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Viking Axes Canada

The axe was one of the main weapons in Viking warfare. Designed for single-handed use, it was ideal for warriors who could not afford to carry swords.

The axe head often had horns or points on it, which could be used to hook or stab shields and limbs. The sagas mention that occasionally axe heads shattered during combat.
Material

The axe was the most common hand weapon used by Viking warriors in battle. It could be thrown or wielded with both hands. Unlike swords, which were expensive and only available to rich warriors, the axe was an affordable tool that could be used by anyone. Axes could be used to cut down trees, sever limbs from enemies, and kill foes. They were also useful tools for woodworking and farming.

Unlike farm axes, which were usually small and light, Viking battle axes had a longer shaft and a larger head. This design meant that they were easier to swing and harder to miss. They also had a unique rune carving on their head that made them more of a status symbol for miner vikings.

In addition to the carving, many axes also displayed a bird motif. These birds were either the rooster Gullinkambi (Old Norse “golden comb”) or the Phoenix (Old Norse “Golden Fleece”). The rooster is associated with the Norse tree Yggdrasil, and the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth that belongs to Christian mythology.

After the axe blade is hardened it is tempered to about 220 degrees Celsius. It is then treated with a mixture of bees wax, linseed oil, and turpentine to protect it from corrosion. After the axe is finished, it is polished and sharpened. Finally, it is coated with a special rust protection powder.

Another important feature of a Viking battle axe was its haft, which was carved with a distinctive curved profile. The haft also had a distinct bend near the head, which maximized the transfer of power from the arm to the blade. Axe hafts were often wrapped with leather.

In addition to the axe, Viking warriors also used shields and chain mail to protect themselves from attacks. They also wore horned helmets, which protected the head and neck. They were also well-versed in the use of bows and arrows, which were commonly used as ranged weapons.
Design

The Viking axe was a versatile weapon that could be used as a stand-alone weapon or paired with a sword or shield. Its curved head concentrated all the force of a blow into a small section, making it more powerful than other edged weapons. In addition, it could be hooked over other parts of the body, such as the neck, to compel a person to move in a direction that they didn’t want to go. For example, chapter 22 of Sturlu saga mentions that Thorsteinn hooked one of his opponents with an axe, dragging him over to where he could be stabbed. It could also be hooked over an opponent’s shield to pull it away, as described in chapter 10 of Thorskfirdinga saga.

The hafts of Viking axes were often wrapped with iron, possibly to reduce the risk that they would break when parrying edged weapons or under stress. In some cases, they were forged using a technique called riving. This involved wrapping the haft around a cylinder of iron or other metal, then hammering it to create the shape of the axe head.

During the Viking Age, there were many different types of axes. Some were designed for combat, while others were more suited to chopping wood. Generally, battle axes were lighter and had shorter handles than farming axes. They also had wider heads.

Axes could be worn on the belt as a weapon or as a badge of rank. For instance, the provost marshal, a non-commissioned officer who was tasked with maintaining order and carrying out punishments, wore a ceremonial axe on his uniform. Similarly, sappers, military woodsmen, carried axes on parade as a sign of their profession.

Darksword Armory’s viking axes are designed to feel, handle and perform like the originals. They’re crafted from hickory, a dense and durable type of wood that offers exceptional resistance to wear and tear. The axes are hand-forged and hardened to ensure they’re resilient and capable of performing in harsh environments. They can be ordered with either a sharp or dull blade, depending on their intended use.
Weight

Forging an axe is a very labor-intensive process. The amount of steel used is huge, and the axe will be very heavy to handle. This is because the axe is made of very high-grade material that is both durable and tough. It is also important to make sure the axe is well-balanced. Otherwise, it will be difficult to control and will not perform as well in combat.

The Viking axe is an ancient weapon that was the main fighting tool for the Vikings. It was also used for chopping wood, hunting, and other everyday activities. Axes were much cheaper than swords, so even the poorest Viking could afford one.

While the axe was used mostly for cutting, it could also be used to stab enemies. The horns on the head (oxarhyrna) were kept sharp and could create vicious wounds if used for stabbing. This is a key feature of the axe, which allows it to be used as a secondary weapon in addition to a sword or spear.

Axes had a wide variety of shapes, depending on their purpose. Farm axes had straight edges that were 7 to 15cm (3-6in) long, while battle axes had elongated heads with a curved sabre-like curve called a “beard”. Some had one beard, while others had several.

Some axes were shaped like a shield and could be used to block an enemy’s attack, while others had a hook on the bottom called a “horseshoe”. The horsshoe allowed the axe to grip an enemy or their weapon or shield and hold it in place.

The axe was an essential part of a Viking warrior’s arsenal, as it was easier to use than a sword and required less skill. The axe was also more affordable and used less iron and steel, which were expensive resources during the Viking age. The axe became an important symbol of power and rank, and the Vikings often ornately decorated them as such. A symbol of the axe was worn by the provost marshal, a non-commissioned officer in charge of keeping order and administering punishment.
Finish

During the Viking age, axes were among the most common weapons. They were used both for fighting and for work. They were often made from iron and decorated with silver inlay. The axes were designed to be both practical and aesthetic. Axes were also used in rituals and ceremonies.

Several axes have been found in archaeological sites. The most famous is the Langeid axe, which was found in a grave in Mammen. This axe was made of iron and was beautifully decorated with silver inlay. The axe head was also carved with various motifs. These motifs were ambiguous and could be interpreted as both pagan and Christian. One of the motifs was a tree, which could be interpreted as either the pagan god Yggdrasil or the Christian Tree of Life. The other axe featured a bird, which could be the rooster Gullinkambi or the Phoenix.

The axe head was a crucial part of the axe. It was hammered all the way to the edge of the blade, which gave it an elegant cross-section. It was thicker in the back than in the front, which made it very strong and sturdy. The axe was also used to split skulls.

It is important to know the different types of Viking axes and how they were used. For example, the Dane ax was often used for hacking and chopping, while the Francisca was a throwing axe that was effective in hand-to-hand combat. There were also many regional variations in ax designs and construction during the Viking period, so it is important to know what type of axe you are looking for.

Once the axe is finished, it goes through two heat treatments. The first, called annealing, is necessary to remove the inner stresses in the steel. This is done by heating the axe to 850 degrees Celsius and then cooling it slowly. The axe then goes through the second heat treatment, which is normalizing. This process prepares the axe for the final step, which is hardening.

The making of a Viking axe involves a number of different processes, from creating the bog iron blooms to forging the actual axe head. This entire process was documented, with hundreds of pictures providing a detailed photographic record. Viking axe for sale
The selection available here provides a step-by-step guide to the various parts of the project. In addition to these images, a short film was produced documenting the whole process. The film is divided into short chapters each dedicated to a specific part of the production.