When you think of a Viking warrior, the first thing that comes to mind might be a fearless man with a huge sword or an axe. But axes were more than just weapons, they were tools that viking axes for sale every Viking needed to have and know how to use.
In fact, axes were so important that they had their own type of typology. It is called Petersen’s axe typology, and it is still used today to help identify Viking axes.
1. Hand Forged Steel Axe
Throughout history, the axe has been one of the most powerful and versatile tools ever created. From chopping logs of wood to cutting the blades of swords, axes have had a profound impact on civilisation.
These days, axes come in many different shapes and sizes, from light camping hatchets to forestry professionals designed for felling large trees. They’re usually paired with long handles, allowing the user to use the axe head with greater ease.
Most axes are made of Swedish axe steel, and this is then expertly tempered to ensure that the blade holds its edge. After this, a mixture of bees wax, linseed oil and turpentine is applied to the blade to help protect it from rusting.
After this, the axe is sharpened and polished to achieve its final shape. This is a time-consuming process, but it’s worth the effort as it increases the density of the steel and will mean that your axe lasts longer.
Some axes have an overcoat of hardened steel inserted between the head and the softer side of the handle, which helps to reduce the amount of heat transfer to your hand. This is a good way to make your axe more durable without having to engrave the haft with a hardened bit, but it can also be more expensive.
If you’re looking for a good quality axe, look for one that is handmade and has wooden handles. Traditionally, these were made from hickory wood, which is strong and has a natural curve to it, making it an ideal material for axe handles.
The axe should also be carefully crafted and shaped, so that it has an even and consistent edge. This is done by reheating the axe to a certain temperature and then tempering it in oil.
These axes can be purchased from a number of different retailers. Some are forged in a private forge, while others are manufactured by large companies.
Axes can be customised to your own specifications, with Nordic symbols and designs added to the head of the axe. This makes for a truly unique and personal gift that will be sure to impress the lucky recipient!
2. Hand Forged Damascus Sword
A hand forged damascus sword is a great addition to any collection, as it is both an artistic collector’s piece and a functional weapon that will allow you to slice through virtually any obstacle you encounter. These axes are expertly crafted in the Ukraine without the use of CNC machines, so each one is a truly unique piece of artwork.
The Damascus technique is a traditional method of creating high-carbon steel blades that feature distinct patterns. This process combines two or more different types of steel and tack-welds them together before forging and heat treating the metal to create a durable, sharp blade.
Damascus is a popular steel for making knives because it is not only attractive, but also very tough and durable. However, it is important to note that it can be susceptible to rust. To prevent this, you should clean and dry your Damascus blade regularly, especially if it is stored in a damp area.
To make a damascus steel blade, two or more different types of carbon steel are forge-welded and twisted into a pattern before being forge-welded again. This process gives the blade a distinctive, wavy look that is often considered to be the signature of a Damascus steel blade.
Another method of creating a damascus steel blade is to combine a variety of different types of steel that are folded and heated in an acid bath to create a distinctive pattern. This technique has been used in Europe and Japan for centuries to make swords, and it is often referred to as “pattern-welded” steel.
This method is often used to make a Katana sword, but it can be adapted to other types of blades as well. For example, many knifemakers today are using this method to create a Damascus kitchen knife.
When choosing a hand forged Damascus sword, it is important to find a reputable knife maker that uses the highest quality materials and a professional forging process. The forging process ensures that your blade is free from any cracks, voids or other irregularities. This ensures that your blade will stay sharp and last for many years to come.
3. Leather Axe Sheath
A leather axe sheath is a great way to protect your axe and keep it sharp. They are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, from full coverage to simple blade protectors with straps. They are a vital tool for any outdoor enthusiast who owns an axe. Keeping the edge of your axe covered by a sheath prevents the sharp edge from getting dulled or scratched, protecting you and your gear.
A sheath can also help prevent your axe from being tipped over when not in use. It can be a useful addition to any camp, woods or reenactment kit, and it can also make your axe much more useful as a weapon.
The best axe sheaths are designed to fit your particular axe head. A good sheath should be snug and secure and will not allow the axe to slide out of its head. It should also be able to accommodate the weight of the axe and the holster itself.
Many axe sheaths will also have straps and adjustable clips for a more comfortable, convenient way to carry your axe. Some will also have a belt loop so you can wear it at your hip. Some will even be adjustable to fit a wide variety of axe heads.
Choosing the right sheath for your axe is important and should always be done with care. A bad fitting sheath will not protect the axe blade and can actually damage the edge.
Sheaths should also be able to hold your axe securely and have sufficient wiggle room for the axe to move easily in and out of the sheath. A sheath that doesn’t fit your axe will not give you the protection you need, and it will not last long.
Our custom leather axe sheaths are made to fit your specific axe and are handmade in our workshop. They are hand-tanned using traditional methods and techniques that were used over a century ago, giving them a vintage look and the durability you need.
The leather used in our axe sheaths is 8-9 ounces of top-grain steer hide, which is durable and long-lasting. It is then dyed and finished with a beeswax coating.
4. Viking Sword
The Viking sword was one of the most common and efficient weapons used by Norse warriors throughout the 9th to 11th centuries. It evolved from the Roman longsword spatha and became one of the most popular weapons among Vikings during their invasions.
Early Viking swords were made of pure iron. They were not very durable and were known to blunt easily.
Later, swords were forged using a technique called pattern welding - lumps of iron were shaped, hammered, twisted and welded together to form the blade. This was a complex process that produced blades with unique characteristics, such as swirling patterns on the surface of the metal.
The pattern welding process also made the blades more resistant to bending, allowing them to cut and flex in battle. Some Viking swords were forged with crucible steel, which is harder than normal iron and more difficult to work with because it has to be heated in a furnace until it separates from the impurities that make it hard to shape.
During the Viking age, there were many different styles of hilts and pommels on the Viking sword. The type of hilt on a Viking sword can help you date the weapon and determine its purpose. Hilts are generally classified by a system created by Jan Petersen, who published his book De Norske Vikingesverd in 1919.
Some hilts were engraved with Runic inscriptions, often with a combination of pagan and Christian symbolism. The inscription on the blade of the sword shown to the right might be a combination of runes and Christian symbols, or it could just represent the Norse god Odin, who accompanied the warrior into battle.
These swords were a prestige weapon that could be handed down from generation to generation. They were coveted and cherished.
A number of swords were found in burials, most of which are dated to the early Viking period. Some of these swords were carved into intricate patterns or painted with elaborate decorative designs.
The Vikings wore a wide range of armor and weapons, but the sword was one of their most prominent pieces. Epic poetry suggests that the Vikings often slashed with their swords during combat.