Our Guarantee
This is not a return policy. This is a promise from the forge.
Every axe that leaves this forge has been heat-treated by hand, quenched in oil, and tested on wood before it is packed. We know what went into the steel, how it was hardened, and how the edge was ground. We stand behind that work.We do not offer a satisfaction guarantee — satisfaction is subjective. We offer a function guarantee: if this tool ever fails to perform as a tool, because of something we did in the steel or the fitting, we will fix it or replace it.
No time limit. No receipt required. Your axe head is the receipt.
The Steel — We Stand Behind It
If the axe head cracks, chips under normal use, or fails to hold an edge due to a defect in our steel or heat treatment — we will repair it or replace it. Free. This covers structural failure: fractures, delamination, edge collapse, or any defect that makes the tool unable to perform as a cutting tool. Surface patina, minor scratches, and the natural darkening of carbon steel are signs of a tool being used, not signs of failure. We guarantee function, not appearance.
The Edge — Send It Back Sharp
Every axe leaves the forge sharp enough to slice paper. Over time, use will dull any edge — that's normal. If you'd rather not sharpen it yourself, send it back to us. We will re-profile the edge, strop it to working sharpness, and return it to you for the cost of return shipping only. No labor charge. No questions asked. Think of it as a tune-up for your tool. We would rather keep your axe performing than have it sit in a drawer because the edge went dull.
The Knowledge — So You Never Need Us
We would rather teach you to maintain your axe than have you send it back. Every axe ships with a printed care card. Our complete carbon steel care guide is free on our website. We cover oiling frequency, edge maintenance, rust prevention, handle care, and seasonal storage. A well-maintained axe should need nothing from us for decades. That is the goal.
What We Don't Cover — And Why
- Misuse.An axe is a cutting tool. If it is used as a pry bar, a hammer, or a wedge — that is not a steel defect. We cannot guarantee against physics.
- Throwing damage.Competitive throwing subjects the head and handle to repeated high-impact shock that no hand-forged tool is designed for. If you throw our axes, you do so at your own risk. We build axes to cut, not to fly.
- Cosmetic wear.Carbon steel develops a patina. Handles darken with use. Leather sheaths soften and shape themselves to the head. These are signs of a tool being used, not signs of failure. We consider them features.
- Modifications.If you regrind the edge to a different profile, alter the handle, or modify the head — the guarantee no longer applies to the modified area. We can only stand behind work we did ourselves.
- Lost or stolen axes.We guarantee the tool, not its location.
How It Works
Contact Us
Email us at sales@ with a photo of the issue and a brief description. Tell us what happened. We will respond within 48 hours with next steps.
Send It Back
If we need to see the axe, we will provide a shipping address. Ship it to us using any carrier — we recommend USPS flat rate for the best value. You cover the cost of shipping to us.
We Make It Right
We inspect the axe, determine whether it is a defect or wear, and either repair it, replace it, or re-handle it. We cover return shipping back to you. Typical turnaround: 2–3 weeks.
A tool built to outlast its owner should come with a promise that outlasts the purchase.
We do not offer this guarantee because we think our axes will break. We offer it because we know they won't — and we want you to know that too, before you buy.Every axe we sell has been through our forge, our hardening process, our grinder, and our hands. We know what is in the steel. We know how it was treated. If something we did fails, the failure is ours to fix.This is how tool makers have operated for centuries. The smith stood behind the blade. If it broke at the weld, the smith fixed it. If it held, the smith's reputation grew. We see no reason to change that arrangement.Brands like Benchmade and Darn Tough have proven that a lifetime guarantee is not a liability — it is a loyalty engine. Customers who know they are covered buy with confidence, use without hesitation, and come back for more. That is the business we want to build: one where the guarantee is never needed, but always there.
Frequently asked questions
Does the guarantee cover normal wear and tear?
No. Patina, surface scratches, handle darkening, and edge dulling from use are normal — they are signs of a tool being used, not signs of failure. Our guarantee covers structural failure of the axe head: cracking, chipping from defects, edge collapse due to faulty heat treatment, or any manufacturing defect that prevents the axe from functioning as a cutting tool.
Do I need a receipt or proof of purchase?
No. Every ForgeViking axe is identifiable by its construction and markings. If it is one of ours, we will honor the guarantee. Your axe head is the receipt.
Is there a time limit on the guarantee?
No. If the steel we forged fails structurally — whether that's one year from now or twenty — we will repair or replace it. The guarantee does not expire.
What if I bought the axe as a gift? Is the second owner covered?
Yes. Our guarantee follows the axe, not the buyer. Whoever is holding it is covered. We guarantee the tool, not the transaction.
How does the free sharpening service work?
Email us a photo of your edge. If it just needs a refresh, we will send you a quick guide to do it yourself in ten minutes. If you would rather have us do it, ship the axe to us — we will re-profile the edge, strop it to working sharpness, and ship it back. You cover return shipping only. No labor charge.
What if I damaged the axe through misuse?
Our guarantee does not cover misuse — prying, throwing, or using the axe as a hammer. However, we will still inspect the axe and offer a fair repair quote. We would rather fix your axe than lose you as a customer. Reach out and we will work something out.
Can I sharpen my axe myself without voiding the guarantee?
Absolutely. Sharpening is expected and encouraged — our care guide shows you how. The guarantee is only voided if the head is structurally modified: regrinding to a completely different profile, drilling, or welding. Normal edge maintenance is part of owning a working tool.
What if my axe develops rust?
Carbon steel will develop surface rust if left unprotected in moisture. This is normal behavior for high-carbon steel and is not a defect. Light rust removes easily with steel wool and a coat of oil. Our care guide covers prevention in detail. If rust has progressed to deep pitting due to a defect in our finishing process, contact us and we will evaluate it.
The guarantee exists so you never have to think about it.
Every ForgeViking axe is built to work, built to last, and built with a promise behind it. Now go find the one that belongs in your hand.
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