Railroad Spike Bearded Axe

Railroad spike recycled into small bearded pick axe.

 

Oak handle. Throws well but has many problems. A work in progress in regard to the technique.

 

STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR FORGING A RAILSPIKE BEARDED HAND AXE: 12 STEPS.

 

STEP 1: Acquire a Railroad spike marked HC.

 

STEP 2: Heat in forge till bright orange. Remove and allow to fully cool.

 

STEP 3: Heat your spike in the forge to Bright orange/Yellow.

 

STEP 4: Center your “hot” cutting chisel on the spike. Strike 3-4 times and then remove and cool the chisel. Re heat.

 

STEP 5: Repeat step 4 on top and bottom of spike until the hole meats in the middle.

 

STEP 6: Once the hole is cut through, begin eying the spike with drifts until the hole is round enough to accept a handle.

 

STEP 7: Begin shaping your blade from the head of the spike. Be patient and slowly draw the steel out.

 

STEP 8: When satisfied with your blade’s shape allow to cool and grind your final shaping details in to the head.

 

STEP 9: Forge and shape the spike end of your Axe if desired.

 

STEP 10: sharpen blade edge and prepare to heat-treat.

 

STEP 11: Heat to bright red and quench in water.

 

STEP 12: Polish and mount on handle.

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FORGING THE HAMMER-AXE VARIANT: 4 Steps.

 

 STEP 1: Heat spike tip to bright orange/yellow.

 

STEP 2: Place spike in a heavy vice and begin hammering the tip flat.

 

STEP 3: Hammer until the tip of the spike is 1″ by 1″ roughly.

 

STEP 4: Begin drawing out until desire shape is reached.

 

 

 

 I hope this helps with your Spike/Axe project!

 

 

 

H-