Skip to main content Skip to footer

Woodworking & Furniturecraft

Fitting a Custom Axe: From Handle to Sheath

Course Overview

The axe is perhaps the most indispensable of all tools in the North Woods. A sharp axe, skillfully wielded, makes tasks from splitting kindling to carving spoons and canoe paddles a pleasure. In this course, students will begin with a pre-made hand-­forged axe head, then make a hardwood handle and fit it to the head to create a custom hand ­axe. Next, students will make leather sheaths to protect the axe’s razor sharp edge. The final portion of the class will be dedicated to studying axe sharpening, axe geometry, and axe technique. Methods for carving, splitting, and shaving with an axe will be practiced, and each student will leave with their custom-handled light axe in its handsome leather sheath. The axe head is a hybrid-style, suitable for carving or camp purposes.

Session Information

This course is part of Wood Week! Plan to attend the Carvers Conference on March 6, a day of speakers, demonstrations, skill shares and community gatherings free for all enrolled students, including the rare mid-winter pizza bake. Come early or stay late! Full schedule available in early 2020.

Dates

Sat, Mar 7th, 2020  –  Sun, Mar 8th, 2020

Course Details

Length: 2 Days
Skill Levels: Beginner to Advanced
Hours: 9am-5pm
Intergenerational age: 15+
Tuition: $370.00
Materials fee: $180.00

Required

You will need the following tools for this class:

  • Mora-­style carving knife (available at the North House School Store)

Optional Tools

  • Spokeshave
  • cabinet scraper
  • drawknife

More Information

Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.

Latest Update: View recent changes →

Meet the Instructor

North House Folk School photo of instructor, Kerry Lambertson
Kerry Lambertson
Saginaw, MN

Request a Catalog

Enjoy the tactile sensation of browsing our newsprint catalog of courses? Request your free copy of the North House Catalog here! And browse the digital edition while you wait!

Stay in touch!

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

Be the first to know about new courses and events!

Fitting a Custom Axe: From Handle to Sheath - 3/7/2020