How to Build a Renaissance Fair Battle Axe
During the summer, a Renaissance Fair may come into your area. If that is an era in history that intrigues you, it might be fun to go dressed up. If you'd like to go as a warrior, you'll need a weapon. One of the great weapons that you can wield is a battle axe that comes straight from the Renaissance.
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Things You'll Need
- Two square feet of steel, one inch thick
- Metal-cutting saw
- Two-foot wood pole
- Saw
- Strong glue
- Leather strips
- Blade sharpener
Instructions
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Creating the Blade
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1
Determine the style of blade you want. You can go with a simple, rounded edge, or something more unique. Draw out the design on the steel so that it is clearly there. Ensure that you draw a two-inch-wide by four-inch-long segment on the steel so that when it is cut, you have a piece that can be inserted into the pole.
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2
Take your metal cutting saw and cut out the design that you've made, taking great care when moving along the edge of the blade.
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3
Take your newly cut blade and make sure it matches up with what your design is. If it is lacking anywhere, go back with the saw and cut out where it is missing.
Attaching the Blade to the Pole
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4
Create a slot for the metal to go in so that when you swing the axe, it doesn't fall out of place. Cut four inches down into the center of the pole so that you have a gap big enough to fit the metal in.
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5
Apply glue to your piece of metal. Insert the metal into the slot you cut in the pole. Allow to dry.
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6
Wrap leather strips around the blade where it meets the pole, using a criss-cross pattern. This will help to hold the blade in place.
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7
Take more leather and wrap it around the base of the handle for a grip.
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8
Sharpen your blade with the rotating blade sharpener. Sparks are normal. Be careful here because if you have sharpened correctly, you will have created a very powerful weapon.
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Tips & Warnings
There are multiple ways to build a battle axe; however, this is one of the more traditional ways (save for the glue). The force of the wood on the metal will keep it securely in place. If you'd rather use a metal pole, you can. Instead of using glue to hold the blade in place, weld the blade into place on the pole.
A metal-cutting saw can cut off fingers. Be careful. An axe is a weapon. It is imperative that you treat it as such and don't act wildly with it. While this weapon is for the Renaissance Fair, it can still do damage. Check with the Renaissance Fair you plan to attend to find out if they have a "no sharp blades" policy. If so, don't sharpen the blade.
