NEW DVD Edits!

Starting today, new versions of my educational DVD programs will be available:

Introduction to Blacksmithing	Historic Bladesmithing	Forging the Viking Age

Revised edits of these three training DVD's, (plus the research volumes Experimental Iron Smelting in the Viking Age and Exploring the Viking Age in Denmark), are available on the Wareham Forge web site.

The new edited versions are specially formated for use in modern issue DVD table top players, and more importantly in computer DVD drives. This last was a failing with the original versions, most especially with Introduction.

The stress on all these productions remains INFORMATION CONTENT, not 'flash'. Those seeking slick Hollywood productions will not find it here. Those wanting to get a large amount of information and close up views of actual working methods will be pleased! These are the changes to the new edits:

All now include a title menu with separate chapter headings, making it simple to zero in on a specific topic or physical demonstration. These programs range from 150 to 165 minutes long, virtually DOUBLE the length of most other available training DVDs. (So having chapter headings is a very useful addition!)

I have re-ordered the sequences on Introduction to Smithing. This has placed all the information on tools at the beginning, next the sequence on starting a coal fire, followed by all the physical technique demonstrations. I think this gives a better flow to the information.

I have added some new 'Bonus' footage to Forging Viking Age. These are shorter QuickTime movie clips, showing work on a wider range of Norse objects. On your computer, open the disk file and look for the 'Bonus' folder.

The core video remains the same. It is important for viewers to understand that these programs were recorded in the early 1990's. Some of the footage was actually shot on BETA tape, the remainder on VHS video! Obviously, the quality of these recordings, both audio and video, will not compare to modern digital media.
Although I did port over the VHS to DVD disk format in 2004, changes in the technology of players has continued. Most importantly, new DVD table top players have a burried 'anti copy' system incorporated (mandated by our 'friends' in the America Media Monopoly). Although these measures were intended to prevent commerical movie piracy, one side effect is that they also can effect 'home' produced DVD disks. These new edits should solve that increasing problem.

I consider the best way to teach someone Blacksmithing techniques, if you can not actually be in the workshop, is via VIDEO. I have specifically zeroed in on a close view of hammer and anvil for the demonstration sequences to make what is happening as clear as possible. I also think the ambient sound of striking the metal is critical to your understanding of the process. ( I figure that you hardly are interested in seeing my smiling face - or are looking to purchase some kind of dramatic music video!)

The price remains the same! The three educational disks are $25 CDN, the two research disks at $20. Discounts for multiple purchases (reduced shipping / Buy 3 - get one FREE!)

NEW DVD Edits!

Starting today, new versions of my educational DVD programs will be available

I wanted this AXE

(so I took it from a dead Saxon! No, wait a minute THAT'S a different situation...)

" Could you give me a price quote on a bearded axe the head weighting 2-3lbs,blade 4".I have included a picture of how i would like it to look but off course you can give you suggestions. "

What is in your image is a mass produced commercial 'hatchet' weight axe. ( I think I may actually have one around here some place. ) It is an investment cast head, lower carbon content steel. This means inexpensive, but not such a great tool. The edge bevel is also set for splitting, not for fine slicing. This size and shape is supposed to be for fine woodworking, not chopping kindling.

I did some fast Google searching using that image as the reference. What I found pretty matched my memory. The axe seen above sells for something around $50. (Admittedly, the description at Axminster Tools in the UK does state 'laminated steel blade' : cost 35 GBP / $55 CDN)

You are also asking to have the weight increased considerably - and with that I would expect the size of the handle. So actually a full sized axe - originally intended for timber finishing (ship building / house construction).

Now, I made up a set of replica working tools for L'Anse aux Meadows NHSC two years back. There are commentaries here :
Norse Woodworking Axes
VA Ship Tools - Adze & Broadaxe

The *correct* way to make the tool you are asking for is to take a heavy piece of metal, which is then cut back and spread, then folded over and welded to make the peen. (See the excellent set of tutorials by Jim Austin & Jeff Pringle.) On the blade side, it should have a carbon steel edge welded on, either cut and inserted (better) or lap welded. Note that the pictured axe has neither!

In the excellent Gransfors 'Ancient' line, the closest available is the 'Bearded Axe with Eye-Socket' (Note that your sample is a stripped down and reduced size, mass produced version of the Gransfors, which itself is just one interpretation of the original object prototype samples). This full sized version has a punched eye however. Remember that even Gransfors is tooled up to use shaped dies on power hammers to allow for mass production.
Cost of the Gransfors runs about $365 US +

For me to hand forge & weld up a proper working tool axe, based on the artifact profile, and in the 2 - 3 lb range you ask for, the cost is going to be about the same. Quote is $350 CDN.

50% non refundable deposit secures the order (into the work cycle here) Balance due before shipping. Does not include shipping costs, taxes inside Canada. Should be duty free under NAFTA.


Some notes to potential customers:
- I always run a fast Google search on any 'can you make one like this' request.
- First, outside of obvious historic objects, I will not duplicate some other artist's original designs.
- Second, Don't bother to price shop. I'm not at all likely to be cheaper. In most cases, anything mass produced is likely to have lower quality, and I do not have the 'economy of scale' available that comes from specialized tooling and set ups that allow fast bulk manufacture.
- Third, I may not be any faster than anyone else. Speed of completion of a specific order depends on just what else is already in the schedule. Normally larger, higher $$ value projects take precedence over small orders. The fastest turn overs are Spring and Fall. (Winter its too damn cold - Summer I'm on the road.)

2011 - Year at a Glance

So - its about this time every year that I get a bunch of 'When are the courses going to be'.
Fast version - same weekend choices as last year.

I've just spent most of this cold Saturday on the computer (again!). Not only actually figuring out what I'll be doing almost every weekend for the next 11 months but also transferring that data back on to a dozen changes through the main body of the Wareham Forge web site.

If you think YOUR life is packed, check the 'Year at a Glance' table

If you want a weekend lunch date, you'd better book it now...