The Original Viking Axes

The original Viking axes are a piece of history. With the Viking axes advent of new technologies, the manufacturers have been able to recreate the blades of these axes. These axes are not as bulky and heavy as their predecessors and can be made with a thin blade, making each strike more accurate and precise.

Blade is thin to make each strike more precise

There is no doubt that the Scandinavians had some nifty axes. These were forged of solid wood such as oak or ash. The long ones are said to be as tough as rock, with the weight of the head capable of causing a good deal of injury. They were also a tad on the heavy side, but a well seasoned axe would have been a prized possession.

A few axes actually survived to be known as the surviving axes of the Viking age. A good specimen had a head measuring just under 15 cm in diameter and a haft of similar length. It had two hefty handles fashioned in a triangular pattern, with the ends tapered towards the point. An enticing feat of engineering, but one which required the shrewd acquisition of the proper axrylic lint to keep out the marauding raiders.

Another axe of note was the sparr, a variant of the aforementioned ax. These were not as fancy as the long ones, but were still impressive in their own way. Some of the more notable surviving examples sported a hefty blade of about two and a half feet in length, but were made of hardened oak, or what we would now call ebony. Not all surviving specimens were the same, however, and the differences were more subtle than a modern day battle axe.

The aforementioned ax was not alone in the throne; the bardiche and the sparr were the stalwarts of the day. Among the latter, the bardiche is a worthy contender for the title of the most effective weapon.

Skeggox axe has an asymmetrical head

If you are looking for a bearded axe that is light weight and will make you look cool on the field, the Skeggox may be the best option. It is a surprisingly robust tool that is great for camping, hunting, hiking, and a myriad of other outdoor activities.

The angled bit-bottom of the Skeggox makes it a perfect pick for ripping out shields or cracking skulls. Its symmetrical head and angled haft are designed to maximize the power transfer from blade to haft.

Aside from its angled head, the Skeggox is made of 80CRV2 steel and features a black Kydex bit cover. It also comes with a glass-reinforced nylon handle that is contoured for better grip.

There are a number of other interesting features to be found on the skeggox, including a full tang for maximum strength and a blade that extends nearly five inches. Although the Skeggox is not made for wood chipping, its wedge-shaped cutting edge is a good compromise between weight and durability.

As you can see from the photos above, the asymmetrical design of the Skeggox makes it an incredibly efficient tool. Its elongated lower part provides a wide cutting surface, and the aforementioned "short" handle is long enough to fit comfortably in a backpack.

Compared to the traditional Viking beard axe, the Skeggox is a lot lighter. You can even strap it to a backpack for easy transport. With optional clips, you can easily attach the axe to your belt or gear.

The CRKT Skeggox Axe is a durable tool that is also lightweight, with a full tang blade and a beard worthy of a Viking. Even the smallest parts of the axe are designed for the utmost efficiency.

King of Scotland killed Henry de Bohun with a single blow of his axe

A battle took place at Bannockburn in 1314 between Scottish Schiltrons and English Knights. This was the beginning of the First Scottish War of Independence. The Scots had a military advantage over the English. They had lands in England before the battle.

In the morning of June 23, 1314, Sir Henry de Bohun was in front of the line of troops. He was riding a small palfrey, armed with a battle-axe.

He saw a lone figure in chain mail riding a smaller horse. At first he thought it was a drunken fool. But he was mistaken. It turned out to be Robert the Bruce.

Bruce was a nimble and courageous knight. His axe had a long hardwood shaft. And its head was forged by hand.

Bohun was half-first cousin of Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford and Essex. He wore a golden crown on his helmet.

After the axe swung, it cut through Sir Henry's helmet, splitting it in two. It also split his head open.

When he fell, de Bohun was laying on the ground. Bruce, however, did not let the battle end so easily. Rather, he dashed toward him. With the horse's back to him, he pulled it aside. As he did so, de Bohun dropped his lance.

Bruce, however, swung the axe at him. It broke through the shaft, severing his head in two. Afterward, de Bohun lay dead on the ground.

Several days later, the battle ended with a victory for the Scots. They had gathered vast supplies and bolstered themselves with financial support from the Pope. During the battle, they defeated the English three to one.

By the time the Battle of Stiklestad took place in Norway in 1286, the Dane axe had become popular across the Viking-influenced areas of Scandinavia and Ireland.

Skeggox axe is available in a standard and deluxe set

The Skeggox, or the bearded axe, was a wooden cutting axe used during the Viking era. Its name refers to its elongated lower portion, which gives a wider cutting surface.

During the Viking age, most axes were made from iron. They had a variety of different head shapes. Some of them had thin elegant cross-sections, while others were decorated with precious metals. Besides the blade, they were often wrapped around the haft to help prevent breaking.

A typical Viking-age axe had a shield-shaped eye or D-shaped eye, as well as a flat back. Elongated parts of the blade were welded with a steel bit to increase the edge.

While the axe was often used for slashing attacks, it also had the power to punch through mail. As a result, it was able to knock opponents off their feet.

There were a variety of axe head designs in the Viking era, including some that had thick wedge-shaped edges. These had the appearance of being forged as a single piece.

Other axe heads were made from iron and had thin, elegant cross-sections. This was the same style as the Frankish throwing axes.

The axe horns widen more than the point of the spear, and the edge is much wider than the sword point. They can create vicious wounds if stabbed.

Typically, Viking-age axes had 7-15cm (3-6in) cutting edges. This makes it easy to cut through material and to direct the axe at the target. However, it is important to understand that axes were not routinely thrown in battle.

When a fighting man saw his axe flying out of his haft, it must have discouraged him. To help reduce the possibility of breaking, axe hafts were often wrapped in metal or wood.

Sheath is a modern reconstruction

A Viking axe was a highly impressive weapon. Its long, sharp blade could cut a human head in one blow. Besides being used in battle, it was also used to clear fallen branches, create a shelter, or simply split firewood.

The axe also came in several different sizes, shapes, and functions. Some were designed to be used as a tool, while others were for throwing.

The axe had a number of features, from a sharp cutting edge to a horn that made vicious cuts when stabbing. It was a formidable weapon that was used in battle, raids, and feuds throughout Europe. Among its most impressive features was its design.

Typical axe heads had a flat back, D-shaped eye, and a thicker top. Depending on the size of the axe, the head was usually wrapped in metal, or it was tapered down the middle. Similarly, the haft was wrapped to reduce the chances of breaking.

The axe's head was also designed to hook the edge of a shield. A Viking axe is a versatile weapon that can perform many of the same tasks as a spear or sword.

Another great feature is its ability to hook a limb. This was done by making the axe head curved, which allowed it to be hooked over the neck or other body parts.

The axe's other main attribute is its ability to be thrown. During battle, it was not uncommon to see a warrior leap up from the ground and pull himself up by the axe handle.

A good example of this is the famous Mammen axe. This axe was inlaid with silver designs and dated to AD 971.