When choosing a Viking axe, there are several factors to consider. For example, you might want to decide between asymmetrical and symmetrical designs, or between thick and flat. You may also want to consider the shield versus the hammer. These questions are crucial to understanding the Viking axe. Ultimately, you should choose the type of axe that best suits your needs. After all, it is your reenactment axe after all!
asymmetrical vs symmetrical

If you've ever wondered what makes a Viking axe look different, it's because of the shape of the head. Most Viking axe heads had shield-shaped eyes, and the back was often flat or slightly asymmetrical. You can see these differences in a reproduction Viking axe head to the right, and in a historical one in the background. You can also find both asymmetrical and symmetrical Viking axe heads.

Both types of axes have different shapes, and the head may be mounted either from the tapered end of the shaft or from the top. The latter type of mount requires a metal or wooden wedge to fix the axe head. It can also be secured with a nail or leather securing. Both methods of mounting were common during the Viking Age in Europe, including Norway and Sweden.

Asymmetrical vs symmetrical cross-vs-axes: Although Vikings did not typically use axes for throwing in fights, they would have used them if they wished. In fact, one story tells of a Norse king using an axe to kill the enemy Thorvaldr. In this story, Thrandr used his axe to hook its head over the wall of a fortification. He then pulled himself up with the axe handle and proceeded to slice off Hrafn's arm with it. It is possible that this was the normal Viking battle axe that Sigurd used. It would have been a rare occurrence, but it was a good example of how Viking axes were used in battle.
short vs long

The difference between the short and long cross-shaped Viking axes is primarily in their shape. The short cross-shaped axes are generally shorter than the long cross-shaped axes. In many cases, axe heads are made as a single piece with a hole punched in the haft. Thinner blades are folded around the eye. The edge is forged using a steel bit welded to the iron head. The wrap was sometimes symmetrical or asymmetrical, and the weld was placed slightly forward of the eye.

The head shape of Viking axes varied greatly. Some Viking axe heads were double-edged or even had a hardened steel edge welded to them. The long-edged axes were more suitable for heavy-duty work. In addition to the length, the Viking war axes were usually between one and five feet long, or 30 cm and 1.5 meters. Some Viking axes even had caps at the end of the haft to protect the Viking's skull. Some Viking axes also had horns on the heel or toe of the blade.
flat vs thick

The debate between flat and thick crossed Viking axes has been raging for centuries. The two types of axes have different benefits and drawbacks and are important to consider when choosing an axe. The axe's thin blade is easier to control than its thick, crossed counterpart. Both of these types of axes are effective weapons and the choice of either type will depend on the type of use it will serve.

Axes were often used for defense and to hunt. To protect the blades, they were wrapped with iron or metal. The curved head of the Viking axe maximizes the transfer of power. It also looks better in hand. While it may not look as beautiful as a thick, crossed Viking axe, it's a powerful weapon. It was widely used for hunting and taming animals.

Axes were also used for throwing. In the middle ages, foot soldiers used axes to kill enemies. Axe throwing was later made into a competitive sport. While axes vary in type and style, they all must be sturdy and durable. Here's a look at some of the most popular types of Viking axes. If you're looking for a viking axe, you've come to the right place!
hammer vs shield

One of the most interesting differences between the hammer and the shield used in Viking battles is the shape of the axe head. The axe head can be twisted in a variety of ways and could sometimes fly off during a battle. This can be particularly discouraging, as it could discourage a fighter. A similar problem existed in the Hardar saga, where Hordur, a warrior, was surrounded by his opponents and killed them with his axe. The story goes on to tell how another viking, Thorsteinn gullknappr, tried to seduce Gudrun and cut her backbone in half.

