Viking axes were Viking axes designed for both combat and wood-working. They were incredibly light and razor-sharp, making them fantastic cutters. They could also be used as a throwing weapon.

For fighting, axes needed to be nimble. They were a lot lighter than lumber axes. Jan Petersen was one of the first scholars to create a typology of Viking sword designs.
The head

This axe head is designed with viking aesthetics in mind, making it an excellent accessory for your next dark ages costume. It is hollow and made from stainless steel, so it will not rust or stain. This makes it easy to handle and maintain, while also being lightweight. The axe head is also hand-engraved, giving it an authentic look. This decorative axe is great for use in photoshoots and for standing by your side at events.

While swords are a common image associated with Viking warriors, axes were much more commonly used. In fact, a large portion of Viking life revolved around agriculture, and axes were essential tools. They were even used in some household tasks.

The head of a viking axe is usually round or oval. It can be either single- or double-sided, although there is little evidence of the latter. Single-sided axes were generally more useful in battle as they had a greater cutting radius and could easily break through armor. The other side of the axe head often displayed a motif, such as the rooster Gullinkambi or the Phoenix. Both of these symbols are important in Norse mythology, with the rooster representing fertility and the phoenix representing rebirth.

The curved edge of the axe head can concentrate a lot of force into a small area, which is very effective against armor or mail. It can also be used to hook an opponent’s ankle, causing them to fall off their feet. This is a common tactic in Viking combat as described in the sagas.

Axe heads can also be thrown, but this was more of a last resort than a regular battle weapon. One example is the story of Sigurd in chapter 33 of Hardar saga og Holmverja, who threw his axe at Thorvaldr and hit him on the forehead.

The horns at each end of the axe head (oxarhyrna) can be sharpened to create vicious wounds. These horns can also be used as a stabbing weapon. For example, Kolbeinn in chapter 5 of Graenlendinga thattur drove his axe horn into Thord’s throat and killed him.
The shaft

During the Viking Age, axes were more popular than swords. This was partly because swords were expensive to maintain, and a good axe could be used for the same purpose at a fraction of the cost. Moreover, axes were easy to wield and had a much shorter shaft than swords. This meant that axes could be used for close quarters fighting as well as for long range strikes against shields and armor.

The haft of a viking axe was typically made from birch or hornbeam. The wood was split into wooden planks, and these were joined together in an overlapping fashion. The handles were usually wrapped with leather to ensure that the weapon was comfortable in the hand. Some axes also had plate ferrules at the end of the handle to provide added strength.

One of the most important features of a viking axe is its length. This was usually between 20 and 25 inches, which allowed for a powerful swing with minimal effort. This feature helped the Vikings to penetrate into tough targets. Moreover, it also prevented the axe from getting stuck in soft or thin materials.

Another important characteristic of a viking axe is the shape of its blade. This was often curved, which allowed for a wider blade surface and minimized the weight of the weapon. The curve of the blade was also useful in hooking an opponent’s leg or shield.

This weapon was used until 840 AD, and it was a very effective weapon in close combat. It is described in several sagas, including Ljosvetninga saga chapter 16. In one story, Gudmundr used his axe to wave mosquitoes away from his foster father’s bald spot. This sparked a fight between him and his brother, Einar.

Some axes were also designed to be hidden behind the shield, like the one described in Fostbraedra saga chapter 12. This trick was useful for avoiding attacks by spears or other edged weapons. In addition, a wrapped haft could be secured to the shield to prevent it from being pulled off by an enemy.
The handle

A viking axe is a formidable weapon in the hands of a capable warrior. In addition to its sharp blade, it has a hooking beard that can latch onto the opponent’s helmet or other hard surface and drag it down. This makes it an effective bludgeoning weapon, and it also has the ability to cut through armor like steel. Its long, slender shaft is perfect for swinging and can be wielded with one hand. It also has a blunt, rounded edge that is great for chopping or slashing.

The handle of a viking axe is usually made from wood or metal. Some models are decorated with animal motifs. These motifs may be pagan or Christian in origin. The rooster Gullinkambi, for example, belongs to Norse mythology and is the keeper of the world tree Yggdrasil. On the other hand, the Phoenix is a symbol of renewal that belongs to Christian faiths.

It is important that a viking axe has a sturdy, durable handle. The wood must be treated to prevent it from drying and shrinking. It is also important that the handle be smooth to allow for easy handling. It should also have a groove that allows for a comfortable grip and fit snugly with the axe head.

Historically, the handle of a Viking axe was wrapped in a leather sheath. This was done to protect the blade and help the warrior grip it securely. It was also designed to transfer maximum power from the shoulder and upper body to the blade’s point of contact with the target. The sheath was often decorated with carvings of animals or runes.

A viking axe is a great gift for anyone who is into history or historical reenactment. It is a great way to show off your love of the Vikings, and it can be used in battle or as a decorative piece. You can find a variety of different models, from small axes to large ones. Most of these weapons are made by hand, and you should expect to pay a premium for them.
The weight

Axes were a mainstay of Viking life. They were used not only for chopping wood and building ships but also for combat. Although axes were not as sophisticated or as well-balanced as swords they could still do a great deal of damage to an opponent. This was especially true when the axe head was swung quickly. The slash of an axe could cut right through an enemy’s shield or armor. Compared to a sword the axe was much more affordable to make and therefore even the poorest Norseman could afford one.

The axe head of a viking was made from a variety of materials including iron, bronze, and silver. It was generally between 8 and 11 cm (3-4in) in width. Some axes were single sided while others were double-sided. The single sided axes were more common as they were easier to handle and did not require as much maintenance. The haft was usually made from ash or birch. The shaft of a viking axe was long and was designed to be held with both hands. The haft also had a slight bend near the head, which helped maximize the transfer of power from the arm and shoulder to the axe head.

In addition, the axe head was often ornamented. In addition to having a carved or sculpted design the axe head could be covered in gold or other precious metals. This adorned the axe and made it more valuable. During this time, Vikings were known for their love of treasure and it is not unlikely that they had a number of axes in case one was lost or stolen.

The Vikings favored the axe over the sword because it was more practical in their everyday lives. Swords were expensive to make and they required more skill to use than the axe. In addition, the axe was more useful for hunting and chopping wood than the sword. In fact, the axe was such an important weapon that the Vikings considered it a sacred symbol of their faith.

Axes were not used in combat as frequently as the sword but they were certainly a useful weapons for those who needed them. The sagas mention several instances of men throwing their axes in battle. In one example, Thormodur threw his axe at Lodinn and struck him in the head.