Viking style axes were one of the most popular weapons in the medieval period. viking shields
They were not only used in combat but also for farming and other duties.

Axes have a variety of head shapes, some were very thin and elegant while others were thicker and heavier. The blades tended to have wedge-shaped cross-sections, sometimes diamond shaped near the edge for greater strength.
Dane Axe

The Dane Axe is one of the most popular Viking-style axes. Its head is a narrow bit with a sharp edge mounted on a long shaft, and is superbly designed for powerful blows.

This weapon was primarily used during the European Viking Age and Early Middle Ages, though it has been found in other regions as well. Its history can be traced to the Viking people of Scandinavia, but it was also used by the Franks and Saxons of England.

During the 12th and 13th centuries, the Dane Axe became widely used as a battle weapon in Europe. It was a modification of the woodsman's axe and, despite its name, became popular across the continent.

It is a two-handed weapon, with a 22 cm long blade and a shaft that's about a meter (39 inches) long. It's relatively light, making it easy to wield.

The Dane Axe is a very effective weapon for players looking to get into the action of Valhalla and take down enemies with a single swing. It's also a great parrying machine, which is why it's a perfect choice for a Viking-style Assassin.

If you are a fan of the game and want to try out one of these weapons, then you should consider getting one of Epic Armoury's Dane Axes. These weapons are made from durable closed cell foam around a solid fibreglass core and are coated in a strong latex coating to ensure safety and appeal during your LARPing adventures.

Axes come in all shapes and sizes, from small one-handed hatchets to larger battle-axes held with both hands. The Dane Axe is on the large side of the spectrum, with a 22 cm long axe-blade and a shaft that's about 1.2 meters long.

This axe is a reproduction of an ancient Danish axe, recreated in battle-safe materials and handpainted to mimic the look of a real Danish weapon. The handle and head are made from soft, lightweight foam reinforced with a harder foam core, while the shaft is made from a durable closed cell foam that does not shred or become damaged.
Bearded Axe

The Bearded Axe is one of the most popular Viking style axes. It was a staple of viking warriors, who were known for their skill and resourcefulness.

They would often make use of axes for combat, as they were less expensive than swords. The axe was also easier to use, making it more versatile.

Unlike the Native American tomahawk or earlier Bronze Age and Iron Age axes, the bearded axe was designed with a longer blade section, which extended below the haft. This design allowed the user to grip the haft directly behind the head for planing or shaving wood and variations of this style are still in use by modern woodworkers.

Another unique feature of a Bearded Axe is its protruding lower portion, which is referred to as the “beard.” This portion can be used to hook the weapon or shield of an opponent, which can be very useful during battle. It also helps to reduce the weight of the axe, which can be important for those who are battling in close quarters.

The bearded axe was also very useful for hunting, as it could be used to hook the limb of a deer or other animal and rip it open. It was also incredibly sharp, which meant that it could be used for skinning.

It was also a great tool for building shelters, as it was extremely lightweight. Moreover, it was often made from timber that was very durable and hard to break.

A Bearded Axe was also an excellent tool for carpenters and woodworkers, as it was very easy to cut through materials without putting too much force on the blade. It was also very easy to sharpen, and the long cutting edge helped to make it easier for a user to control the blade during slicing or carving.

A Bearded Axe was also a fantastic tool for hunting, as it was very sharp, which meant that it could be used to hook the limb or shield of an opponent, which can be useful during battle. It also helps to reduce weight, which can be important for those who are fighting in close quarters.
One-Handed Axe

The Viking one-handed axe is a versatile tool that can be used for chopping wood, hunting or other tasks around the camp or woods. Its light weight and balance makes it easier to use than a sword, while its sharp blade can cut through anything you throw at it.

The axe head has the potential to hook an opponent's body part, such as the leg or arm, pulling them off balance and opening up space for a strike. It can also be hooked over the edge of a shield to pull it away for an attack, or to disarm an opponent.

This style of axe was most often used for fighting, but they were also used for chopping firewood and other everyday tasks. This is why they are usually much more common than two-handed axes.

A one-handed axe can be used to chop wood, whereas a two-handed axe is more likely to have a sheath or other protection for the blade. The handle of a one-handed axe can be wrapped in leather or tanned hides, providing better grip when the axe is being used to chop wood or fight.

They can also be used to pull an opponent off balance and open up space for a strike, such as by hooking over the neck or pushing the arm, as described in chapter 22 of Sturlu saga. The back of the axe, called the oxarhamar (axe hammer), can be used to pound an opponent for lethal and non-lethal blows.

During a battle, they were also sometimes thrown to surprise opponents and to strike their heads. For example, in chapter 33 of Hardar saga og Holmverja, Sigurdr threw his axe at Thorvaldr, hitting him in the head.

There is no evidence that axes were routinely thrown during a battle, but they did happen in desperate situations. They were often thrown when the sword or spear was not enough to stop an attacker.

When they did hit an opponent, the axe head could tear off the haft. This happened a lot because the axes were often forged with iron instead of bronze, and they were not very tough.
Two-Handed Axe

The two-handed axe is one of the most important weapons used by the Vikings. Its curved edge concentrated the force of each blow into a small section of the blade, so it could punch through armor with ease. The axe was also an effective weapon for hooking an opponent’s ankle, throwing them off balance and onto the ground.

Axes were often decorated with motifs that indicated their owner’s status and importance (right). For example, an axe given to Sneglu-Halli was decorated with a silver knob topped with a gold stone. This is a sign that the owner was well respected by his king and was likely a member of the royal court.

Although they were often seen as symbols of power, axes were also a common weapon in sagas and were used for both combat and hunting. For example, chapter 33 of Hardar saga og Holmverja tells the story of Sigurdr who threw his axe at Thorvaldr in a desperate battle. The axe hit Thorvaldr in the head, killing him and Sigurdr.

Another technique that was used with axes is chopping; a basic attack involves bending the head of the axe downward and hitting the target. This chopping technique is often mentioned in sagas, and it’s one that’s easy to pick up.

It’s also a very good training tool for anyone looking to learn how to use an axe safely. This practice weapon is made from polyethylene so it’s lightweight and durable, but it’s still as deadly as real steel.

This replica axe is a full-functioning version of the axe that Viking warriors used during their days of combat. Its axehead is forged from high carbon steel, and it’s equipped with a wooden haft that is also forged from high carbon steel. It’s a perfect choice for LARPing or Halloween costumes!

The axehead was often engraved with motifs that were specific to the Viking people. For instance, an axe found in Mammen, Norway displays the rooster Gullinkambi on one side and the Phoenix on the other. The rooster is a symbol of Old Norse mythology while the phoenix is a symbol of rebirth for Christians.