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.