Forging Viking: Hammer 65 from the Sweden Mastermyr find in 1936

Nestled in the heart of San Antonio, amidst the scorching sun and the whispering winds, lies the South Texas Association of Bladesmiths Headquarters… Stonehaven Knife Works. A sanctuary for those who seek the ancient art of blacksmithing and blade smithing, this haven is where dreams of crafting masterpieces from molten metal come to life.

Our mentors for this journey are none other than Tobin Nieto of Stonehaven Knife Works, Forged In Fire Season 2 Ep. 8 Champion of "The Pirate Cutlass," and J. Alex Ruiz of Volundr Forge, Forged In Fire Season 5 Ep. 14 Champion of "The Horseman's Axe." These seasoned champions bring not only their expertise but also their passion for the craft, igniting flames of inspiration in every student. Two amazing guys, easy to get along with and eager to teach. 

Our mission? To forge a Viking-style hammer, reminiscent of the ancient days when craftsmanship was revered as highly as valor. Our model for this endeavor is "Hammer 65," an artifact from the Mastermyr find in 1936. Discovered in Gotland, Sweden, Hammer 65 is a testament to the ingenuity from 1,200 years ago and skill of our Viking ancestors, showcasing over 200 tools and blacksmith works.

Day one of our adventure begins with anticipation and excitement. As we gather around the forge, Tobin and J. Alex begin with all safety precautions then unveil the plans for our hammers. We dive into the process, immersing ourselves in the rhythmic dance of fire and steel. But amidst the heat and hammer blows, there's a moment of respite as we break for lunch at El Chunky, savoring the flavors of a classic Mexican American-style hotdog, fueling our bodies for the tasks ahead. Maybe a little more than I bargained for, the #4 was a mouthwatering hotdog on toasted bun with grilled fajitas and onions on top.

With the sun setting on day one, we've completed three cycles of normalizing, laying the foundation for the hardening and tempering to come. Working with what was an initial block of raw 1045 steel turned into the exact shape I’d been forging for. A quicker than lightening quinch in water, then off to the oven for two two-hour cycles at 450 degrees. As we bid farewell to the fiery forge, anticipation brews for the final steps of our journey.

Day two dawns with a renewed sense of purpose. With our hammers taking shape, we add the finishing touches ending with a Scotch Bright buff on a Ameribrade 2x72 belt grinder and fitted a beautiful smoked-out hickory handle. Finally connecting past and present with each strike of the hammer. But our journey doesn't end there. To protect my creation, I turn to RockinEDC All Purpose Wax, a guardian for both steel and wood.

RockinEDC's benefits extend to carbon steel, providing protection against rust and keeping blades sharp and shiny. For wood, it offers a soft sheen and a layer of waterproof protection, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements.

As the workshop draws to a close, I stand in awe of our accomplishments. Through fire and steel, we've forged not only hammers but also bonds that transcend time and space. And as we depart Stonehaven Knife Works for the last time this weekend, we carry with us not just tools, but the spirit of craftsmanship that will guide us on our journey ahead.