I use mild steel for the body and an old Nicholson file for the cutting bit. I use the folded eye technique. I start with 1/2" X 3" flat stock 9" long. I first beat a "bowtie" in the middle of the piece upsetting the poll. Then, I cut into the back at the midpoint of the stock, stopping about 1/8" before severing the stock into 2 pieces. Then I go about 3/4" from the midpoint on each side and start thinning and spreading the stock to form the eye and the ears. Then, thin the edge for room for the bit. I then forge weld the poll, do some shaping and thinning, then back to the forge and forge weld the body together leaving the end open for the bit. A bit more shaping and then set the file for the bit and forge weld the bit into place. Then, the process of hammering to final shape and grinding and filing to get things where I want them. Makes a nice axe, but there is some sweat involved.