Unlike the sword, the axe's horns can be used offensively as well. When used for stabbing, the axe horn can hook a person's neck. It can also hook the edge of a shield and drag them off the ground. The axe can also be used to make a hooking attack on a shield. One Viking combat demo shows this technique.
length of haft

Axes were once the main weapons of ancient medieval Norse warriors. Originally made of wood that grew naturally with a curve, Viking axes can be a long or hand-held weapon. The haft, or handle, was often wrapped in metal. Although there is no specific length of haft on Viking axes, the blade's head typically had a tapered end to fit securely on the haft and resist pulling forces.

Axe heads were sometimes blown off their hafts during combat, causing injuries and defeating the warrior. The Egils saga, chapter 38, describes how one axehead shattered after striking a hard object. Another example is described in Hardar saga, in which Hordur's axe killed six men. Another example of this is in the Hardar saga, where Hordur killed six men with his axe, including his own father, Thorsteinn gullknappr.

The head of a Viking axe is typically shaped like a thick wedge. A large nail was used to secure the haft, but some Viking axes had elegant cross-sections. In other cases, a steel bit was welded onto the iron head for the edge. In some cases, the wrap was asymmetrical, and the weld was positioned slightly forward of the eye.
eye shape

The Viking axe has a distinct shape. It is called an eye. The top edge of the axe's shank is flattened. This allows the axe's eye to be formed by the edges of the shank's profile. The cheeks are then cross-fulled to a thickness of about 3/8". The cheeks are then fullered on both the left and right sides, as the outer edges of the poll and the eye joint match.

The eye shape is often a result of a process called drifting. Some Viking axes were hammered all the way to the blade edge, resulting in a blade that was extremely sharp. Other axeheads had thin elegant cross-sections, making them too delicate to split wood. These axes are meant for splitting skulls, not splitting wood. These axes are also often found with thick wedge shaped heads, showing that they were forged as a single piece. The drift that punches out the eye is an important feature of these axes.

The eye shape of Viking axes varied from asymmetrical to symmetrical. Thicker blades showed evidence of being folded around the eye. Often, a steel bit was welded onto the iron head to give it the edge. In some cases, the weld was asymmetrical, or positioned slightly forward of the eye. In other cases, the blade was welded to the haft, resulting in an asymmetrical axe head.
haft curvature

Axes from Viking times had a unique curve. They were made of wood that naturally developed a curve and could be shaped into a long or a hand axe. The shape of the Viking haft maximized power transfer. The Vikings also liked to embellish everything. A haft of an axe is often wrapped in nails, leather, or metal. This protects it from being damaged, especially during use.

The head of the Viking axe was usually wedge-shaped and a single piece. A hole was punched out with drift to accommodate the haft. The thinner blades were folded to keep the eye in place. The edge was forged by welding a steel bit to the iron head. The wrap was either symmetrical or asymmetrical. The weld was often placed slightly forward of the eye.

A large curve is present in many modern battle axes. This shape is characteristic of the shaved ax, the earliest form of the broadax. It had a haft of about one and a half feet and was often used to make sweeping cuts on horseback. A broadax was another form, with a longer haft and a full convex edge.
weight of axe

The weight of crossed viking axes is an important aspect to consider in comparing axes from different periods. There are several differences between these weapons, which is the primary reason for the different weights. The axes with the highest weights were Viking shields generally smaller and wider than those with the highest weights. Although the axes from the Scandinavian region were larger and wider, they were still relatively light.

The blade of the long axe was made of thin, forged steel. It was also remarkably light, weighing around a kilogram. The blade is comparatively thin, with the body's thickness about two millimeters at the top edge. Many of these axes were made with a reinforced bit, usually of higher carbon steel, to help create a harder edge. The axes typically weighed between two and four kilograms. A long axe resembled a modern meat cleaver more than anything else, being lively with devastating cutting abilities.

