Beginners Guide to Forging Axes - Practical Intro to Axe Making

In this review of Beginners Guide to Forging Axes the bottom line is simple: this book is a practical, approachable introduction for people who want to learn axe making at the forge. Written by full-time blacksmith and YouTuber Nils Ogren, the guide stands out for clear, hands-on instruction that takes a reader from tool selection through finished axe projects, making it the best single-volume starting point for novices who want real workshop skills rather than theory.

Key Features

• Practical step-by-step instructions: Detailed guidance walks a beginner through each stage of forging so readers can follow along at the anvil with confidence.
• Tool selection and use: The book explains how to choose and use essential tools for axe forging, helping new smiths avoid costly mistakes.
• Multiple forging techniques: Techniques like punching, drifting, folding, and forge welding are covered so readers can expand their repertoire.
• Edge lamination methods: Laminating high-carbon edges using approaches such as the taco technique gives options for durable cutting edges.
• Finish work and fitting: Chapters on grinding, heat treatment, sharpening, handle fitting, and sheath making help complete a usable tool.
• Complete axe projects: The book walks through forging three complete axe models, providing concrete builds to practice skills.

Who It's For

Beginners Guide to Forging Axes is aimed at people who are new to blacksmithing or who have done a little metalwork and want focused, practical instruction on axes. The writing suits hobbyists with access to a basic forge and tools and anyone who prefers hands-on projects and workshop tips from an experienced maker.

Those who should look elsewhere include readers seeking comprehensive metalworking theory, advanced metallurgy textbooks, or highly technical academic coverage; this book prioritizes workshop practice and project-based learning over deep theoretical exposition.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear step-by-step projects make it straightforward to move from first hammer blows to finished axes.
• Practical tool guidance reduces guesswork when setting up a beginner workshop.
• Multiple techniques and the laminate edge options broaden the reader's skill set.
• Coverage of finishing work ensures axes leave the forge ready to use.

Cons

• Not a deep academic resource on metallurgy, so advanced smiths may want more technical detail.

Specifications

Title	Beginners Guide to Forging Axes
Author	Nils Ogren
Subject	Practical axe forging and workshop techniques
Key techniques covered	Punching, drifting, folding, forge welding, laminate edges
Finish topics	Grinding, heat treatment, sharpening, handle fitting, sheath making
Projects	Three complete axe models

Our Verdict

Beginners Guide to Forging Axes is a strong practical resource for novice blacksmiths who want clear workshop instruction and real projects to practice. Its combination of tool advice, multiple forging techniques, and finish-work chapters makes it good value for anyone setting up a basic forge and aiming to produce usable, well-made axes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book teach how to heat treat axe edges?
Yes. It includes practical guidance on heat treatment and sharpening so finished axes hold and hone an edge.

Are the projects suitable for a home forge?
Yes. The three complete axe models are written for makers with basic forge equipment and common hand tools.

Will this book teach advanced metallurgy?
No. The focus is practical workshop techniques and projects rather than in-depth metallurgical theory.