In the Viking age, axes were not only used in warfare but as tools for construction. They were also a common tool for everyone to have as they were inexpensive and lightweight.

Some axes were made from stone Viking axes and others were made of iron. These axes were light enough to be wielded with one hand and were very effective.
Axes for War

Viking style axes were used for war purposes, primarily in close combat. They were strong enough to cut through helmets, perforate armored bodies, and even shatter shields. Axes also tended to be lighter than swords, making them more maneuverable for fighting.

Axes were also used for woodworking and farming. Some axes were made from hardwood such as oak or ash and had thick horn-like points that could be used for stabbing attacks.

One type of Viking axe is the bearded axe, which is a heavy-duty weapon that was designed to be swung with both hands. The axe head features a square-shaped projection at the bottom of the blade called a 'beard' that is useful for hooking an enemy’s weapon or shield.

Another type of axe was the Dane axe, which is also a heavy-duty weapon but with a thin blade profile and an arcing cutting edge. This axe was also designed to be swung with one hand and was ideal for delivering compelling strikes against an assassin or for a warrior who wanted to deliver a devastating blow on a distant target.

The Danish axe was one of the most popular types of axes in Scandinavia and was used in Europe from the 10th to the 12th century. This axe was used as an elite weapon, often by well-armored huscarls (medieval North European manservants).

Aside from being a great warrior tool, Viking axes were also decorative and some had motifs that reflected the people they were used by. Some were decorated with silver inlay and some even had a cross motif on them.

These axes were often used in conjunction with the sword, especially in close combat. Some were used to attack and kill an opponent, while others were thrown like a throwing axe or slung over the back of a warrior’s belt.

While most axes were made of wood, some were also made of iron. This was particularly the case with the bearded axe and the Dane axe, which were both extremely powerful weapons that could be used for both close combat and for wood-working.
Axes for Construction

Axes were a staple of the Viking warrior’s equipment arsenal. They were lighter and easier to wield than swords, enabling them to carry a large number of them while still maintaining an active fighting position.

While axes were used mainly for cutting wood, they also provided a quick and effective way to kill an enemy. They could be concealed in a mantle or behind a shield, surprising an attacker who might think the defender was fighting an unarmed opponent.

During the Viking Age, axes came in many different designs and styles. Some had only one blade, while others were larger and broad. Axes were also often designed with a hook (called a barb) to help them penetrate harder targets, such as the hull of a ship.

The axes of the time were made from iron or steel. The head of the axe was usually forged and heat treated to enhance its hardness and reduce its brittleness.

Most axes of the Viking Age were designed for use with one hand, although longer hafted axes were also available. Axes with shorter hafts were more easily hidden, while longer axes had a wide reach that made them useful for two-handed fighting.

Axe heads were also carved or molded in several different ways. Some were decorated with a variety of decorative patterns and symbols.

In addition to their utility as weapons, axes were used for construction purposes. They were especially useful for constructing ships, houses, and other buildings.

Another important benefit of axes was their ability to cut wood without damaging the surface of the earth. As the Scandinavian people learned to master axe making, they refined the tools to become more efficient and versatile.

Unlike swords, they were not too expensive to make and therefore were often owned by virtually everyone in the society. This made them a popular choice for soldiers of all social classes, as they were easy to craft and versatile in a variety of situations.

The best axes for construction were designed for both work and combat. Axes meant for war were generally more robust, while axes for work had a thinner blade.
Axes for Farming

Axes were a very common tool and weapon in medieval Scandinavian countries. They were used for building ships, houses and other things as well as for farming purposes. However, axes for farm use were different from the axes that Vikings used in battle.

A typical Viking axe for farm use would be much bigger and heavier than the battle axe, which is designed for fighting. It was also more durable for this purpose and could handle the rigors of chopping wood.

The blade of an axe was made from a metal such as iron or steel, and was either forged or welded, depending on the design of the axe head. A forged axe was more likely to have a hard, strong, and thick blade. Alternatively, a welded axe was more likely to have a thin, soft, and delicate blade.

It was very important to have a sharp blade for farming purposes, as a dull or blunt blade can cause severe injuries. A viking style axe should be very sharp and have a very powerful cutting edge.

To keep an axe from being dulled, it should be heat treated and tempered. This helps to improve its hardness and reduce its brittleness, which in turn makes it stronger and less likely to break.

In addition, the axe head should be firmly attached to the haft. This is achieved by tapering the axe head's eye to the haft and fitting it firmly. This way, the axe head is able to withstand both pulling and pushing forces.

Another way to protect an axe from injury is by placing it in a sheath. A sheath for an axe is usually made from leather or string that has been wrapped around the axe's handle and secured by pins at each end.

A sheath was especially important for an axe with a sharp blade, as it could easily cut through the skin or other soft tissue and cause serious harm to the person who is using it. A sheath could also protect the axe from accidentally falling into a river or other body of water and getting caught there, which could result in serious drowning.
Axes for Ceremonial Purposes

Viking axes were used for both war and construction, but they also served ceremonial purposes. Axe handles were made from a variety of materials, including wood, bone, and horn. The handles were also carved with intricate designs.

Axes with a cross-shaped head were often used for ceremonial purposes. They were also a symbol of status and wealth. Axes with this type of head were sometimes inlaid with silver, copper, or gold.

Some axes were decorated with symbols such as the Viking gods Thor and Loki, the Nordic sun, and the Norse moon. These axes were often found with grave goods, and they were buried alongside the dead.

Most axe heads were made from iron, but bronze has also been found. The bronze axe shown to the left was found in Iceland, and it has a cutting bit that is eroded.

These axes are believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes, but they do not have the same kind of edge that war axes had. They were often inlaid with silver or copper, and they did not have the same kind of steel edge that war axes had.

Many axes had long shafts that reached to the head of the user. These axes were known as symbolic axes because they were used during ceremonies, and they could be disproportionally enlarged to represent people or groups.

Axe handles were also shaped to fit the user’s hand. Some were straight, while others were curved or contoured to match the shape of the user’s hand.

The most common type of handle was made from wood, but bone, horn, and antler were also used. Axes with horn or antler handles were usually used for ceremonial purposes because they looked impressive and could be carved with intricate designs.

To make your own Viking-style axe handle, start by selecting a wood that is sturdy and durable. Maple or ash are good choices. Next, use a router to cut a groove along the center of your handle.

If you want to add a decorative touch to your axe handle, consider wrapping it in leather. This is a quick and simple way to give your axe a stylish look.