The blades of these axes had a variety of uses. They were often used for domestic chores like cutting wood. They were made from forged steel or carbon steel, and were often made with oak or ash hafts. As a result, axes were cheap to produce, making them accessible for even the poorer people. Axes also had many uses in the Viking world.g Axes

When choosing a Viking axe, there are several factors to consider. For example, you might want to decide between asymmetrical and symmetrical designs, or between thick and flat. You may also want to consider the shield versus the hammer. These questions are crucial to understanding the Viking axe. Ultimately, you should choose the type of axe that best suits your needs. After all, it is your reenactment axe after all!
asymmetrical vs symmetrical

If you've ever wondered what makes a Viking axe look different, it's because of the shape of the head. Most Viking axe heads had shield-shaped eyes, and the back was often flat or slightly asymmetrical. You can see these differences in a reproduction Viking axe head to the right, and in a historical one in the background. You can also find both asymmetrical and symmetrical Viking axe heads.

Both types of axes have different shapes, and the head may be mounted either from the tapered end of the shaft or from the top. The latter type of mount requires a metal or wooden wedge to fix the axe head. It can also be secured with a nail or leather securing. Both methods of mounting were common during the Viking Age in Europe, including Norway and Sweden.

Asymmetrical vs symmetrical cross-vs-axes: Although Vikings did not typically use axes for throwing in fights, they would have used them if they wished. In fact, one story tells of a Norse king using an axe to kill the enemy Thorvaldr. In this story, Thrandr used his axe to hook its head over the wall of a fortification. He then pulled himself up with the axe handle and proceeded to slice off Hrafn's arm with it. It is possible that this was the normal Viking battle axe that Sigurd used. It would have been a rare occurrence, but it was a good example of how Viking axes were used in battle.
short vs long

The difference between the short and long cross-shaped Viking axes is primarily in their shape. The short cross-shaped axes are generally shorter than the long cross-shaped axes. In many cases, axe heads are made as a single piece with a hole punched in the haft. Thinner blades are folded around the eye. The edge is forged using a steel bit welded to the iron head. The wrap was sometimes symmetrical or asymmetrical, and the weld was placed slightly forward of the eye.

The head shape of Viking axes varied greatly. Some Viking axe heads were double-edged or even had a hardened steel edge welded to them. The long-edged axes were more suitable for heavy-duty work. In addition to the length, the Viking war axes were usually between one and five feet long, or 30 cm and 1.5 meters. Some Viking axes even had caps at the end of the haft to protect the Viking's skull. Some Viking axes also had horns on the heel or toe of the blade.
flat vs thick

The debate between flat and thick crossed Viking axes has been raging for centuries. The two types of axes have different benefits and drawbacks and are important to consider when choosing an axe. The axe's thin blade is easier to control than its thick, crossed counterpart. Both of these types of axes are effective weapons and the choice of either type will depend on the type of use it will serve.

Axes were often used for defense and to hunt. To protect the blades, they were wrapped with iron or metal. The curved head of the Viking axe maximizes the transfer of power. It also looks better in hand. While it may not look as beautiful as a thick, crossed Viking axe, it's a powerful weapon. It was widely used for hunting and taming animals.

Axes were also used for throwing. In the middle ages, foot soldiers used axes to kill enemies. Axe throwing was later made into a competitive sport. While axes vary in type and style, they all must be sturdy and durable. Here's a look at some of the most popular types of Viking axes. If you're looking for a viking axe, you've come to the right place!
hammer vs shield

One of the most interesting differences between the hammer and the shield used in Viking battles is the shape of the axe head. The axe head can be twisted in a variety of ways and could sometimes fly off during a battle. This can be particularly discouraging, as it could discourage a fighter. A similar problem existed in the Hardar saga, where Hordur, a warrior, was surrounded by his opponents and killed them with his axe. The story goes on to tell how another viking, Thorsteinn gullknappr, tried to seduce Gudrun and cut her backbone in half.

