My first attempt at making a "viking axe" from an old hatchet

A

axewarrior

Joined
Dec 18, 2015
Messages
9
Hey guys,

After seeing so many nice axes here at bladeforums I desided to try making my own custom axe after finding an old hatchet in my garage. This is my first time doing something like this so be nice:)

Im happy with how the axe looks like, except the etching which was a lot harder then I first thought. After seeing some guy on youtube etching a knife with vinegar and a 12v car charger I decided to try that as well which didn't turned out that great. I'm not blaming the method, I'm blaming myself at sucking as an artist...haha.

If you want to see the whole process you can read about it here: http://axeing.org/how-to-make-a-viking-axe-from-an-old-hatchet/

Anyway this is how the axe looked like when I started:

old-hatchet.jpg


And when finished:

cool-looking-axe.jpg


viking-axe-in-forest-1.jpg


viking-axe-hand-made.jpg


Let me know what you think guys?
 
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I think it looks great! I'd be curious to know how it performed in some chopping and splitting tasks suited for a hatchet before and after.


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jonerays said:
I think it looks great! I'd be curious to know how it performed in some chopping and splitting tasks suited for a hatchet before and after.
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Good question. It feels a lot better now in my hand and its lighter so I can use it for a longer period of time but for splitting my guess it performed better before with the extra weight.

Lieblad said:
Thats cool.
How did you mask it for etching, wax ?
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I used my wifes nail polish:) Is wax good for masking before etching?
 
I'd really be interested in a walk thru of how you did the etching on the blade!

Nice job BTW...looks like a heck of a fun little project.
 
I think even though it's not really my style, it is some very fine work.
Well done.
 
Beachlogger said:
I like it a lot, you gunna make a sheath for it?
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Yes I will try but I have no idea on how to make one:)



Hawgsnawt said:
I'd really be interested in a walk thru of how you did the etching on the blade!

Nice job BTW...looks like a heck of a fun little project.
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Thank you! Yes you can see the proccess on the link in my first post.



LG&M said:
I think even though it's not really my style, it is some very fine work.
Well done.
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Thank you!



Lieblad said:
Wax is used by coating the entire surface, then the design cut thru.
Very fine detail can be etched this way. Its one of the processes used making printing plates & rollers.
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Alright I understand. Next time I think I will use some kind of pattern instead of free hand.
 
I really like the look! If you have one of those custom vinyl kiosks in your mall you can have them make you something that'll let you etch more precisely on your axe head. They're the places that sell custom bumper stickers and stuff like that. They just use a computer to cut out any pattern onto the vinyl so it's very precise
 
Thanks guys, Im glad you liked it.

I've got a couple more axe heads Im planning to do something cool with. One of the heads it say "made in sweden" so I suppose its a quality axe. Maybe someone knows what brand it is?

ToancYi.jpg


7zMDLN5.jpg
 
Lieblad said:
That axe with its ears and notch should be cleaned up & used as is.
Its not highly "rare" but uncommon enough to warrant not cutting it up.
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Yeah I wont cut that one up:)

And a question for u all, what you guys think about using henna tattoo stencil for pattern when etching?
 
Lieblad said:
That axe with its ears and notch should be cleaned up & used as is.
Its not highly "rare" but uncommon enough to warrant not cutting it up.
Anyway,
I expect you are having fun...:very_drunk:
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That particular head looks to have been home-doctored up already! Likely started out as a Jersey.
 
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