Axes have been made use of as both of those weapons and instruments by Viking warriors. They ended up observed in both richly decorated warrior graves like the magnate from Mammen as well as straightforward axe graves.
Axe heads can be solitary sided or double sided. Petersen’s axe typology, which is also used for swords, distinguishes twelve varieties.
Axe Head
Axes ended up brutal combating weapons but also used for daily responsibilities these kinds of as woodcutting. They ended up typically cast with a decide-like weapon on the other side of the blade to present a number of details of attack.
Our selection of viking axes involves many models which includes battle axes, camping axes, and throwing axes. These axes are all designed with higher-quality metal and are useful for reenactments and other employs.
The axe head of our Viking axes is a duplicate of an historic Viking axe that was located at Skjoldsdal in Denmark. The axe head capabilities an angular profile that optimized excess weight for manoeuvrability and a lengthier chopping edge. The angular design of the axe head is what provides it its infamous identify the "bearded axe".
This Viking axe has a special condition that was created by hammering the head into a symmetrical, wedge-shaped cross part. Numerous axe heads have been shaped like this, and they all attribute the elongated beard together the bottom of the head that extends down to the shaft.
Traditionally, the axe was affixed to the haft applying either wood glue or iron nails. Sometimes the axe would break during use, as stated in the sagas. One of the most prevalent factors for a broken axe was when it was utilised to parry yet another weapon, these types of as a sword or spear (see chapter sixty four in Laxdaela saga). Often Viking axe for sale would break for the duration of protection and a sharp edge could be uncovered.
Some axe hafts have been wrapped with metallic to lessen the danger of failure thanks to anxiety or put on, this sort of as the instance in Brennu-Njals saga (chapter 87). Hrappr Orgumleidason carried an axe with a wrapped shaft that he employed a number of periods through his battle at Stiklastadir.
Axes are even now well-known for chopping and woodworking currently, although they no for a longer time have the exact same use as they did in the Viking Age. They're also an superb resource for a survivalist to have on hand in case of a bug-out scenario. Some axes are built to be light-weight and compact, these kinds of as the Gransfors Bruks tiny forest axe, so they can be simply saved in a bug-out place.
Axe Take care of
Our axes attribute a stable, strong haft of 1055 carbon steel. They are welded to the head for a secure match. This is a labor intense procedure that requires skill and time to make, but it makes sure the integrity of our axes for generations to arrive.
In distinction to hammers and swords, viking axes have a shorter haft. This was to enable for the axe head to be concealed driving the defend as needed. The sagas notify several tales of axes getting utilised in this way.
Axe hafts were frequently created of oak, and often other kinds of wood. They ended up normally carved and adorned. They could also be adorned with carvings or runic symbols. These decorations were meant to increase splendor and electric power to the axes, which are undoubtedly both of those.
A quick haft also makes it possible for the axe to be thrown. In struggle, this was usually finished as a last vacation resort when other weapons were being not accessible. The axe was equipped to penetrate a great deal far more deeply than either a spear or a sword because of its wider curved head. A single illustration is the story instructed in chapter 33 of Hardar saga og Holmverja of Sigurdr throwing his axe at Thorvaldr and killing him.
The axes were usually sharpened to generate vicious wounds with their horns, which distribute outward considerably extra than a blade or sword place. This was primarily critical mainly because axes ended up frequently applied as stabbing weapons in addition to their slashing abilities.
Typically the axe head would be wrapped with iron or other steel to reduce the chance of it breaking as a parrying weapon when struck in protection. This was a popular observe in the Viking age for all edged weapons, but primarily axes.
We use a kiln to dry our axe handles to a dependable six-8% of moisture. This is the great condition for axes to be stored in and retrieved from, and to preserve their strength in excess of a life span of use. Each axe manage is produced for each and every head to obtain a ideal fit. To do this we commence with a knot-totally free piece of locally harvested, and kiln dried crimson elm wood that is marked out for the eye proportions. We then use a drawknife to slice the take care of to the desired condition and shave it down to almost match the proportions of the axe head eye.