Unlike the sword, the axe's horns can be used offensively as well. When used for stabbing, the axe horn can hook a person's neck. It can also hook the edge of a shield and drag them off the ground. The axe can also be used to make a hooking attack on a shield. One Viking combat demo shows this technique.
length of haft

Axes were once the main weapons of ancient medieval Norse warriors. Originally made of wood that grew naturally with a curve, Viking axes can be a long or hand-held weapon. The haft, or handle, was often wrapped in metal. Although there is no specific length of haft on Viking axes, the blade's head typically had a tapered end to fit securely on the haft and resist pulling forces.

Axe heads were sometimes blown off their hafts during combat, causing injuries and defeating the warrior. The Egils saga, chapter 38, describes how one axehead shattered after striking a hard object. Another example is described in Hardar saga, in which Hordur's axe killed six men. Another example of this is in the Hardar saga, where Hordur killed six men with his axe, including his own father, Thorsteinn gullknappr.

The head of a Viking axe is typically shaped like a thick wedge. A large nail was used to secure the haft, but some Viking axes had elegant cross-sections. In other cases, a steel bit was welded onto the iron head for the edge. In some cases, the wrap was asymmetrical, and the weld was positioned slightly forward of the eye.
eye shape

The Viking axe has a distinct shape. It is called an eye. The top edge of the axe's shank is flattened. This allows the axe's eye to be formed by the edges of the shank's profile. The cheeks are then cross-fulled to a thickness of about 3/8". The cheeks are then fullered on both the left and right sides, as the outer edges of the poll and the eye joint match.

The eye shape is often a result of a process called drifting. Some Viking axes were hammered all the way to the blade edge, resulting in a blade that was extremely sharp. Other axeheads had thin elegant cross-sections, making them too delicate to split wood. These axes are meant for splitting skulls, not splitting wood. These axes are also often found with thick wedge shaped heads, showing that they were forged as a single piece. The drift that punches out the eye is an important feature of these axes.

The eye shape of Viking axes varied from asymmetrical to symmetrical. Thicker blades showed evidence of being folded around the eye. Often, a steel bit was welded onto the iron head to give it the edge. In some cases, the weld was asymmetrical, or positioned slightly forward of the eye. In other cases, the blade was welded to the haft, resulting in an asymmetrical axe head.
haft curvature

Axes from Viking times had a unique curve. They were made of wood that naturally developed a curve and could be shaped into a long or a hand axe. The shape of the Viking haft maximized power transfer. The Vikings also liked to embellish everything. A haft of an axe is often wrapped in nails, leather, or metal. This protects it from being damaged, especially during use.

The head of the Viking axe was usually wedge-shaped and a single piece. A hole was punched out with drift to accommodate the haft. The thinner blades were folded to keep the eye in place. The edge was forged by welding a steel bit to the iron head. The wrap was either symmetrical or asymmetrical. The weld was often placed slightly forward of the eye.

A large curve is present in many modern battle axes. This shape is characteristic of the shaved ax, the earliest form of the broadax. It had a haft of about one and a half feet and was often used to make sweeping cuts on horseback. A broadax was another form, with a longer haft and a full convex edge.
weight of axe

The weight of crossed viking axes is an important aspect to consider in comparing axes from different periods. There are several differences between these weapons, which is the primary reason for the different weights. The axes with the highest weights were generally smaller and wider than those with the highest weights. Although the axes from the Scandinavian region were larger and wider, they were still relatively light.

The blade of the long axe was made of thin, forged steel. It was also remarkably light, weighing around a kilogram. The blade is comparatively thin, with the body's thickness about two millimeters at the top edge. Many of these axes were made with a reinforced bit, usually of higher carbon steel, to help create a harder edge. The axes typically weighed between two and four kilograms. A long axe resembled a modern meat cleaver more than anything else, being lively with devastating cutting abilities.

The blades of these axes had a variety of uses. They were often used for domestic chores like cutting wood. They were made from forged steel or carbon steel, and were often made with oak or ash hafts. As a result, axes were cheap to produce, making them accessible for even the poorer people. Axes also had many uses in the Viking world.