Axes were the primary weapons used by Vikings. They were a versatile weapon which could be used for both cutting and thrusting attacks.

A single sided axe was the typical design used by Vikings. There are however, some examples of double sided axes mentioned in the sagas.

The axe head depicted on Mammen’s axe has motifs that can be interpreted as Christian and pagan. One such motif is a tree that may be Yggdrasil or the Christian Tree of Life.
Blade

A viking axe was a common tool and weapon in medieval Scandinavian countries. They were used to build ships, houses and carts as well as for battle. Authentic Viking axes were made of high quality steel and had a sharp cutting edge for chopping and slashing attacks. They also had a pointed “horn” on each end of the head for stabbing attacks. These horns were very sharp and could inflict devastating wounds. They were designed to fit in the hand of a warrior for a quick attack. The axe head was also made from a strong material, such as iron or bronze. They were forged and heat treated in several stages. The first step was annealing which removed the inner stresses from the forging process. Then they were normalized, which prepares the metal for hardening. The final stage was quenching, which made the axe very hard. After this, the axe was polished and finished. The axes were not mass produced and each one was handmade, making them unique.

Viking axes ranged in size from hand axes (similar to tomahawks) to long-shafted battle axes. Those from the early Viking period had a cutting edge of 3 to 6 inches, but later Viking axes were much longer and were called broad-axes. Some even had crescent-shaped edges 9 to 18 inches long!

The blade of the viking series axe was usually decorated with Viking motifs and patterns. One of the most beautiful examples is the Mammen axe, which was found in Denmark and displays both Christian and pagan symbols. Another popular motif was the rooster Gullinkambin, who sits on top of the tree Yggdrasil and crows at Ragnarok.

In addition to being an effective weapon, the viking axe was also a status symbol for wealthier Vikings. A rich family would often have more than one axe, so they could use them for fighting and other purposes. The axe was also an important part of everyday life for most Vikings, who depended on their hands, sweat and the land for survival.

The axe was also used for farming and other chores, so it needed to be durable and strong. It also had to be able to withstand the impact of heavy blows. This is why the haft was curved near the head of the axe. The curved shaft helped maximize the transfer of power from the arm, shoulder and body to the edge of the axe head. The axe would then become a natural extension of the hand.
Handle

An axe is a powerful weapon that has been feared and admired by people around the world for centuries. Its handcrafted look is matched with a brutal design that makes it an impressive weapons and tool at the same time. Besides, it is made from dual hardened 5160 high carbon steel, making it tough enough to handle even the most challenging of tasks.

Viking axe for sale of a Viking axe is made from metal that has been heated up to very high temperatures and then quickly cooled. This process increases the strength of the metal and also reduces its brittleness. This is important because an axe blade must be strong enough to take the abuse that it will likely receive in battle. The axe head is usually made from iron or steel, but some axes have been decorated with inlays of precious metals. One such example is the Mammen axe head, which was found in a rich grave and dates from 971 AD.

Axe handles were often made from wood, including oak and ash. These were often carved and painted to make them more appealing. They were also oiled and waxed to prevent them from becoming too dry or slick. Some of them were even engraved with Norse patterns or imagery. These axes were used in both hunting and combat.

It is possible to make your own axe handle at home, although it requires some knowledge of woodworking and carving techniques. The first step is to select the wood that you will use for your handle. Then, cut it to the appropriate length. You should also leave about an inch of extra material at the end of the handle. Next, you should shape the handle and add a groove to hold the axe head.

The axe head is then attached to the handle using a wedge or bolt. The head is then honed to create a sharp cutting edge and polished to smooth out the rough edges. Finally, the axe is tempered and heat treated to improve its hardness and strength. This process also removes any residual brittleness and increases its durability.
Shaft

The shaft of a Viking series axe is a crucial part of the overall design as it is what attaches the head to the handle. The shaft is a long piece of wood, and is designed to be strong enough to resist both pulling and pushing forces. It is also tapered at the eye of the axe head, which is an important feature for a fighting axe, as it will prevent the head from flying off the end. The axe is usually made from hickory, which is a sturdy wood. The wood is treated with oil to prevent the axe from shrinking or cracking over time.

The axe head is held to the haft using a series of pins that are drilled into both sides of the axe. The axe head is then secured by the pins and a thick adhesive. The axe is then finished with a leather sheath. The sheath is designed to protect the blade and to keep it away from snags. The sheath may also contain a decorative design.

Axes were used to fell a variety of trees and to chop logs for building. The axe had to be strong and light so that it could be used for these purposes. They were sometimes used for hunting as well. The axes were made in various sizes and designs depending on the purpose of the axe. Some axes were smaller than others and were used for surprise attacks. These smaller axes could be hidden in a cloak and pulled out at an unexpected moment. This strategy was described in the Fostbraedra saga chapter 22.

Other axes were larger and had decorative ornamentation. Some had the Yggdrasil, or world tree, motif while others featured birds, such as the rooster Gullinkambi and the Phoenix, which is associated with rebirth and belongs to Christian mythology. The axes were also painted with runic letters, which is another way of denoting the type of axe it was.

The axes were often used for war, as they were highly effective weapons. The sagas describe clever maneuvers with axes, including a Thrandr who hooked his axe on a wall (Eyrbyggja saga chapter 62) and Hrappr Orgumleidason who cut in two Asvardr’s backbone with a curved axe shaft. The axes were sometimes wrapped with iron or other metal to reduce the risk of them breaking under stress.
Weight

The axes of the Vikings were powerful weapons, as well as tools. They were usually made from a high-carbon steel, which allowed them to be very sharp and durable. They were also forged thin, which made them light and quick for cutting. In addition, they often had a harder type of metal near the edge, making them even sharper. The average weight of a Viking axe was around 1 to 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lb).

A Viking axe can be used for chopping wood or killing enemies in battle. They were also crafted into religious motifs, like the runes or Odin’s symbols, which were associated with power and strength. Axes were also a symbol of pagan and Christian religion, so they could be used for both purposes.

The Viking Bearded Axe by Cold Steel is a great weapon for reenactments and combat. Its oversized 30” American Hickory handle and extra-broad, sharp cutting edge give it the look of a formidable fighting axe. The head is forged from dual-hardened 5160 steel, which makes it tough and durable. Its hooking beard and up-swept thrusting horn add to its functionality. It comes with a Cor-Ex sheath to protect the axe head from humidity.

Another great Viking axe is the Othala Rune Axe by Mad Viking. It’s made of high-quality, lightweight steel and has a traditional Nordic design that makes it perfect for reenactments and other historical reenactments. The axe is also engraved with the Mad Viking logo, which gives it an authentic, rustic look.

The Viking axe’s pointed “horns” at each end (oxarhyrna) were kept sharp to be used offensively, as Kolbeinn in the Brennu-Njals saga drove one of these into Thord’s throat, killing him. The horns were also used to hook other weapons and pull them from an enemy’s grasp. They could also be stabbed into the neck of an enemy, which caused deep, vicious wounds. Some axes had shafts that were wrapped with iron, which helped reduce the risk that they would break when parrying other edged weapons or under stress. This was called a vafinskepta.