Over centuries of evolution, the collared axe has taken shape. Eventually becoming standardized by the 19th Century into the patterns known today. Unfortunately, commercial production stopped by the early 20th Century due to cost and complexity of manufacturing.
When people think of collared axes they often think of the Finnish style which looks similar to the Swedish design but differs in the forging process. While Finnish collared axes have a drifted eye, Swedish collared axes have a complicated “wrapped” eye with multiple pieces forge welded together.
Julius Petterson, you may remember from Ray Mears Bushcraft Season 2 Episode 4, has been kind enough to demonstrate the process.
Suggested Product: Gransfors Bruks American Felling Axe
First, a bowtie shape of steel is prepared. Then the collar is roughly shaped and thinned. Next both halves are brought together with the collar continuing to take shape.
The poll is then forge welded on. Unlike most other axes, this poll is meant to be replaceable. This process produces a very small, distinctive poll. While the collar maintains the center of balance. Finally, the steel bit is inserted and forge welded in.
While the patterns were standardized the eye shapes varied widely. Most blacksmiths made their own “drift” and then shaped the bottom freehand on an anvil horn.
As you can see the process is quite labor intensive. Yet the old blacksmiths were able to produce up to twenty axes per day. Every day. The muscle memory and skill that took will never be reproduced again.
Below is a video of a blacksmith at the Wira Bruks forge in 1923. Showing how the process has remained unchanged for almost a century.
Thanks again to Julius Petterson.
Website: Manufaktursmide.se
facebook: Julius Petterson Manufactursmide
Leave a Reply