Viking ax seminar highlights blacksmiths’ annual meeting

PALMER — Blacksmiths from all over the state gathered in Palmer over the weekend for the annual Association of Alaskan Blacksmiths meeting.

Fellow blacksmith and metals creator Pat Garley, proprietor of Arctic Fires Bronze Studios said the group gets together once a year not only for the comradery, but to also sharpen existing skills and learn new ones. This year, California blacksmith Jim Austin spent Saturday and will continue today demonstrating his technique of crafting a Viking-style ax. Garley said with the exception of adding propane to the mix, the project incorporated traditional techniques throughout the process using simple hand tools.

“We meet once a year and bring in one instructor from Outside,” Garley said. He said past presenters included Jim Keith of Tucumcari, New Mexico, Brian Brazeal of Mississippi, and Dennis Manning of Utah. All are master blacksmiths. “It’s a skill-building class and there are some apprentices (that attend the annual meetings).”

Garley said the event is a demonstration, not a hands-on experience. Still, it allows for fellow blacksmiths from Alaska to hone their skills. Austin started with a piece of raw steel. From there it was hand-forged, tempered and shaped. Garley said the shaping technique is complex and well-planned throughout the making.

“It’s not an easy or quick process, Garley said. “The hardest part is if you can hit where you are aiming. (Austin) explains the process step by step,” said Garley.

Once the actual ax is formed, hand-welded and cooled, the process continues with the addition of hardened steel. The hardened steel is formed to an edge and hand-welded onto the ax itself. From there, the edge is sharpened and honed to a sharp edge.

Asked how long it takes to complete an axe, Garley said it depends.

“Someone with a thorough knowledge could do it in a couple of days,” he concluded.