Our research work

The biscayne trade axe is one of the first axe models brought on the territory of Quebec. It was the first artifact chosen by Mathieu Collette to develop a new research approach specific to Les Forges de Montréal. This approach is a concrete expression of the preservation of traditional techniques: the materialization of intangible heritage.

In 2013, Mathieu Collette began his research with a 3 punch biscayne trade axe. Combining the study of authentic models, historical documentation and practical experimentation, the research aimed to analyze, understand and restore the ancestral methods of axe-making. This conscious and respectful approach to ancient work then made it possible to observe, first of all, the physical qualities of old iron (or puddled iron), composed of linear fibres and +/- 30% impurities. Such a composition is more durable than that of modern iron, 99% pure, and therefore of the objects made from it. 

Continuing the research in an iterative manner, through trial and error, Mathieu succeeded in reproducing an axe similar to the authentic ones studied.

The traditional techniques of the making of the biscayne trade axe have been lost with the gradual disappearance of the blacksmiths. Mathieu Collette became aware of this loss of knowledge, and developed a method of teaching the skills of the blacksmith in order to pass on this knowledge. The concept of materialization of knowledge takes the form of a panel presenting, physically, each of the stages of tool making, from the raw material to the final object through all the intermediate phases.

Such a panel therefore makes the mode and spirit of axe creation visible to the observer and expresses in a tangible way the intangible knowledge of the blacksmith. Each of the pieces of the panel can be detached from the panel thanks to a system of invisible magnets, and can be handled and observed closely to help the observer understand the gestures and technical data (weight, dimensions, manufacturing marks printed in the material).

By making the craftsman's work physically visible, this panel ultimately aims to highlight the importance of traditional skills and the need to preserve them in order to enable the future production of forged tools.

This new concept of materialization of know-how is therefore a possible solution to the perpetuation of the blacksmith's trade. The intention of Les Forges de Montréal is to make panels for tools related to woodworking, stone working and agriculture ; in other words, the work required for housing and cultivate food. In this way, a collection of works would be created and would make up The Vault for the Preservation of Traditional Blacksmithing Techniques, available for future generations, in order to guarantee permanent and universal access to the know-how of traditional blacksmithing.

This research was made possible thanks to funding from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.