What Makes a Viking Axe Real?

Axes were one of the most common weapons in medieval Scandinavia. They were used to build houses, carts and ships as well as being a strong weapon in battle.

The most commonly used axes were the long and hand axes. These axes were typically made of wood and were very popular among the Viking warriors.
Handle

The handle of a Viking axe was designed to fit the user’s hands and help them grasp the axe head properly. These axe handles were usually made from wood and were designed to be sturdy and resilient. However, the handle on a Viking axe can easily become worn or damaged if you don’t take care of it correctly.

Axes were one of the most common types of weapons used by Vikings during the Middle Ages. They could be used to chopping wood, but they were also deadly weapons in battle that could shatter shields and cleave through armor.

There were several different axe designs during the Viking period, and some of them are still preserved. These axes include the broad axe (Petersen’s type L and M), which is triangular in shape and narrow near the haft, with flaring out at the top and bottom to create a blade that is 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long.

Some of these axes had more complex designs, and some are even made from bronze or silver. The axe head on these weapons was often engraved with intricate designs.

These weapons were incredibly popular among Vikings and they became iconic symbols of their people. They can be seen in many Viking artifacts and paintings, as well as in the history books.

The handles of these weapons were curved, so the hafts would fit the users hands comfortably. They were also designed to be strong and durable, as they were likely to be used for a long time.

A Viking axe was an essential part of the life of Vikings, and they were a staple weapon during wartime as well. They could be used to chopping or splitting wood, but they were also a deadly weapon in combat.

During wartime, most Vikings were poor and did not have access to more expensive weapons such as swords, so they often took along the axe that was used for chopping or splitting wood. They were not the most glamorous weapon, but it was very effective and was known as a warrior’s “basic weapon.”

The handles of these axes were crafted from hardened wood, with a finish that was applied by hand. This means that they can last a long time and be very effective in battle, but the handle will need to be lubricated from time to time with linseed oil to keep it safe and functional.
Shaft

The shaft of a viking axe real is one of the most important components for the weapon’s ability to deliver a powerful blow. It must be strong enough to support the axe head and be easy to bend or twist for efficient use.

Viking axes were commonly made of wood, but some were forged from iron to provide more strength. Some were highly decorated, including those inlaid with silver. Those decorated with a Christian or pagan motif are often referred to as Mammen axes, in honor of the ancient village of Mammen in Jutland, Denmark.

During the Viking age, axes were frequently used as weapons of defense as well as attack. They were able to pierce and cut through shields, swords, and helmets, and even the haft of a spear, as described in chapter 12 of Fostbraedra saga.

Axes also had to be very durable and strong to withstand repeated use over long periods of time. In addition to the blade, an axe’s shaft was made of iron or steel. This bolstered the axe’s durability and ensured that it would not break easily, which was common with wood-cutting axes.

While axes are commonly thought of as dangerous weapons, they were in fact a common tool for everyone during the Viking age. Some axes were designed for war, while others were used on a daily basis as tools for agricultural purposes.

For example, a saga describing a battle in Icelandic territory mentions a man with an axe who struck his opponent on the head and then cut off the arm of his attacker using the head of his axe. This type of wound is known as a “severed endocranial” injury, in which the main blood vessels in the brain have been severed by the axe. This type of injury is a major cause of death in Viking age soldiers, because it results in the rapid loss of blood and brain function.

In addition to their deadly effectiveness, axes were very convenient to use, as they were small and lightweight. This was important for their speed in attacking enemies, as well as for chopping firewood and other tasks that required rapid action. They were also extremely portable, as they could be carried in a sheath that was usually attached to the back of a shield.
Axe Head

Axes were the weapon of choice in Viking age Scandinavia, and they could be used both for battle and for everyday tasks around the camp. They were a more affordable option than swords and were easier to make, making them more widely available.

The axe head was a crucial part of the blade and had multiple functions. It was designed to provide a sharp cutting edge, and it had a curve that allowed it to cut through leather armour and inflict serious wounds on an enemy.

There were different types of axe heads, and they were usually designed to match the intended use. For example, Dane axes were designed for use in hand-to-hand combat, while bearded axes were more powerful and used for wood-cutting and splitting.

Most Viking axes were single-edged, although they could also be double-edged (see the photo to the left). Many axes have a visible weld on the back side of their eye (the side that would have been used for striking). It is believed that these original axe heads were fabricated by shaping the general form of the head, then splitting it at the back through its thickness to create a Y-shaped cross section. Both arms of the Y were then wrapped around to shape the eye, after which they were forge welded together.

Some axes had a decorative motif, such as the rooster Gullinkambi (the bird symbol of Old Norse mythology) or Yggdrasil. Both motifs are associated with Norse mythology, but the rooster symbolizes rebirth and renewal.

Axes were used both in battle and in the home, and they could be made from different materials such as stone or wood. The blade of an axe was typically made from iron or steel, and it could be thick or thin.

Using a blade as a weapon required strength and good control. In addition, the axe had to be able to be swung quickly and efficiently so it would not get stuck or break. This was why they were sometimes called “battle ready” axes.

Axes were often used for a surprise attack, such as when Thormodur unexpectedly pulled an axe out of his cloak and hit Lodinn in the head. This was a deadly move that would have been very effective in battle.
Ferrules

There were a wide range of axe head shapes used in the Viking age. Early axes had a cutting edge that was 7 to 15cm (3-6in) long, while later axes were much larger. The axe heads were often made of a variety of metals, such as copper and bronze.

Axes were typically fixed to a wooden haft, and the length of this haft varied according to the weapon itself. Axe hafts were sometimes wrapped with iron or other metals to reduce the possibility that the axe’s haft would break when used to parry edged weapons, or when otherwise stressed.

The axe head itself was often decorated with inlays, such as the one shown here from Hultsjo. In other cases,Viking shields the axe head was attached from the tapered end of the shaft, and secured with a kind of securing device, such as leather or a metal wedge or nail.

Some axeheads were very thin, making it hard for them to split wood. Occasionally, the axehead could be made from a single piece, with the eye (the hole for the haft) punched out with a drift.

Other axe heads were more robust. The axe heads of breid-ox axes, for example, were very large and had crescent-shaped edges that ranged from 22 to 45cm (9-18in) long. These axes were not used in battle; instead, they were made for chopping, building, and harvesting.

Various types of axe heads were used by the Vikings, and they all have certain characteristics that make them unique. Some axes had very thin, elegant cross-sections, while others had thick, wedge-shaped edges with a square or round shape at the bottom of the axe head.

Axes were not the only weapons that Norsemen used during battle; they also carried a sword, spear, halberd, and shield. The sword was a highly valued weapon, and it required less skill to make than the axe. It was also much more affordable and accessible, making it a weapon that even the poorest Norsemen could afford.

Axes were a highly effective and versatile weapon, especially when paired with a good blade. They were powerful, but balanced and easily directed towards their target. In the hands of a skilled warrior, they can be just as effective as any sword.