Axe Sheath
Axe sheaths are a very important ingredient of axes, as they defend the blade and help hold it secure. They also give the axe a concluded, functional seem. For this purpose, it is important to find a sheath that suits your axe perfectly. Sheaths need to in shape snugly and have a clip to keep the axe securely. This guarantees that it will not slide out of the sheath, as nicely as stops the axe from getting to be bent or warped by rubbing in opposition to clothing or other items.
Sheaths are typically designed of leather-based, which is a durable and h2o-resistant substance. On the other hand, canvas sheaths are also offered. Canvas sheaths will continue to protect the axe, but they are not as long lasting and might not appear as pleasant as a leather-based sheath. If you program on carrying your axe close to, consider locating a sheath that has belt loops or clips to allow you to connect it to your belt. Also, lots of compact backpacks have loops that are fantastic for holding axes.
Yet another crucial function of a good axe sheath is the placement of a smaller V-shaped notch at the again of the axe. This notch aids to disperse the drive of effect away from the manage, which can make the axe less difficult to use and fewer very likely to shatter in fight. This notch is most common on axe designs with a larger sized eye and a lesser blade, these kinds of as Rhineland or Hudsons bay axes.
Viking axes ended up a brutally successful weapon in fight, but they were also really multipurpose weapons that could be utilised for other reasons. For illustration, the sagas mention that the warrior Ospakur generally carried his axe with a wrapped shaft, which allowed him to parry edged weapons and lower the opportunity of breaking the haft though placing.
Other clever axe strategies are also described in the sagas. For occasion, chapter sixteen of Ljosvetninga saga describes how Gudmundr made use of his axe to wave mosquitoes off his foster father's head. The act was not as powerful as only waving his hand, but it nevertheless caused bad blood between the brothers.
Axe Blade
In the Viking Age, each individual gentleman had a wood axe for each day jobs such as slicing and splitting wood. These axes were being also used as weapons in struggle. An axe could cut as a result of an enemy's shield or penetrate their human body to lead to severe wounds. Expert warriors frequently killed their enemies with axe blows on your own.
The axe heads have been frequently built of iron, even though some were being bronze. The blades of the axe heads diverse in measurement and shape. Some were being slender and had a curved edge that was outstanding for attacking armor. The axe head revealed in the sketch and photograph on the remaining are examples of this variety. Other axe heads experienced a flat profile with a pronounced horn at the toe and heel of the bit. This type of axe head is recognised as the Danish axe or Dane axe. The greatest axe heads were frequently recognized as breid-ox (broad axes). This axe head experienced a crescent shaped edge 22 to 45cm (nine-18in) extended and was made use of for crushing or chopping.
Axe blades were being from time to time engraved with spiritual or pagan motifs. For illustration, the axe head identified in a rich grave at Mammen contained silver inlays on all of its flat surfaces. This was likely an indication that the axe belonged to a magnate.
Some axes have been cast in 1 piece, whilst many others had been produced of separate pieces that had been joined jointly. This type of axe was generally incredibly major. These axes were being recognized as bearded axes, which gave them more toughness than a smooth axe.
Despite the fact that axes ended up mainly tools, there are many scenarios in the sagas the place an axe was applied as a weapon. At times the head would split off the haft, as described in Egils saga rauda chapter 38 or Eiriks saga sbrn. Typically the haft would be wrapped with iron or one more metal to lower the probability of the axe breaking when it was made use of to parry edged weapons or below other stresses.
Estwing presents a wide range of substantial top quality American-designed hand equipment that are designed and designed to very last. They present an assortment of viking axes which include Black Eagle axes that are a action up from their traditional line of axes. The Black Eagle axes are offered with possibly their patented vinyl shock reduction grip or classic genuine leather grip. The Black Eagle axes are also readily available in a variety of tackle possibilities which includes still left or appropriate handed versions.
Estwing's Viking Axes
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