Old Time Viking Axes

Viking axes required less skill to make than swords and used far less iron, so even the poorest of Norsemen could afford one. They Viking axe were formidable weapons capable of cleaving heads and breaking shields.

Jan Petersen was one of the first scholars to create axe typologies which organize axe heads by their hilt designs. This axe is a type B.
Blade

The Viking axe, like the sword, was a weapon used for both combat and civilian work. Even the poorest farmer had to have a wood axe for daily tasks, so every Viking was proficient in using the tool from early childhood. The axe was a versatile and deadly weapon that could be turned in combat with the same ease as the bow or spear. Viking warriors were adept at using the axe to cut through armor and pierce the shields of their foes.

The axe was also used to chop up enemies as part of a group attack or a surprise assault. Axes were often buried with the deceased as a symbol of their power in the afterlife. Axes had a unique design that set them apart from other weapons of the time. They had a single-edged blade that was attached to a wooden handle.

An important feature of a Viking axe was the shape of its head. The head was usually curved outward to create a longer cutting edge. It was also designed to swerve or hook, allowing the user to disarm or snatch an enemy weapon. The axe head could also be decorated with a variety of motifs. For example, one axe from the burial site at Mammen features a bird motif that can be interpreted as either the rooster Gullinkambi or the Phoenix.

Another popular axe head was the bearded axe. This type of axe was carried by the Varangian Guard front-line shock troops. The bearded axe was capable of inflicting larger-than-normal wounds due to the large drop blade. This type of axe also featured a curved blade, which made it more effective against shields and armor.

Axe hafts were often wrapped in twine or rope to add strength and grip. Viking axes with a wrap like this were easier to use because they allowed the user to hold them in one hand. It was important for Viking warriors to be able to wield their axe with one hand so that they could carry other weapons or a shield to protect themselves.
Shaft

The shaft of a Viking axe was long and thick, with a groove in the middle for a grip. It could be carved in various ways to give it added strength or style. In one example from the grave of a magnate at Mammen in Jutland, the handle is decorated with silver inlay in patterns that suggest animal figures. It was also possible to etch designs into the wood of the handle. These might have been purely decorative or they might have served a functional purpose, such as to provide an extra hold on the handle during use.

Axes were very common weapons for Norse warriors, even of the upper classes. This may explain why they are often found in archaeological finds. They were used for both construction work and on the battlefield. The axe was easier to carry than a sword and much more effective when it came to cutting down trees or chopping through a wooden ship. It was also easy to hide under a mantle or behind a shield.

There are a number of different methods of attaching the axe head to the haft, but two of them were particularly secure. One was to taper the eye of the axe head so that it fits snugly on the haft. A wedge is then inserted into the groove and hammered in to provide an exceptionally strong connection. Another method was to make the end of the haft slightly smaller than the eye of the head and cut out a thin section in the middle. This allows a wedge to be inserted and hammered in, providing a tighter fit than the first method.

In the sagas, there are many stories of clever uses of axes by Viking warriors. In chapter 62 of Eyrbyggja saga, for instance, Thrandr leapt up and hooked the head of his axe on a wall at Eyrr and cut off Hrafn’s arm. This is a story of skill and bravery that illustrates the importance of this weapon for the warriors of Viking age.
Handle

Axes were a common weapon in the Viking age as they were cheaper than swords and had multiple uses. They could be used for cutting wood, slaying animals or attacking enemies in battle. They were particularly effective in battle as they had the ability to dismember armored limbs and break shields and helmets into pieces. Axes were also very light, which made them easy to handle and throw.

Most axes were made of iron or steel, but some were made of bronze. Axe heads were often heat treated and tempered to increase their hardness and reduce their brittleness. The haft, or handle, was usually made of wood. The axe head was then attached to the haft using a wedge. This ensured that the axe head would not fall off the axe during combat.

There were many different types of axes in the Viking period. Some were designed for chopping wood and had a long blade, while others were designed for throwing. There were even a few axes that were meant for close combat. The Dane axe, for example, had a short blade and was designed to be used in hand-to-hand combat.

The handle of a viking axe was usually carved with designs or inscriptions. These inscriptions were mostly runes, but they could also be letters or other shapes. There are a number of ways to decorate an axe, including acid etching and traditional engraving. Some axes were even decorated with gold.

Various methods were used to attach the axe head to the handle. One method involved making the head smaller than the eye of the handle and then securing it with a wedge. This allowed for a secure fit and was a faster method than the other methods.

Despite the fact that axes were used for both war and everyday activities, they became a popular weapon in battle due to their agility and compact size. They were especially effective against larger opponents, such as cavalry and archers. In addition, they were much easier to carry than swords, which could weigh up to 20 pounds and were difficult to maneuver.
Sheath

The sheath of an old time viking axe is the cover that carries the head of the weapon. It is usually made from leather or another durable material and tacked onto the shaft with pins. The sheath also protects the blade from abrasions and other damage. A sheath can also be designed with decorative motifs.

The Vikings used the axe for everyday tasks such as cutting wood and building homes, and it was also a powerful weapon in battle. With one blow a skilled warrior could dismember armored limbs and tear shields apart.

In the ninth century, special axes were developed that were lighter and thinner than their predecessors. These specialized axes were intended for use in close combat and required less strength from the user to wield. They were also often decorated with symbolic motifs that represented pagan and Christian beliefs. These axes were known as battle axes and were often worn by high-ranking Viking soldiers.

Axes were commonly used by Vikings to scale the walls of enemy fortresses. This was an effective strategy because it allowed the axe to be held in one hand and left free for other weapons or a shield. The axe was also used to disarm opponents. One example is found in Sturlu saga, where Thorsteinn hooked an opponent’s shield with his axe and dragged him over to be stabbed.

The blade of an axe can be sharpened to increase its effectiveness in battle. However, the blade should not be so sharp that it can cut into the neck of an opponent. The sheath of an axe can also be decorated with a carved figure to add visual appeal.

In addition to their utility, axes are popular in reenactments and are used in a variety of historical games and ceremonies. As with other Viking weapons, axes need to be carefully cared for to keep them in good condition. A good sheath can help prevent rust and ensure the safety of the axe user. The sheath can also be made from a variety of materials, such as leather or plastic.