up and running again). the handle still needs to have the wedge finished and the metal wedges added. Here is pictures: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 (edited) As always Sam, great job. What are you gonna use for a finish on it? And are you gonna use that for youself (wood) or give it to someone. Since, I haven't bothered making a hot cut, that has somesort of a handle attached to it yet, I bought a cheapo hatchet to use for now. Wouldn't recommend your awesome hatchet for that though. Great job, do you know the dimensions off hand? BTW, does this one go into the pile of "To be finished blades and what not" ??? Lol, jk. Edited October 5, 2008 by m_brothers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Travis Covington Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Nice work Sam. Travis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Thanks guys! John, nope I will finish this one off completely tommorrow. I will use regular old mineral oil or linseed oil or beeswax, whatever is on hand hehe. What type of dimensions are you looking for? Head is 7 3/8ths long from edge to poll, handle is 15 1/4 inches from under the head, the edge is about 2 3/4s of an inch long. Not sure what it weighs, I would say about 1.5 pounds. Only chopped a little pine to test it out a bit, dang it chops real sweet. Once I get the handle on and wedged I will for sure put it through it's paces on some hardwoods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Sweet Sam. Good luck with finishing it. I guess I can't poke at you for not finishing it. Gonna try a larger axe for more serious chopping after that one??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 This one was fun, nice and small to fit right perfect on my belt and be light and fast to swing all day, cuts like an axe much heavier too. I wish I had some larger size bar I'd definately try for a larger axe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Cool. Do you go camping a lot, cuz this would be perfect for that. You don't have anything in any larger sized stock??? Maybe a large damascus axe would be cool. Lol. Either way, can't wait to see it when completely down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrynjr Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Great looking axe Sam! Keep up the great work! I took a forge welding class today so I'll have some pieces to take pictures of and show here tomorrow sometime. It was a great class, learned alot and was able to stick all the welds! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Cool larry, - not trying to hi-jack the thread Sam - but where did you take this class?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Cool. Do you go camping a lot, cuz this would be perfect for that. You don't have anything in any larger sized stock??? Maybe a large damascus axe would be cool. Lol. Either way, can't wait to see it when completely down. I don't do NEARLY as much camping as I would like, but you are 100% correct it would be perfect and I look forward to next season to try it out (too cold now). I have some larger stock, but not good enough steel for a proper axe. Larry, sounds exciting!!!!!!!! Cannot wait for the pictures, something tells me perhaps there is a steel bit/wrought/mild body axe in the bunch?:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bentiron1946 Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 That sure has a pleasing shape to it. Now all you need is to make a Nordic helmet to go with it, some chain maille and a few other items and your in the raiding business.:cool: What's in your wallet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 :D BentIron :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Very nice Sam. What do you mean too cold for camping, it isn't below zero is it? Frosty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferrous Beuler Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Very nice Sam! I wouldn't want you mad at me, not within arm's reach or at forty paces... Just kidding. LOOKS GOOD! Dan:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferrous Beuler Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 BTW- Sam did you delve into your library for inspiration or how-to's on this? Just looking out for those who might want to try making one of these who may not live anywhere near an active blacksmithing group and are on their own. I have one book here which is very good on this subject but I'll leave the ball in your court, its your thread. Dan:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Russell Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 But Sam , it's got a handle on it .. . . . ???? Can't be 1 of yours :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Falzone Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Sweet job Sam. That baby looks like it would throw really nicely. Gotta try one myself one day. Sam (the other Sam) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Martin Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Oh, Aeneas brings up a good point, can you use that axe as a throwing axe as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Falzone Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 Oh, Aeneas brings up a good point, can you use that axe as a throwing axe as well? That would make one FINE throwing axe. Good thing I'm running a Throwing practice today - I've got the itch to throw axes now. Thanks Sam. Sam (the other Sam) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 BTW- Sam did you delve into your library for inspiration or how-to's on this? Just looking out for those who might want to try making one of these who may not live anywhere near an active blacksmithing group and are on their own. I have one book here which is very good on this subject but I'll leave the ball in your court, its your thread. Dan:) Dan, I alas do not have any good books or info on axes or axe making in my small humble library, so I would highly welcome any suggestions you have and are more than welcome to post them here. I did glean a bunch of information from a few threads over on Don Fogg's forum, as well as my internet surfing looking at a bunch of cool axe makers from russia. Here is the thread from Don'sbearded axe curve - Bladesmith's Forum Board Alot of good info there.That would make one FINE throwing axe. Good thing I'm running a Throwing practice today - I've got the itch to throw axes now. Thanks Sam. Sam (the other Sam) Sam, that is great info! It does feel pretty hefty for a throw, though I made it more as a keen cutting edge holder it would not be as tough as a thrower would require (especially with my skills at throwing hehe). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Falzone Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 that is great info! It does feel pretty hefty for a throw, though I made it more as a keen cutting edge holder it would not be as tough as a thrower would require (especially with my skills at throwing hehe). If it will chop wood - it will throw! Throwers don't need to be thick in the cross section. All my throwers are actually pretty thin bladed - thinner than your average belt hatchet (no I didn't make them - I bought them but making axes in on my list of skills to master). I'm very envious of your accomplishment Sam. One day I'll be posting a picture of my first axe too. One day soon I hope. Sam (the other Sam) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Sam, I meant "as a keen cutting edge holder" it has a pretty hard edge, a little too brittle in case the axe went off target and struck something harder than wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce Masuk Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 nice work sam every project is getting better and better by the moment, how many years you been at it now? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted October 5, 2008 Author Share Posted October 5, 2008 Thanks Bryce! I have been at it in total from a propane torch and HF anvil in my basement banging on nails to my gas forge making swords and axes and ironwork for about 5 years. Hehe just starting to understand the basics too . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryce Masuk Posted October 5, 2008 Share Posted October 5, 2008 good stuff sam, i started when i was about 14 making throwing knives out of lawnmower blades then i upgraded to a sink with a house fan i also had cement pillar post with a carpenters hammer then i stopped for about 4 years and bought a kmg and it sat for a year and a half unused the basics are like a drop of water in the ocean, once you figure something out you realize there is alot more room to swim I tend not to think about it the ocean is too vast, haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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