How to Make a Tomahawk Without a Forge

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find some scrap steel

   You may find some in a junkyard or salvage yard, but it is also sold at industrial supply stores.
   
   Make sure it is not too heavy, but not too light that you cannot build up speed while swinging
2. 2

   Step 2: between 3/16 and 1/4 inch (4.7mm to 6.35mm) thick

   The radius is hand drawn, as well as the blade curve, but an exact shape shouldn't be critical for the tomahawk to work. , You can make all cuts using a metal cutting bandsaw if you have one available, or even use a cutting torch. , Clamping the blade to a scrap piece of plywood that can be sawed through as you cut will make the task safer. ,, Be careful here – if the blade ends up skewed, the tomahawk will not perform well.,, Shave the end about 2 1/2 inches (6.35cm) so it fits very tightly into the thimble on the tomahawk head. ,,
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   Step 3: and at least 4 inches by 5 inches (10cm by 12.5cm) in size.

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   Step 4: Mark out a 3 1/2 inch (8.89cm) height by 5 inch (12.5cm) width

5. 5

   Step 5: with a radius as shown in the image.

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   Step 6: Cut out the rough shape of the blade with a steel cutting blade on a circular saw to save time and effort when doing the finished cut later.

7. 7

   Step 7: Use a bandsaw or a jigsaw with an appropriate metal cutting blade to cut the curved edges of the tomahawk blade.

8. 8

   Step 8: Use a grinder to smooth edges of the blade

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   Step 9: and to sharpen the cutting edge of the tomahawk.

10. 10

    Step 10: Clamp the blade to a welding table and position a 3/4 inch (1.9cm) pipe coupling along the straight

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    Step 11: 2 inch (5cm) edge of the blade so that it is centered and aligned with the blade.

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    Step 12: Weld the blade to the coupling (which will be the thimble for attaching the handle)

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    Step 13: then clean the weld and look at the position of the blade in relation to it to make sure it is straight.

14. 14

    Step 14: Cut a 17 inch (43.18cm) length of ash or other 1 inch (2.5cm) diameter hardwood dowel for the tomahawk handle.

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    Step 15: Clamp the head into a vice and screw the tomahawk handle into the threaded pipe coupling until about 1/4 inch (6.35mm) is sticking past it.

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    Step 16: Clean up the metal's edges and sharpen the blade of your new tomahawk

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    Step 17: and you are finished.

Detailed Guide

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