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.

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.

You will need the following tools for this class:

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

• Spokeshave
• cabinet scraper
• drawknife