Viking Axes

You may have been looking for a Viking axe and are wondering if this style is for you. This article will explain the different types of viking axes, from Short hafts to Dane axes. Read on to learn about the different characteristics of this type of axe, including its D-shaped eyes, Shield-shaped back, and more. You'll have an easier time choosing an axe for your needs once you've read this article.
Short hafts

Viking axes were not always made with long hafts. They had short hafts for various reasons. Viking axes often had a thick wedge-shaped head, and the haft hole was punched out using drift. The haft curved forward slightly, so that the blades folded over the eye of the haft. A steel bit was welded to the head of the axe, and in some cases the wrap was symmetrical or asymmetrical, and the weld was positioned slightly forward of the eye.

Axe heads typically had oval, egg-shaped, or round Viking axes sections. The shape of the head is similar to that of the original, but the reproduction lacks the pointed edge. The blade is not as sharp and thin as the original because it tapers at a pronounced angle from the socket to the edge. While some axeheads have elegant thin cross-sections, they are designed to split skulls and other solid objects. Some axeheads show evidence of being made as a single piece, with the eye punched out with drift.

A Viking axe with a short haft is considered a rare type of weapon. They are considered rare and expensive, and are often not used in battle. However, their short hafts make them very effective and powerful weapons. A short haft is useful for everyday use and a longer haft would be too heavy to carry. They were used by wealthy warriors in battle, and the blades are typically around 22-45cm (9-18in) long. The haft is usually wood, but could also be reinforced with iron strips.
Dane axes

One of the oldest battle axes was the Dane ax. It was used during the transition from the European Viking Age to the early Middle Ages. This type of axe is also known as an English long axe, Danish axe, and hafted ax. It is still used today and has many historical and mythological references. Today, you can find this type of axe at museums and historical societies.

The head of a Dane axe has a unique design. Rather than being a useful tool for woodworking, it was crafted exclusively for use in battle. In fact, the axe head's ornamentation is dotted and incised lines, rather than a round one. It is not clear why the design is unique to the Dane axe. But, its appearance is a reminder of its history.

The Dane ax was used primarily by Viking warriors in the 10th and 11th centuries. In this time, viking warriors considered them weapons of elites. They fought for both sides of the battlefield, and it is believed that a Viking soldier carrying a Dane axe was a bodyguard of King Harold of England during the Battle of Hastings. This type of viking axe continued to be used even into the 12th century.

The Dane axe is one of the oldest types of battle axes. It had a six-foot shaft and a twelve-inch head. The blade was extremely thin - as thin as two millimeters along the edge. It was incredibly lightweight, making it easy to swing and handle, which made it the ideal weapon for battle. In addition to this, the Dane axe had a large cutting surface.
D-shaped eyes

The D-shaped eyes on Viking axes were not always round. These eyes may have been made differently from modern models, but they did not have the same appearance as their Saxon counterparts. They were made by cutting a piece of metal and burning it onto the head to create a profile. In some cases, the wrap was asymmetrical or balanced, and the weld was placed slightly forward of the eye.

Other styles incorporated a series of geometric shapes. The Oseberg style was most prominent during the ninth century. Some of the pieces were religious in nature, and this style also appears on Viking axes. Generally, this style featured sinuous animal forms, and the fingers were gripping the necks and borders of various creatures. This motif remained in use for about 150 years. It was also used to identify people and places in the afterlife, namely the afterlife.

The origins of these carved motifs on Viking axes are not yet known, but they do have a certain symbolic value. They were thought to be used to identify Viking raiders who settled in England. Their axes have the distinctive D-shaped eyes that may have been designed to make their kill more difficult for the enemy. Moreover, these carved objects resemble the shape of a boat, indicating that they were used for hunting and fishing.
Shield-shaped back

In the Viking era, battle axes were usually between one and five feet long. The hafts of some Viking axes had elaborate designs, like shield-shaped backs, and some also had horns at the toe and heel. Although some axes were double-sided, this type of axe is not historically accurate. In contrast, the shield-shaped backs of some Viking axes are often reminiscent of the designs of hammers.

Axe heads were usually thick and wedge-shaped. The haft's eye was punched out using a drift. The blades were then folded around the eye. The edge was a steel bit welded onto the iron head. In some instances, the wrap was symmetrical, while in others, the weld was positioned slightly forward of the eye. The shield-shaped back is typical of Viking axes.

Axes were often curved in shape, which allowed the axe head to be hooked over body parts like the neck or arms. Axes were also used as weapons, as they could be dragged. Vikings did not use sheaths on their axes, but the sheaths have been used throughout history. In fact, the axe was made of a variety of materials, including metal and wood.

A shield-shaped back can be an important design feature of a Viking axe. During single combat, a Viking warrior would typically hold his axe in his hand. It is possible to imagine this Viking axe as having a boss that would trap enemy blades. And while shield-shaped backs are more likely to be a result of Viking axes that were intentionally made for single combat, they can be a symbol of their strength and skill.
Hammer-shaped back

The hammer-shaped back of Viking axes is a common feature, with the haft being tapered and curved to enhance power transfer. In some cases, the haft was wrapped in metal or iron. The Viking axe is similar to the Viking sword in its overall shape, with the curved head maximizing power transfer. The haft may be shaped like a hammer with a flat face or a round head.

In addition, the axe's head was usually shield or D-shaped. The haft, which is either 70cm long or 140cm long, was designed for two-handed use. The reproduction axe is nicely balanced. Its long reach makes it suitable for two-handed use, with the shorter haft just 70cm long. Hammer-shaped back of Viking axes helps in reducing the risk of accidents when fighting.

The heads of Viking axes were usually thick, wedge-shaped, and fashioned with drift to form the eye. For the edge, a steel bit was welded onto the iron head. In some cases, the wrap was symmetrical, while in others the weld was asymmetrical. Both types of Viking axes had an eye punched out by drift. Axes were important tools of warfare, and the hammer-shaped back was often the weapon of choice.

Although hammer-shaped Viking axes were often used for fighting, there is no evidence that they were routinely used in this way. Nevertheless, men did whatever it took to win. One story in the Hardar saga, Eyrbyggja, describes Sigurdr throwing his axe at Thorvaldr. It hit him in the head but fortunately, he was carrying his regular battle axe.
Welded eye

The Welded eye of Viking axes is a common design feature on a large proportion of Viking weapons. The eye is an angular projection on the top of the axe's blade, and is typically a reshaped, modern axe. The eye is made of low-carbon steel that is forged with a mandrel. A notch is cut into the top of the billet, forming the inside of the axe's eye, and the upper and lower edge of the blade profile are straightened. When the blank was cut, the front edge was split about half an inch deep. This is now forged out to a sharp chisel taper, which is approximately 7/8" wide.

A Welded eye on Viking axe blades is a complex process, requiring two steps: the first step is fullering the cheeks. The cheeks should be roughly 0.2" thick and about 2-5/8" wide. This measurement will determine how long and wide the eye should be. Once the eye is fuller than the cheek, the next step is to flatten the cheeks.

A single piece of Viking axe heads was often produced with the hole for the haft punched out with drift. Then, the thinner blades would fold around the eye, and the hammer part would be welded to the iron head for the edge. While there are no Viking stories or archaeological evidence for double-edged axes, these axes may have been double-edged.