In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about making a Viking axe. We’ll cover the history of these axes, the different types that were used, and how to make your own modern version. So whether you’re a budding blacksmith or just looking to add an impressive weapon to your collection from online knife store, read on for the ultimate guide to making a Viking axe.
A Brief History of Viking Axes
The first thing to know about Viking axes is that they were not just weapons, but also tools. Viking axes were used for chopping wood, building boats, and even as currency. And while they may be associated with violence and warfare, Viking axes were actually quite versatile and played an important role in everyday life. The Viking age began around 793 AD with the first recorded raid on Lindisfarne monastery in England. For the next 300 years, the Vikings would terrorize Europe with their raids and conquests.
But throughout this period, the Viking axe remained an essential part of their culture. Viking axes come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all share a few common features. The most distinguishing feature of a Viking axe is the long, curved blade which was designed for both hacking and slicing. Viking axes also had a long handle which could be up to four feet in length. This gave Viking warriors the reach and power they needed to take down their enemies.
While Viking axes are often associated with warfare, they were actually used more for everyday tasks like chopping wood and building homes. It wasn’t until the late Viking age that these weapons became more specialized for battle. Viking axes reached their peak in the 11th century during the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Here, Viking warriors wielding two-handed Dane axes defeated a Norman army, despite being outnumbered 5 to 1. The Viking axe continued to be used throughout the middle Ages but fell out of favour when gunpowder was introduced in the early 14th century.
Step for making the Viking Axe the traditional method
Forging the head
- Gather the materials. You will need a piece of metal (iron or steel), a forge, an anvil, and some basic blacksmithing tools.
- Heat the metal in the forge until it is glowing red hot.
- Use a hammer to shape the metal into the desired axe head shape on the anvil.
- Harden the metal by cooling it in water or oil.
- Tempering the Metal
- Mount the head onto a wooden handle using leather straps or rivets.
- Viking axes were often decorated with intricate carvings or inlays, so feel free to get creative!
Shaping the head
- Viking axe heads were usually made of iron or steel.
- The metal was heated in a forge until it was glowing red hot.
- It was then shaped into the desired axe head shape on an anvil using a hammer.
- The metal was then cooled in water or oil to harden it.
- Finally, the head was mounted onto a wooden handle using leather straps or rivets.
- Viking axes were often decorated with intricate carvings or inlays, so feel free to get creative!
If you want to make a Viking axe, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to forge the head of the axe. Then, you’ll need to shape the head to your desired specifications. After that, you’ll haft the axe – which is attaching the handle to the head.
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