Bestseller
AxesScandinavia, 10th c.
Battle axe “Valkyrie”
Hand-forged Viking axe on an ash haft, with a leather cover
- Length
- 75 cm
- Weight
- 0.9 kg
PLN 1,200Ships in 2 working days
Blacksmith-made
Hand-forged Viking axes
A Viking axe is a tool and a weapon in one: light, fast, with the blade set far forward of the haft. I forge every axe by hand from a single piece of carbon steel and fit it on an ash haft — for collections, historical re-enactment and real camp work.
2 items
AxesScandinavia, 8th–11th c.
Bearded axe “Skeggøx”
Axe with a drawn-out bearded blade, 50HS spring steel
- Length
- 60 cm
- Weight
- 0.8 kg
PLN 890Ships in 3 working days
Nothing in the forge matches these filters.
At a glance
- Head weight
- 0.4–1.2 kg
- Haft length
- 45–90 cm
- Steel
- C70, 1065, 50HS
- Haft
- ash, linseed oil
- Edge hardness
- 54–58 HRC
- Lead time
- in stock or 2–4 weeks
Bearded, battle and Dane axes — the differences
A bearded axe (skeggøx) has its blade drawn down into a characteristic “beard”. This gives a long edge on a light head — and you can grip the haft right under the blade and use it like a plane. It is the most versatile axe of the Viking Age.
A battle axe has a narrower, slimmer blade and little weight, so it can be wielded quickly in one hand alongside a shield. The Dane axe (breiðøx), by contrast, is a broad, thin blade on a long two-handed haft — the weapon of the 11th-century housecarls.
How I hand-forge an axe
I forge the head from a single piece of steel: first I punch the eye for the haft, then I draw out the beard and blade with the hammer. I harden the edge in oil and leave the poll soft — such an axe won't crack on impact, and the edge holds well.
I carve the haft by hand from straight-grained ash, fit it with a wedge and finish it with linseed oil. Finally I strike the mark of the forge into the head — the spiral ram's horn. From the steel bar to the finished axe, I do everything myself.
Frequently asked
Is a Viking axe sharp?
Working and battle axes ship sharpened, ready to chop. Decorative and re-enactment versions have a blunted edge — I state it plainly on every axe. I sell sharp items to adults only.
How much does a Viking axe weigh?
A Viking axe head usually weighs 0.4–1.2 kg — less than you might think. Battle axes were light because they had to be fast; heavier heads belong to wood-chopping axes.
Can the haft be replaced?
Yes. The head is fitted with a wedge, so a broken haft can be replaced. I can also match the haft length to your height straight away or make it from hickory.
Will you forge an axe to order?
Yes — I forge axes with your own blade shape, haft length, rune decoration or inlay. Describe your idea in the contact form and I'll send a quote and lead time.
