The Viking axe was popular among Vikings because it held a symbolic value among them. Besides being regarded as a symbol of courage, strength, and power, it was adorned with carvings and intricate designs that reflected these values.
While the Viking axes were mainly used as tools, they gradually evolved into deadly weapons of war. Featuring a high carbon steel blade and a sturdy wooden handle, the Viking axes were popular among the Viking tribe due to their significance in battlefields.
Viking axes come with an iron head, a long shaft, and a sharp edge for enhanced precision in every strike. However, these axes are lightweight, enabling users to wield them with less effort. This not only facilitated effective and swift attacks but also made it ideal for deadly attacks.
Besides usage in the construction of carts, houses, ships, and other functions, the Vikings leveraged the axes to fight off enemies on battlefields. The prevalence of Viking axes among the Vikings is attributed to their general purpose role.
Unlike swords and other weapons that can be challenging to design, Viking axes were easily forged by assembling iron and hardwood. This explains why the Viking axe earned massive popularity among the Viking tribe.
Depending on what you intend to achieve, the Viking axes come in various designs and materials that suit the needs of every user. The choice of axe not only depends on what you intend to use it for but also on design preferences.
In this article, we explore how the Viking axes were made and used in the Viking tribe.
How Viking Axes Are Made
Wooden Handles
Wood handles are the most preferred across various types of Viking axes. They are not only readily available but easy to fit. This makes them a perfect choice of materials for most Viking axe manufacturers.
Flexibility is an important factor when choosing wood for an axe handle. Besides being resistant to decay and rot, wood can withstand extreme weather and temperature conditions. This makes the wood a perfect choice for most axe handles.
Besides overall aesthetic appeal, wood is stronger and readily available. The good news about wooden handles is that they are likely to last longer if cared for properly. To enhance resistance to stains, moisture, and other potential damages, wooden axe handles are commonly treated with protective coatings.
However, it is important to understand that not all types of wood guarantee better quality when creating an axe handle. Some of the common hardwood options that you can leverage to design a durable axe handle include white or Red Oak, Ash, or Hickory.
Avoid softer woods like Fir or pine. Alternatively, you can opt for straight-grained fruitwood for better quality. The advantage of using wood in creating axe handles is that they can not only be modified to suit various needs but also designed to fit various axe blades.
Carbon Steel Materials
Plain carbon steel is a popular material used in forging Viking axes. One of the benefits of using carbon steel over other materials is that it is not only resistant to corrosion but also easy to sharpen. This means it is not only able to maintain its edge better when exposed to hardened materials but also effective in executing tough tasks.
Compared to making swords where medium carbon is used, Viking axes feature high-carbon steel. This explains why the Viking axes are slightly tougher compared to ordinary axes. The extra strength and power created by the carbon steel material have contributed to its popularity in executing heavy tasks like splitting tough wood and breaking through shields on battlefields.
While high-carbon steel is a popular material used in forging Viking axes, many other types of steel are now widely used in the Viking tribe. The choice varies depending on preferences and what they intend to use the axe for.
The high-quality carbon steel axes used across various Viking axes are inspired by their symbolism of strength and power. This explains why the Viking axe has not only been widely used in tough battle situations but also doubles up as a tool and weapon.
The Use of Viking Axes in The Viking Tribe
Survival Situations
The Viking axe doubles up as a tool and weapon among the Viking tribe. This explains why it has been popular among the Vikings since ancient times. Besides a general-purpose tool, the Viking axe is highly valued among the Vikings as a deadly and powerful tool in combat situations.
While the Viking axe was widely used on battlefields, it has now found its way into modern society where households in the Viking tribe not only use it for safety but also for splitting firewood, hunting, and clearing campsites.
Wood Splitting and Limbing
Another common use of Viking axes is limbing and splitting firewood. The high carbon steel blade used in forging Viking axes makes it effective in handling heavy tasks like cutting logs and wood splitting.
Excess tree branches in the farm can be destructive. This is where a Viking axe comes in handy. Unlike an ordinary axe that is heavy and difficult to control, Viking axes are lightweight making them easy to swing with less effort. This explains why the axe is a perfect choice for climbing.
For example, if you plan to go camping, you can leverage a Viking axe to not only cut tree branches around the campsite but also clear bushy areas. The axe can easily be used with one hand making it easy to execute multiple tasks without getting fatigued.
Conclusion
While there are many types of Viking axes, it is important to choose one that best suits your needs. Whether you are looking for a general-purpose axe or a lightweight axe ideal for survival situations, the Viking axe comes in handy.
The Viking axes have now evolved beyond battle. Today, most households leverage the axe for not only hunting but also executing an array of tasks in the garden. Besides being suited for both melee and combat, the Viking axe is now widely used by axe enthusiasts in cutting branches for the campfire, wood cutting, and general use.
