This axe was originally purchased at a medieval festival, but suffered catastrophic failure during its first use in a re-enactment training session. The blade sheared off at the thinnest point, about an inch before the eye. This was most likely cause during the quenching process and was untreated via a tempering stage.

It was ground down to have a bevel on both pieces, then MIG welded back together. Once re-shaped, it was normalised, hardened and tempered, using oil as the quenching liquid. This gave the axe its "black" colour. The blade was sanded down to look sharp and finally the haft was refitted.