The Forged Axe
(And the Tools to Make them)
with
Benton Frisse
Class runs: June 8-12
Tuition: $700
Material Fee: $60
Skill level: Seasoned beginner and up, good working knowledge of punching/drifting
Heat Source: Gas or Coal Forges
3 spaces left as of 1/5
In this class, students will learn to forge the tools needed to make axes, such as tongs, eye punch, and a drift for small camp axes and hatchets. Students will also forge 1-2 patterns/styles of axes to broaden understanding of axe construction and uses.
Students should expect extensive hammer work and will leave with a basic set of axe making tools and at least one fully finished axe on a handle.
Students will be working with 4140 tool steel and will be guided through all the necessary operations to properly heat treat these tools. Discussions and demonstrations on hafting, or hanging the handle will round off the Axe into what will be a trusted tools for lifetimes to come.
Benton has been forging knives, tools, and axes since 2012. Growing up in his step-dad’s (Wayne) blacksmith shop, Benton decided to start pursuing blacksmithing in college and has never looked back. Benton has attended classes at John C. Campbell Folk School and New England School of Metalwork and is the recipient of the 2017 David Knowlton Bladesmithing Scholarship. You can also find Benton on season 6, episode 27 of History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” which he made to the final round of competition. In 2019, Benton founded River City Forge & Tool with his step-dad, Wayne, to focus on forging axe patterns from all over the world.
Enjoy these images from Benton’s last Axe class