Axes were a Viking axes
common weapon among Vikings. They were inexpensive compared to swords and could be quickly put into use.

Axes came in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they were light enough to be wielded one-handed. They were also well balanced. This makes them a dangerous weapon in close combat.
The axe from Mammen

The beautiful axe we offer here closely replicates the highly detailed engraved patterns of the silver-inlaid original. It has a 10 cm long tempered steel axe head mounted on a 41 cm long hardwood shaft. The axe is suitable for re-enactment use, and its sharpened blade should be handled with extreme caution.

Vikings considered their axes to be both weapons and tools. They were often used in place of swords, as they were lighter for slashing attacks and more versatile around the camp. They could also be hooked over other body parts, such as the neck (right), to compel an enemy to move in a direction he didn’t want to go, as described by Thorsteinn in chapter 22 of Sturlu saga.

Many axes were decorated with elaborate engravings, which are known as the Mammen Style after an axe discovered in a Viking Age grave at Mammen in Jutland, Denmark. The axe was inlaid with silver, and the decoration has been interpreted as both Christian and pagan. It is thought that the axe belonged to a man of high status, and dendrochronology suggests it was made during the winter of 970-71 AD.

The axe head is shaped like a bird with a prominent spiral hip joint. The axe head has an open, hook-like tail and three overlapping tendrils. The central tendril sprouts a set of winding tendrils, and the two outer ones have semi-circular nicks that are characteristic of the Mammen Style.

The axe is adorned with a variety of other patterns, including interlaced knots and a triangular human mask, possibly depicting Gullinkambi or the rooster Guldallambi. On the other side of the axe is a motif that may be either a tree or an animal figure. The axe is also inlaid with a runic inscription, which is a common feature of the Mammen style. This axe was found in a rich burial barrow, with other costly furnishing, and scholars suggest that the buried person belonged to King Harald Bluetooth’s court circle. He may have been a magnate, and the axe is thought to have served as his parade weapon.
The axe head

Axes come in all shapes and sizes, but there are some that perform better than others for specific purposes. For instance, a felling axe is designed to cut through large logs of wood while a shepherd’s axe is used for light work such as cutting down saplings or clearing brush. A good axe should be able to provide precision and power. In addition, it should have a sturdy handle that is made of a strong material such as hickory. The grain of the handle should run lengthways and curve into the head for strength and durability.

The axe head is a metal blade that is attached to the haft, which connects to the shoulder of the axe handle. It is important that the axe head has a sharp edge to cut through the wood. A good axe head should also be a bit thick, so it can withstand a lot of pressure without breaking.

Another essential feature of an axe is the eye. This is the hole where the haft is mounted to the head. Although it is called the eye, most of it is not visible because it is above the bit. The eye is the most likely part of an axe to break, but it can be repaired with relative ease.

Lastly, a good axe should have a lug that runs along the shoulder of the head and axe handle. The lug is used to tighten the axe head and handle, which increases durability. It is also used to shape the axe head and make it more comfortable for use.

Axes have many different functions and features, but the most important are portability, functionality, and accuracy. When choosing an axe, it is important to consider all of these factors before making your purchase. A good axe will be able to chop through wood with ease, but it will also be easy to carry and maneuver.

Axes have a long history of being used as weapons, and some are still in use today. The viking axe is one of the most famous types of axes, and it was used throughout the Viking Age for both war and domestic purposes. The axe was usually one-handed, which allowed warriors to hold it comfortably in their dominant hand while using their shield in the other.
The axe haft

The axe haft (haut) is the longest part of an axe and can vary greatly in quality. Most viking axes are made from wood with a very straight grain and few knots. It is also treated with a special oil, which soaks into the wood and protects it from shrinking over time, especially in dry conditions.

A good axe haft is also shaped to maximize the transfer of power from arm, shoulder, and body to the blade at the point of impact. This helps to ensure the axe hits its target squarely. It is also shaped to help with chopping and splitting.

Most axes have carvings, often Norse runes or other motifs, on both the head and haft. These are often meant to be magical, giving the axe a protective or even offensive spirit. This was a common practice on all sorts of weapons, but is usually more common on battle axes than farm axes.

Some axes also have a pointed “horn” at either end of the head (oxarhyrna). These were kept sharp and could be used for stabbing attacks, like the one done by Kolbeinn in chapter 5 of the Eyrbyggja saga. They could also be used to puncture the chest of an opponent, as described by Hrafn in chapter 62 of the same saga.

When making an axe from scratch, the handle needs to be shaped. This is generally a lengthy process, and requires many different skills to accomplish. The axe haft is typically tapered and then fitted over the eye of the head to secure it in place. Some axes are attached with a wedge, while others are sewn or pinned to the haft.

The handle is then wrapped with leather or other material to protect the axe in storage and to give it a comfortable grip. It is also possible to add a sheath, but this is less common on axes as they were rarely used in combat.

If you’re looking for a high quality reproduction Viking axe then look no further than the Mammen axe from Nordic Replicas. It is a beautifully crafted piece of history that would be a wonderful addition to any display or collection of historic weaponry.
The axe handle

Almost any axe has two major components, the handle and the head. The handle is made of wood and can vary widely in shape, size, and design. The handle’s design is important because it determines how the axe will feel in your hand. It also affects how powerful the axe will be. It is important to look at each axe with curiosity and to modify nearly every handle you come across in order to find out how it feels in your hand. You should also try to understand why it might break and how you could prevent that from happening in the future.

The axe handle is typically made of birch, hornbeam, or spruce, but can be found in a variety of other materials. The most common axe handles have a square or rectangular shape. They are usually between 7 and 12 inches long. The handles are shaped in several different ways to provide a comfortable grip and increase the power of the swing. The bottom of the axe handle, called the End Knob or Swell-Knob, flares out for a bitter grip and to prevent the axe from splitting out of your hands during use. Above the End Knob, the haft curves back and is known as the Throat. Gripping the axe down here while swinging can provide a lot of power, but at the expense of accuracy. The Throat is where most people tend to grip the axe while using it for more detailed work such as felling or limbing.

In addition to the functional aspects of the axe handle, it also displays various motifs. For example, the axe from Mammen features a bird motif that can be interpreted as either the rooster Gullinkambi or the Phoenix. The rooster is an aspect of Norse mythology and the Phoenix is a Christian symbol of rebirth.

The axe horns can also be used offensively, as described in chapter 5 of Graenlendinga thattur. They can be hooked over other body parts, such as the neck (pictured right), to compel an opponent to move in a direction that they would rather not go or for stabbing attacks. Alternatively, the horns can be hooked over an enemy’s shield in an attempt to pull it away for a disarm.