Making a Viking Axe Class 2026

Cost: $180 members, $210 non-members 

Class size: Max 8, min 3

Class Description: This class’s goal is to work with wrought iron and make a Viking-style folded asymmetrically welded axe more or less as it would have been done in the past. This is a two day class. Day one will be working with wrought iron to make a small hook to get a feel for wrought iron, and then in the afternoon working with a partner to create the preform of the axe. Day two will be creating the eye, forge welding it and welding in the steel for the edge. Then shaping the axe, drawing out the lugs on the eye, the distinctive historical shape. Finally heat treating the axe. Most of the tools and techniques will be from the time viking time period, with a few exceptions to make the class more approachable, options will be given to make the entire project using very basic tools. 
Forge welding and striker experience is not required. We will learn those processes as part of the class.  Note this class is tong intensive, iron and steel were expensive at the time so working with smaller pieces and controlling them with tongs gives for a better experience.
The skill level for the class assumes the smith can maintain a coal fire, work with tongs to draw out material, minimal scrolling, moderate hammer control, forge welding experience is not required.  The class should not be your first smithing experience; there is a lot of metal to move.

Tools and Equipment or other items participants are to bring to the class:

• ½” or ⅝” V bit tongs (able to grab ⅜” to ⅝” round or square stock)
• ¼” V bit tongs (able to grab ¼“ round or square stock)
• Flat jaw tongs for around ¾” thick bar
• Forging hammer (1.5-2.5lbs)
• Light weight forging hammer (.5 lbs)

Safety Equipment: the usual for forging with coal: gloves, safety glasses, hearing
protection, clothing of natural fiber with no cuffs or fraying, and leather boots or shoes.

Other Equipment: Optional if you have them:

• Adjustable tongs for grabbing angled material (last years conference class)
• A striker hammer – 6lbs to 10lbs
• Pickup tongs for fishing out bits that get dropped and delicate placement of steel.
• Parrot jaw tongs (for grabbing the axe eye)
• Hot rasp
• Hot cut chisel (the longer the better or a handle struck version)

Instructor: Peter Ellison 763-458-0696

Class Manager: Peter Ellison, peter@matrixrunner.net

To register for this class: 
To register online go to The Guild of Metalsmiths website, https://www.metalsmith.org/education 
To pay by check, email the class manager listed above to reserve your place in the class and receive additional information. 
Minors (under 18) must have a parent present. Minors under 14 need one adult per child. There will be no sharing of forges.

Acceptance will be in the order submitted, based on the online transaction date or the date of phone contact. Each person will be notified individually.