Axes were more common than swords in the Viking era. They were cheaper and less difficult to make.
Despite their simplicity, Viking axe they were powerful weapons in the hands of skilled warriors. They could be used to hook and pull weapons or shields away, and to attack the unprotected opponent.
The Axe
Axes were used by Viking warriors for a variety of purposes. Some were used for chopping or splitting wood, while others were used to fight and kill in battle. Axes were also often a status symbol and were carried by important people in the Viking age.
The axe was also a vital weapon for farmers and hardworking craftsmen in the Viking age. It was necessary for them to use for their work as they lived in remote and harsh environments. Having a sharp, sturdy axe allowed them to perform their duties more efficiently and safely.
Despite being a simple weapon, the axe was very deadly. It could easily slice and slash a shield, which made it a useful tool in close combat. Its haft was often wrapped in leather or nails, which helped to protect the axe's head and haft.
Another important feature of axes was their ability to be thrown in battle. This was especially important in times of crisis, when people might be surrounded by enemy combatants and needed to do something to save their lives.
To throw an axe, one would hold the haft in the right hand, while holding the axe head in the left. This allows the user to hurl the axe against the opponent's head, killing them instantly.
In the sagas, Viking warriors often used axes in clever ways. For example, in chapter 62 of Eyrbyggja saga (shown to the right as it appears today), Thrandr leapt up and hooked the head of his axe over the wall of a fortification. He then pulled himself up and cut off Hrafn's arm.
These axes were also very deadly when swung properly. They could be thrown with enough force to slice the shield of an opponent, and their hafts could be grasped behind the beard, which protected the user's hands.
Axes were a common weapon for the Viking age and many of them were decorated with gold, silver, or copper inlays. The Mammen axe, for example, is a very fine specimen of a decorated axe that is known to have been owned by an important Viking from Jutland in Denmark. The axe was decorated with symbols of pagan and Christian worship.
The Shield
A shield was the first weapon of choice for most Viking warriors. It offered protection from blows to the head and torso, dispersing the energy directed by a single strike, and was lightweight enough for easy transportation.
A typical Viking shield was about 80 cm in diameter. Some larger examples, such as the ones on display in Gokstad, Norway, could reach 94 cm in diameter (Bonde and Christensen 1993).
The design of a shield was determined by the particular needs of the bearer. Those with weaker arms or those who did not wish to carry their shields around with them often preferred the smaller versions, while stronger Viking warriors may have sought out the heavier, more robust versions.
In general, shields were made of pine or spruce, and had a leather covering on the outside. The shields were secured to the shield bearer with iron bands and a handle was attached to the back. The design was also subject to strict laws - Gulathing and Frostathing - that specified the materials used, the construction process, and the correct color scheme.
Shields were curved in the center, but they usually had one edge that was flat. This edge was used to ward off attacks while the other edge could be used for deflecting and/or attacking.
The edge of a shield was designed to bend near the head of an opponent, so that when it was struck, it would bind the opponent's arm on the edge. This technique, called a "vom-tag," or "from the roof" maneuver, was demonstrated by Hand in 'SPADA 2.'
While there are many misunderstandings about how shields were used, the main function of shields was to ward off blows and disperse energy directed at them. It was also used to block or parry a blow that might be launched towards the shield bearer. The shield could also be used as a battering ram to push an attacker off-line or away from the fight.
The Handle
The handle is a crucial part of your weapon, giving you the grip to hold it and use it. It’s also essential to make sure that your axe is well balanced and will not cause any harm to you or your opponents.
Vikings used axes to chop wood, build ships and other objects, as well as for battle. They used different types of axes, depending on their needs. The Viking axe head was typically D-shaped or shield-shaped, rather than round.
These axe heads are usually forged out of iron, although bronze and copper were also used. Some Viking-age axes are still in existence, and one of these is shown on the right. It’s an excellent example of how these axes were used.
This Viking axe is a heavy bearded axe with a forged axe head and hardwood handle. This is a typical pattern for the Viking age, capable of cleaving helms or armor with impunity.
The blade is a laminated, bearded design fitted to a slightly curved handle, with four lugs. It is wrapped in tanned leather near the blade for better grip. This is a one handed weapon that was likely used in place of the sword, being easier to craft and more versatile around the camp and woods or as a back up to the spear.
It’s an ideal weapon for those who are looking to bring a little bit of the Viking age into their fights. The axe is beautifully balanced and fast, and is easy to direct toward the target.
For a more authentic feel, our viking axes come in etched versions as well as plain ones. They are hand forged and can be engraved with a name, initials or any other symbol you like.
They also have a re-enactment grade axe sheath for easy storage and transport. The sheath comes with a leather strap, so it can be attached to any belt.
We have an assortment of axes for sale, from smaller throw axes to the massive dane axe. You can find the axe you want at our online store, or contact us to have it customized.
The Grip
The grip on a Viking duel wield axe was a vital part of its effectiveness. It allowed the warrior to control the weapon, make it a deadly weapon, and attack with the greatest possible accuracy. It was also important to have a good grip in order to hold the blade safely and not accidentally cut yourself or others.
The axe handle was often made of wood or leather, though it was sometimes forged from metal. It was typically shaped into a wedge or similar shape, so that the axe head could be tightly punched into it and locked vertically.
Some axes had double-bitted heads that were intended to be thrown or swung with devastating force. However, the Vikings most commonly forged sturdy single-headed axes that were designed for throwing and melee combat.
A large number of Viking axes were decorated with symbols that conveyed deep layers of culture and history. Some were depicted in a naturalistic form, while others were adorned with stylized bird or serpent designs.
Other axe heads were engraved with mythological scenes and other symbols. One axe head from a grave site in Mammem, Denmark, was carved and then inlayed with silver. It features a foliate pattern on one side and a ribbon-like bird with tendrils on the other.
In addition to the axe head, the shaft was also a crucial component of the axe. A well balanced axe had a long handle that extended the fighter’s reach in a fight. The blade of the axe was sharp and deadly, and the weapon’s length and weight allowed it to be used in a variety of combat situations.
Almost all Viking shields were made of wood butted together with one or more supporting pieces. They were usually covered in leather or linen to protect against weather and reduce chipping of the edges.
Shields were generally up to a meter in diameter, and the richer a Viking was, the more shields he had. Some were decorated in paint, offering weather protection and concealing the grain of the wood.
Some shields were also designed to be swivel-able, with a center grip that could be moved as the sword struck an opponent. This swivel motion was used to redirect forces away from the Viking, or to bind, jam, or outmaneuver an enemy’s sword. It was also a useful skill to practice in a combat situation, as it gave the Viking an advantage by allowing him to change directions quickly.