Few weapons were more feared or coveted in the Viking Age than the axe. These weapons could Viking axe cleave through helmets and mail in a single blow.

One of the first scholars to create a typology for Viking swords, Jan Petersen, also created one for axes. His axe typology is still used today.
Handle

Axes were used primarily for close combat and the handle is very important to get a good grip on it. A well made axe will be comfortable in your hand and feel sturdy. There are many different types of handles available, so you can choose based on your preference. The most common type of axe handle is wood, but it can also be made of metal or other materials. Some are designed for one-handed use, while others can be used with both hands. There are also a number of ways to attach the head to the handle, including using a rivet or hammering it in place.

Viking axes had long, sharp blades that were effective in both close combat and at range. A single blow could decapitate an enemy or shatter shields and armor. These weapons were surprisingly efficient, as they used less metal than swords and needed far less labor to make. They were a staple of the Viking arsenal and were often the first weapon that Viking men learned to use.

Axe blades were usually crafted from iron or steel, although there is an ancient example of a bronze axe found in Iceland. The Vikings forged the iron heads by heating them with fire and pounding on them with a mallet until they were hard. They then polished the head to remove any slag and made sure it was razor sharp.

Most surviving axes are undecorated, but some highly ornate examples have been found. The Mammen axe, for example, was inlaid with silver designs on the head and shaft. There are also numerous mentions of runes being added to axes in the sagas.

Making an axe handle takes time and skill. Traditionally, the handle was made from a solid piece of wood that was carved to fit the head. This method made the handles very strong and durable. However, modern axes are usually made from metal and require a much shorter process to create the handle.

The most popular Viking axe is the Danish axe, which was used in close-quarters battles and as a throwing weapon. This type of axe is ideal for those who are interested in Viking history and outdoor activities. It can be displayed on a wall, carried on adventures, or even engaged in throwing competitions. It is a great way to channel the Viking spirit and test your skills as you hone your throwing abilities.
Blade

In a time when wood was the primary building material, it is not surprising that Vikings used their axes as tools in addition to weapons. Viking axes were used to build boats, houses, wagons and other objects as well as to chop down trees and kill enemies on the battlefield. Consequently, they came in many different shapes and sizes. One of the most beautiful axes ever found is the Mammen axe, which dates from 900-971 AD. This axe was made of iron with silver inlay and was decorated in the “Mammen style” – a mix of Christian and pagan patterns and motifs. It is clear that this axe belonged to a person of high status, possibly even a chieftain.

Another way to classify axes is by their head shape. Jan Petersen was a pioneer in creating typologies of Viking weapons, including axes. His axe typology works in the same way as his sword typology, assigning letters to different designs. His axe head type classifications are still widely used today.

The axe heads were usually long, with the lower edge extending downward like a beard (skeggx) or having pointed "horns" on each side of the head (oxarhyrna). These horns were sharpened and could be used for cutting attacks. They also helped to pierce and split armor. A clever trick that can be done with an axe is to drive the horns into the enemy's body, killing him. This is mentioned in Fostbraedra saga chapter 23.

Axes were also used for throwing attacks, as described in the sagas. For example, Sigurdr threw his axe at Thorvaldr in battle and killed him. The axe head is also useful for stabbing. The tip of the axe is wider than a sword or spear point, so it can cut deeply into the flesh.

Axe hafts were often wrapped in leather. A detail from the historic axe shown to the right shows this wrap, along with a detail of a reproduction axe based on this find. The bend in the haft near the head is designed to maximize the transfer of power from the arm, shoulder and upper body to the blade's contact point with its target.
Shield

In the Viking age, few weapons were more feared or more evocative than the axe. With its long shaft, wielded in both hands, and iron head it was a formidable weapon, capable of cleaving heads and bodies with a single blow. But the axe was not just an offensive weapon, it also served a defensive purpose. As such, its use was nearly universal in Viking battles and feuds. Unlike swords, which required a high level of skill to wield, and were expensive due to their iron and steel content, the axe was an affordable weapon for almost anyone.

Even ordinary woodworking axes could be used as weapons, and were often adapted to this end. The axes used on board ship, for instance, were sometimes fitted with shields to protect crew members from rain and waves.

The shield of an axe was typically made from spruce, fir, or pine, although literary evidence suggest that the shields in some sagas were made with linden wood (Tilia). Linden was preferred because it offered more protection than other types of wood and did not split as easily under impact.

On some axes, particularly those intended for use in combat, a beard or acorn was carved along the edge. This decoration was both ornamental and functional, as it helped to distinguish an axe from an ordinary tool. It also served to protect a fighter’s hand, by hooking an enemy’s weapon or shield. As mentioned earlier, this was a very common tactic in battles, described in many sagas.

In addition to hooking weapons, the beard of an axe was also useful in disarming opponents. For example, chapter 12 of Fostbraedra saga tells how Thorgeirr held a spear in one hand and an axe in the other while fighting against Snorri. He used the axe to hook Snorri’s spear shaft behind his beard, thereby pulling it away from him and allowing him to strike.

The axes of Viking warriors often displayed a variety of decorative motifs. The axe from Mammen, for example, features a bird motif that can be interpreted as both pagan and Christian. The bird is either the rooster Gullinkambi, who sits on top of the tree Yggdrasil and crows to wake the world every morning, or the Phoenix, which symbolizes rebirth.
Weight

During the Viking Age, most people would have an axe in their household for tasks such as cutting wood or splitting it. So it is not surprising that these axes were also used as weapons on the battlefield. As a weapon the axe is quite deadly, especially for those who are well trained in its use. It can tear through shields like paper and easily take down an opponent in close combat.

The axe’s curved edge concentrates the force of the blow into a smaller area and can cut through helmets and mail. It is also able to hook an opponent’s ankle and throw them off balance. This can be particularly effective in combination with a spear or sword. The sagas often mention that axe heads flew off their hafts during fights, and this must have been very discouraging for the fighter.

It is not uncommon for the axe to be used as a throwing weapon, as it has sufficient weight to cause bludgeon damage as well as cut through flesh and bone. This makes the axe a versatile weapon for long-range raiding and brings enough bite to defeat locals even when they are well armed with swords or spears.

Most axes were undecorated, but there are some highly ornate ones that have been found. One famous example is a beautiful iron axe that was inlaid with silver and dates from the grave at Mammen in Jutland, Denmark. This axe has given its name to the Mammen style of decoration.

Another important feature of the axe is its sheath. Sheaths are made of leather that is either tanned or stained with dye to create a natural look. The sheath is then sewn or pinned together to fit the axe head. It must be able to resist both pulling and pushing forces. A sheath must be sturdy and flexible enough to hold an axe, but it should not be too rigid that it will crush the haft. It should also be a good fit so that the axe cannot fall off during a fight.