Northmen Guild builders?

extrastout

extrastout

Joined
Mar 10, 2013
Messages
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It's been about a year and Finally got the request for down payment to start on my axe....now I'm wondering who will actually be making my axe now that I'm about to throw down some dough? Who are these mystical men of the Northern Guild that work in a shed in the middle of the mountains??
 
I have no idea, but it appears they do some nice work. Given the price and that it looks to be custom made, I would pose the question to them as they're the ones in the position to answer definitively. If you move forward with the purchase, I would love to know what you think of their product. They're pricey, but I would like to think they're worth it.
 
It is interesting/vital to know something about the smid and begs the question, why choose an axe coming from a concept, (Northern Men?), rather than from a smid.
 
Dude! Their stuff looks tremendous. Congrats. Please keep us updated on the progress.
 
Looks like very nice stuff....There web site is very well done...Great video on the house....
Keep us posted !
 
Kevin Houtzager said:
Ehr, Did any of you actualy look on the site of Northmen?

http://www.northmen.com/en/about-us/guilds-craftsmen

Just click on the pictures what each any person within the guild does.... Thats not that hard.... Most of them are Latvian....
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Yes those are names...they mean nothing to me since I've never heard of them in the axe making world.....I'm given the impression this shed in the mountains contain a dream team of craftsman......but....again never heard of them......I have a hoffman so I can be picky and prod a bit. The site puts a lot of effort in legitimizing themselves but you can't judge a book by its cover
 
Ernest DuBois said:
What axe from them are you interested in?
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This one....Need to make the decision soon to put half down and start the 5 month build process. I just never ever heard any feedback on their products, how they perform....no comparisons. Its a mystery

UPDATE: Payment sent to the mystical shed. I will keep all of you posted upon arrival. Keep any more info, experiences and reviews coming pleaseandthankyou

http://www.northmen.com/en/products/axes/northlander-hatchet

to back up this one (tough act to follow)

Cw51Qw0.jpg
 
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extrastout said:
to back up this one (tough act to follow)
Click to expand...

The Hoffman hatchet is beautiful. Liam is a very talented smith and woodworker. But it is my understanding that his axes are forged of 4142 steel. That's a good steel for axes and hammers. It's hardenable to high 50's RC. The Northmen use a mild steel body with a K460 (essentially O1) inserted bit. I believe the O1 will take a keener edge and hold it better than 4142. The finish on the axe heads also looks nicer on the Northmen axe. The handles on Hoffman axes look better. Either would be excellent. I think the Northmen axe would stand up to hard use a little better.
 
If you search John Neeman Tools on YouTube you will see some videos of some of the products. John Neeman is not a person, but a name used for broader appeal by the Northmen Guild.
 
ES, I ask about the specific axe you are interested in because I think the products of this company cannot be generalized. Some of the more complex axes they make are overly simplified and when you are after one of these there are clearly better alternatives. These axes may be exceptions though and for an axe such as the one you show I would say the work they do is perfectly adequate and the axes above average in quality. At one point as I understood from some years back they were using the same edge steel as the Gransfors Bruk forge. My assessment coming mostly from second-hand knowledge since I was working with an associate of theirs recently and he is someone I would credit with a good understanding.They have approached our group wanting to participate and maybe in the future we will have them take part. Then I will be able to bump up my level of knowledge to first-hand.
Wanting to get some independent critique of the work of these blacksmiths is naturally a good idea as opposed to going strictly off of their highly subjective and let's face it somewhat over the top descriptions of themselves, so I've tried to pass on what I understand with some objectivity and interpretation of what you are asking for. Of course I can't comment on the prices in any way not knowing, and besides the good price is the one you are willing to fork over. I think the time-span you describe is maybe a bit long but not excessive for what you want.
 
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The shed in the forest doesn't house any smithy. Being a guild every member has his own workshop around the Baltic countries or North America, since at least a couple of them are from the US.
 
This may be of interest to you es, I've watched on an internet site of Sweden one carpentry axe from these Northerners being auctioned off. I suspect, but don't know, that the asking price represents a steep reduction from what the axe cost newly made. On top of that this axe has been for sale some time but has failed to attract offers.
On the other hand, I had bought many years ago now an even somewhat similar carpentry axe made by Lars Enander at Gransfors Bruk, one of only three versions he'd made of that model I later found out from an acquaintance of his. I used the axe many years, 10 or so until it came time to sell it and by then axes had begun to be a thing and I sold that axe at a profit. Just a couple of anecdotes, one positive one negative but mostly to say it's a crap shoot I guess. Could also say something about the durability of the interest in these boutique axes and more...
 
Ernest DuBois said:
This may be of interest to you es, I've watched on an internet site of Sweden one carpentry axe from these Northerners being auctioned off. I suspect, but don't know, that the asking price represents a steep reduction from what the axe cost newly made. On top of that this axe has been for sale some time but has failed to attract offers.
On the other hand, I had bought many years ago now an even somewhat similar carpentry axe made by Lars Enander at Gransfors Bruk, one of only three versions he'd made of that model I later found out from an acquaintance of his. I used the axe many years, 10 or so until it came time to sell it and by then axes had begun to be a thing and I sold that axe at a profit. Just a couple of anecdotes, one positive one negative but mostly to say it's a crap shoot I guess. Could also say something about the durability of the interest in these boutique axes and more...
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For the price I know its not a flip for profit purchase....I'm keeping it or I live and learn first hand. Honestly the only concern I have is the IMHO over the top cinematic intro (I feel the work should speak for itself and build a following)...I just know craftsman are down and dirty and this is very poetic....makes me want to light a candle and sip on hot cocoa. Also a lot of their work seems more decorative in design which could mean they are hoping their tools don't actually get used/tool jewelry. It was this or an Autine but the Northmen came knocking unexpectedly (forgot I even put myself on the wait list) and I let them in. Thank you for the feedback Ernest
 
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The site is definitely dramatic. I'll echo others and hope that you'll let us know your feelings once you get it. Maybe it'll live up to the hype! I'd be interested interested to know for sure.
 
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