Axes for Viking Reenactments

Our axes are fully functional for Viking reenactments. They feature authentic designs that have been found on actual viking graves, such as the rooster Gullinkambi from Norse mythology or a phoenix symbolizing rebirth.

The smaller seax could be concealed under the mantle and used to surprise an enemy. These weapons had short spurs and a blade with subtle curves. They were also easy to make.
Axes were used as a weapon or a tool

The axe was a common weapon for the Vikings, although it was also used as a tool. Axes could be made from wood, bone, or iron, but they all were single-sided and had a heavy head with one sharp end. They were usually used to split logs and chop down trees. The heads were often carved and decorated, with animals, dragons, or runes. Some were even adorned with beads or other decorations.

Axes were often used as weapons, and some could be thrown. They were light enough to be swung with one hand and still capable of delivering a mortal wound. In addition, they were useful for building the Viking longships. The Vikings were a dominant force in northern Europe, conquering many new territories and establishing their own kingdoms. Their success was largely due to their hardened mindset, fierce fighting style, and elite combat skills. They were also renowned for their ships and unique weaponry.

While there is no historical evidence that Vikings ever used sheaths for their axes, it seems unlikely that they would have been willing to walk around all day with razor sharp blades on their hands. Sheaths are available to protect against accidental cuts, and they can be easily made. They can be sewn or pinned to the handle with a strong adhesive, and they should have some openings to allow for easy removal.

Another option for making a sheath for a Viking axe is to use a leather belt with a pouch to hold the axe head. The pouch should be slightly bigger than the axe head and can be attached to the belt with a strap or girdle. The belt is also important because it will prevent the axe from sliding out of the sheath.

There are several different types of Viking axes, and each has its own uses. Some are designed to be thrown as a weapon, while others are intended for use in battle. For example, the smaller axes (like the ones shown in the photo to the left) could be hidden under a cloak for a surprise attack.
They were a standard weapon

The Vikings were an impressive and successful group of warriors that swept across Northern Europe from the end of the 8th century through the middle of the 11th century. They gained a reputation for their fearless raids, elite combat skills, and distinct weaponry. Axes were their weapons of choice, as they were lightweight enough to be thrown with one hand and capable of inflicting a mortal blow. They were also used for chopping wood, an important activity for the Vikings, as they needed to use wood to build their long boats and homes.

Axes were a standard weapon for all Vikings, from the richest to the poorest. Usually, only the wealthy men could afford to own swords, as they took up more space and required more iron to make than axes. However, even the poorest Viking had access to an axe, which was a cheaper and more effective weapon than a spear or bow and arrows.

An axe was usually carried on the belt, although it is not clear whether this was a defensive or offensive strategy. The haft of the axe could be wrapped with iron, which reduced the chance of the blade breaking when used to parry edged weapons. It was also possible to attach the axe to the belt with a chain, although this is not clear from the sagas.

Besides being a powerful weapon, axes were often used as a symbol of power. They were often decorated with motifs that were ambiguous and influenced by the transition period between pagan and Christian beliefs. For example, a Danish axe found at Mammen displays a bird motif that may represent either the rooster Gullinkambi from Norse mythology or the Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth.

Axes were also frequently used as grave goods, and they can be seen in a number of Viking graves. For instance, the grave of a magnate from Mammen includes an axe along with his sarcophagus. The axe had silver inlays that were ambiguous, and could be interpreted as both Christian and pagan. For example, one ax depicted the Yggdrasil tree from Norse mythology, while another showed the Christian Tree of Life.
They were used in war

During the Viking Age, the axe was an important weapon for both combat and self-defense. It was easier to use than a sword and required less skill to make. It also needed less iron and steel, which were expensive commodities during this time. These factors made the axe an affordable weapon for even the poorest Norseman.

Small axes could be concealed in a cloak and used for surprise attacks. One such attack is described in chapter 22 of Fostbraedra saga. In this story, the warrior Thormodur unexpectedly pulled an axe from under his cloak and struck Lodinn in the head, killing him. The curved blade concentrates the force of the blow into a small area and can easily cut through armor or leather. In addition, the axe can be hooked over an opponent’s arm to throw him off balance and allow the user to strike a follow-up blow.

The axe was an effective weapon in battle because of its weight and size. The axehead was attached to a wooden shaft that varied in length. Some were designed to be wielded with one hand, while others were meant to be held in two hands. Often, a curved blade was added to increase the cleaving power of the axe.

Axes were also used to scale walls. This was a common tactic in order to enter enemy territory and capture castles. The axe could also be used to disarm an enemy or cut off his shield, which made him vulnerable to a follow-up attack.

Besides being a deadly weapon, the axe was an efficient tool for hunting and felling trees. The Nordic people were a pastoral society and they depended on wood for both fuel and for building their houses. They used a variety of axes for these activities, from the Dane axe to the bearded axe, which was nicknamed skeggox.

Despite their usefulness, Viking axes were not without flaws. The sagas mention many instances of axeheads shattering or falling off the haft, especially when they hit a rock or other hard object. Occasionally, an axehead would also fly off during combat, which is why a shield-bearer had to cover his head with a piece of cloth or hide behind his shield.
They were a symbol of power

During the Viking Age, an axe was more than just a tool; it was a symbol of power and a sign of wealth. This was particularly true for kings and powerful warriors. In addition to using the axe as a weapon, the Vikings also used it to build houses, ships, and other objects. It was also a popular weapon for hunting and warfare. The axe was especially useful in battle, as it could be used to chop through chainmail and helmets. It was also an excellent choice for slashing at the throat or chest of an opponent.

There were several types of axes during the Viking Age, including the hand axe and the Danish axe. The axes were usually made from iron and were durable. The axes had cutting edges that ranged from 3 to 6 inches in length. Some axes had projecting spurs on the sides, while others did not. They were typically shaped like an inverted V and came in different shapes and sizes.

Axes were an essential part of every household during the Viking Age, and even the poorest people had one at their disposal. Axes for farming and construction had a single-edged blade, while those meant for war were designed differently. The axes that were used for war had a spike on the reverse side and were much larger than farm axes. They were also mounted on a pole to allow the user to deliver crushing blows while remaining a safe distance from their opponents.

The axes were often decorated with Norse designs and patterns. One example was the Mammen axe, which featured both Christian and Pagan symbols. Another popular motif was the rooster, which was believed to be a symbol of fertility. In Norse mythology, the rooster Gullinkambi was believed to sit on the tree of life, Yggdrasil, and crow when Ragnarok began.

While it is unlikely that axes were routinely thrown in combat, it is possible that they would have been used as throwing weapons in desperate situations. One story in the Saga of Hardar saga og Holmverja describes how Sigurd threw his axe at Thorvaldr and killed him.