Hello all, I just commissioned a type D axe from a smith in Hungary named Adam Thiel; what's interesting here is that his site mentions that they've constructed a medieval bloomery furnace which they use to make their products. Insofar as I'm concerned, use of those older techniques just adds an extra layer of cool to the item. Anyway, here are some photos of what he's produced. I cannot wait to get my hands on it so I can mount it on a shaft.

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Nice, nice, nice!

The axe looks great! I really like the way the bloomery steel looks. Very authentic, although somewhat lessened by the maker's stamp, which seems big. It's a great piece nonetheless! Please post pics when you get it hafted!

I can see how using an historic furnace would be neat but I don't care for the "rough" finish over these axes.

Medieval axes were fine weapons- not all-purpose utility tools- and carried by elite fighting men- especially type M axes.

Even though the historic pieces are highly corroded I see no reason to believe that smiths wouldn't have polished these weapons as they would have- say- swords.

Just my opinion though, for whatever little that's worth.

I do see your point. Personally, I've always liked the rough finish, but that's my own personal preference; generally if something is simple and minimally flashy, I'm pretty happy. It also occurs to me, unless I'm very much mistaken, that at least where Viking raiders are concerned, an individual crewman's status is highly variable. The man who paid for the longship may not carry a roughly finished axe, but one of his rowers?

I also like rough finish on axes. But much more important, overall shape looks well done.

After you get it please let us know more - dimensions, impressions, etc. Thanks for sharing.

Carl, as it happens, I have its dimensions handy. I'll have more on overall impressions once it arrives.

Total length: 210mm = 8 17/64"
Edge length: 145mm = 5 45/64"
Hole dimensions: 25 x 40mm = 1 x 1 1/2"
Weight: 850gramms = 30oz