An attempt to reproduce a prehistoric iron axe using nickel steel and low-carbon steel involved fabrication methods which would result in a layered structure as deduced from a metallographic study of an axe. Samples were taken and examined during the working of the modernaxe. The procedure consisted of folding and forge welding six times. Macroand micrographs of each stage are presented and discussed, and compared with the prehistoric axe. The con jectured process is shown to be workable in practice, and to give the desired properties to an axe of this type. See 18-650. -- AATA