The stake is a simple "T" design and is quite easy to make. Start with 17"-18" of 3/8" square stock. Measure 6" from one end and mark it. Rotate the stock 90 degrees and place a mark 3" further down at 9" (this mark is optional depending on how good you can estimate by eye later on).

Square point the end you measured from.[Step 1] Heat the in the center of the 6" mark. Fold back onto itself at the mark. Hammer the fold until it is completely flush all along the bar and true.[Step 2]

Focus your next heat at the 9" mark. It should be easily visible because you rotated the stock 90 degrees when marking, so there was no chance of accidentally covering it up when you folded back on itself.

Quench halfway up the folded section from the bend to the 6" mark (or estimate ½ by eye). Place the cooled section in the vise and pull the pointed section away from the fold until it is at 90°. [Step 3]

At this point the tent stake is completed the way the Viking re-enactor asked. [Step 4]

However, you can put a twist in the shaft. After heating the entire shaft quench the "T" top down to the point you want the twist to stop. Grip the point in the vise at the starting point and use the "T" handle to twist the shaft.

And you're done! A quick and easy tent stake.