Bearded battle axe free#

Some axe heads (notably thick, wedge shaped axe heads This axe is too thin and delicate for splitting wood this axe Reproduction is shown in the middle left and a historic axe far left, all on Some axeheads had very thin, elegant cross-sections. Þormóðr, which was hammered all the way out to the edge with no obstructions, In the near left photo, while a photo of a historic axe head with that diamond edgeįóstbræðra saga chapter 23 tells of a special axe made by Section of the head near the edge was sometimes diamond shape, which providedįor greater strength for a given weight of iron. Typically, axeheads had a wedge-shaped cross section. Surface with inlays of silver and gold and was found in a rich grave Some axe heads were elaborately decorated with inlays of precious The steel permitted the axe to hold a better edge than iron would have Line is clearly visible in the sketch and in the historical axe head.

Of this axe is made of hardened steel welded to the iron head. Largest of the axe heads shown to the right is 22cm (9in) long. Had crescent shaped edges 22 to 45cm (9-18in) long. Long, while later in the Viking age, axes became much larger. Part of the Viking era, the cutting edge was generally 7 to 15cm (3-6in) While the photo to the left shows three earlier axe heads. Sketch to the right shows three different 11 th century axe heads, Axe heads were made of iron and were single edged.Ī wide variety of axe head shapes were used in the The photo to the left shows two reproduction battle axes based on 10 thĬentury finds, while the photo on the right shows a historic 10 thĬentury axe head. Man could pick up the farm axe and use it in a fight.Īxes meant for battle were designed a bit differently than farm axes. The axe was often the choice of the poorest man in theįarm had to have a wood axe (left) for cutting and splitting wood.

In reality, battle axes in the Viking age were light, fast, and well balanced,Īnd were good for speedy, deadly attacks, as well as for a variety of nasty, When people think of Viking age weapons, they usually think first of the battle axe,Īnd the image that forms in their mind is a massive weapon that only a troll could wield. Until we find time to make the needed updates to this page, we strongly encourage readers to look at this topic as it is presented in our new book, Men of Terror, available now from your favorite book seller.

Bearded battle axe free#

If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 1-80.Much of the text presented on this page is out-of-date. Based on historical design, these weapons promise to be great for costumes, re-enactments, and displays. Let your fierce presence be seen and show your enemies you mean business by arming yourself with one of our various selections of Viking axes. Proving their effectiveness in warfare, these weapons paved the way for other polearms to enter the scene and their legacy lives on with Armor Venue’s line of Viking Axes. As the Viking battle axe rose to popularity, it became known as the “Danish axe” because of its fame within the Danish village. In addition to cutting and slicing, battle axes were designed specifically for throwing as well.

They also featured forged heads and hardened edges. In contrast to the regular axe, which was fairly uniform in its look, the battle axe had a broad blade and ranged in size, weight, and shape. With a dual purpose for battle and every day activities, this utilitarian piece was constructed from iron. Known as the weapon of the “common man” during the Viking Age, the axe was a simple, yet effective tool.