Vikings and medieval Europeans used axes as weapons and tools. Throughout their history, these tools were modified to become more powerful and effective as weapons.

Functional viking axes are ideal for historical reenactments and throwing competitions. These axes are battle ready and come with a cor-ex sheath.
1. Length

Axes are a common weapon of choice for Viking warriors, and were used in most of their raids. They are also useful for self-defense and fighting off attackers. They have a wide cutting edge and can be made out of wood or iron. Axes are more effective against armor than swords, so they were important in battles.

Axe heads can vary in size and shape, and they may be narrow or broad. They were also decorated with different designs. They were often depicted in Viking sagas, and some of them have even appeared in pictures from the period.

Early Viking axes were short-handled, with a single blade and a hilt (handle). They were not as strong as modern-day hand axes, but they could be used for woodworking and defense.

Later, axes were designed for two-handed use and became longer. They were more effective against armor than swords and their wide cutting edges were safer for a warrior to hold in the face of a fierce opponent.

Eventually, the length of axes increased to 140 cm long and a broad cutting surface was added. These were considered the best Viking axes for war.

Another interesting feature of some axes is that they have a hook on the lower end, called a beard. This was a useful feature because it allowed a person to fling weapons away from a defender or to hook the edge of a shield, pulling it away and inflicting damage.

These axes are not only very functional but are also beautiful and imposing. They can be decorated with different motifs, including birds and other symbols of power. One of the most striking finds is an axe head from Mammen, Denmark that was found in a grave and dates to 970-971 AD.
2. Weight

Axes were a popular Viking weapon. They were inexpensive to make, so it was an option for people who could not afford a sword. They were also a versatile tool and could be used for cutting or shaping wood, making charcoal for iron smelters, or even as a weapon.

Functional viking axes typically weigh less than a kilo, so they are easy to carry and swing. This makes them great for reenactments, medieval battles, or for training.

Some axes were wrapped with iron, which reduced their chance of breaking when they were hit with edged weapons. They were also often curved, which made them easier to use for different fighting techniques.

One of the most common axes was the Petersen type L (or M). This type has a thin blade with pronounced “horns” at both the toe and heel of the bit. This blade design is commonly found in period illustrations and extant artifacts.

It can be curved so that it concentrates the force of an attack, making it easier to knock a shield away or parry it. It can also be hooked over an opponent’s neck or body parts, compel them to move in a specific direction. This is called a cleave, and it is described in many sagas.

Another clever axe move was to hook the haft of a shield, pulling it away and allowing the user to disarm or strike his opponent. This was described in Thorskfirdinga saga, where Askmadr ran around his opponent and tried to hook the edge of his shield.

There were also Viking throwing axes, which are similar to the tomahawks that were commonly used in the Frankish kingdom prior to the Viking age. These axes were heavier than the modern-day throwing axes, so they had a larger impact on their targets. They bounced unpredictably once they landed, confusing the enemy.
3. Handle

Axes were the primary weapons used by Viking warriors and a staple of Norse culture. They were cheap, sturdy, easy to forge and available in a wide range of sizes and weights. They were also able to dismember armored limbs and crack shields in two.

A Viking axe had a single-edged blade that was attached to a long handle by a socket or tie. It was typically made of a durable and flexible wood, such as ash. The handle typically measured around 3 to 4 feet in length.

The axe was a weapon of choice among both the nobility and the common man. Axes were designed to be versatile, so they could be used for a variety of tasks, including chopping wood and building.

Many axes also served a ceremonial role in Viking funerals. They were buried with the deceased as grave goods and served as a symbolic representation of power in the afterlife.

Some axes, such as the one from the magnate’s burial at Mammen in Jutland, were elaborately decorated with inlaid silver decoration. Other axes were simpler and more plain, such as the long-bladed axe from Over Hornbaek near Randers.

These axes were designed to be both functional and decorative. The axe from Mammen, for example, displays a bird motif on one side. The bird is either the rooster Gullinkambi (an Old Norse symbol of rebirth) or the Phoenix, a Christian icon.

Other axes were designed to be more combat-focused, such as the Dane Axe, a classic battle axe. It was designed to be more efficient and lethal in battle, with its long cutting edge narrowing at its haft. The haft itself was typically made of hardened steel, and the blade was also sharpened for increased effectiveness.
4. Blade length

Axes were a standard battle weapon for Viking warriors. They were also used for chopping wood and hunting. Unlike swords, axes were more effective against plate armor.

Axes differed in shape and size, but they all had a long handle. The handles were made from ash or wood. The blades of axes were usually made from iron. Often, they were decorated with intricate designs and inlaid with precious metals.

Early Viking axes had cutting edges that were three to six inches long. Later on, their cutting edges became bigger and wider. Axe heads were also larger. Some broad-axes had crescent shaped edges that were 9 to 18 inches long!

Another type of axe that Vikings used was the bearded axe. Its lower edge had a downward-curving “beard” that made it easier to hook and disarm opponents. It also lowered the weight of the axe, which made it more comfortable for Viking warriors to use.

This axe was especially effective in combat because it could be hooked behind an enemy’s shield. It was also effective against plate armor because it had a wide cutting surface that could be easily cut through.

These axes were also strong and durable, and they could be carried by anyone. They were also popular among the Vikings because they were relatively inexpensive to make.

Functional viking axes can be useful for reenactments and competitions. They are great for throwing, and they can be thrown up to 70 yards (55 meters).

This Hanwei Short Viking Axe is a great choice for anyone who needs a throwable axe. It has a straight hardwood haft at the top and an antiqued bearded blade that extends further on the bottom than the top. It is forged from mild carbon steel, and it is competition approved. Through use, the axe head will naturally wear into the wood handle, creating a sturdy design.
5. Edge

When choosing a functional viking axe, you’ll want to look for a blade that has a good edge. Having an edge is essential for slashing through armor, as well as cutting down trees or processing wood for food or building.

The edge of the blade can also be used to hit the head of an opponent’s shield or disarm them. This was a common technique during Viking battles, and is described in some of the sagas.

In chapter 22 of Sturlu saga, Thorsteinn hooks one of his men on his axe and drags him over to where he could be stabbed. This is a clever move that can be difficult to pull off with swords, but the Vikings were so skilled with their axes that it was often done.

Axes were a great weapon for combat because they made it easy to knock opponents down or disarm them. They were also lightweight, making them easy to carry and maneuver.

There were several different axe styles, but the most common was the bearded axe. This style had a beard that extended below the axe’s butt and allowed for a wide cutting surface.

The beard was also useful for hooking an opponent’s ankle or pulling a shield away. This was especially effective against armored opponents, who were less likely to be able to defend themselves well.

Another type of axe was the dane axe, which had a shorter cutting edge. This was also easier to maneuver than a heavy axe and made it easier for Vikings to dismantle armored opponents.

Besides being strong and durable, the edge of functional viking axes was very sharp. The edge was designed to be able to cut through leather or hard plate armor, as well as a helmet or shield.