Wentworth Students Create Horseman's Axe for 'Cast in Steel' Competition

Cast in Steel 2026 will be a competition to produce a Horseman's axe using casting.

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Robert the Bruce , King of Scotland, used an axe to defeat Henry de Bohun in single combat at the start of the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

Given that Bruce was wielding the axe on horseback, it is likely that it was a one handed horseman's axe. To the right is an example of a battle axe that was tailored for the use of a mounted knight. Note the hole on the haft for the accommodation of a leather strap to be passed over the wrist, the belt-hook for ease of carrying, and the langets.

This example dates from the last quarter of the 15th century and is 69 cm (27 inches) long. The wooden haft is modern. The blade's punched decoration suggests German make. Variations of this basic design include the fitting of a hammer face instead of a pointed pick behind the blade.

Student teams are challenged this year to use casting technology to make a Horseman's Axe for the Cast in Steel Competition. To compete, teams should:

1. Register:
a. Registered teams can submit a preliminary plan for review and comment,
b. Registered teams get all announcements and updates,
c. Registered teams can ask for advise, help or support.

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2. Teams must:
a. Have students that design, build and test their Horseman's axe,
i. All teams must be students at a university, college, voc tech or
trade school.

ii. Teams are limited to 5 members
b. Have a faculty sponsor to help the team
c. Have an industry partner familiar with steel casting. SFSA will assist
teams in securing an industry partner.

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3. Teams must make and submit their Horseman's axe. The requirements are:
a. Axes must not weigh more than 1.5 kg (3.3lbs).
b. Axes cannot be longer than 800 mm (31.5 in.).
4. Teams must submit a technical report that must not exceed 10 pages. Requirements
and advice for technical reports is at:

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5. Teams must submit a project video no longer than 5 minutes to introduce their team and their entry.​

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All axes submitted for the competition become property of SFSA. ​​ ​ ​

Friday, December 5, 2025 Proposed teams and preliminary plan requested.
Friday, March 27, 2026 Project video and technical report due.
Friday, March 27, 2026 Horseman's axe shipped by.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026 Performance Testing Starts

April 16 & 17, 2026 Performance Testing Continues

Friday April 17 2026 Award Ceremony after testing is complete

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Testing Venue:

Grand Valley State University
Innovation Design Center
227 Winter Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI

Axes on Display Tuesday, April 14

Devos Place Convention Center

303 Monroe Avenue NW

Grand Rapids

Chase Boardroom (2nd Floor)

For questions, contact Renee Mueller at [email protected].

*Details for submissions of reports and videos will be provided to teams once you have registered.

Each axe entry will be evaluated in 5 categories in the competition:

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1. Design and Process from technical report

2. Authenticity from the technical report

3. Casting Creativity in their production

4. Project Video documenting the team and project

5. Performance based on testing and expert evaluation

CIS 2026 Grand Prize will be $25,000 for the winning team

Testing Venue:

Grand Valley State University
Innovation Design Center
227 Winter Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI

Axes will be on Display Tuesday, April 14

Devos Place Convention Center

303 Monroe Avenue NW

Grand Rapids

Chase Boardroom (2nd Floor)