Collection: Viking Axes

A Buyer's Guide to Viking Axes

The axe was the defining weapon and everyday tool of the Viking Age. Cheaper and faster to forge than a sword, it was carried by nearly every free Norseman, used to fell trees and build longships as readily as to fight. That is exactly why a Viking axe still feels so authentic today: it is the tool that built and defended the Norse world. Below is everything you need to choose the right one.

The main types of Viking axe

• Bearded axe (Skeggøx). The classic Viking shape, with the lower edge of the head drawn down into a "beard." The hook lets you pull a shield or weapon aside, and the light head makes it fast in one hand, the iconic, most popular style, made famous by Ragnar Lothbrok's Skeggøx.
• Dane axe (breiðøx) & battle axe. A large, broad-headed two-handed axe on a long haft, the fearsome weapon of the huscarls, built for reach and power. See our hand-forged double-edged "Havamal" battle axe.
• Hand axe & hatchet. Compact single-hand axes for utility, camping and bushcraft as much as for the belt.
• Throwing axe. Well-balanced, tougher-tempered heads made to be thrown, a growing sport, and a lot of fun in the yard.
• Francisca. The throwing axe of the Franks and early Norse, with its distinctive arched head.

Functional or display?

Some of our axes are battle-ready and fully functional, forged and heat-treated to hold an edge for cutting, splitting and throwing, like our hand-forged axe with a decorated head and carved handle. Others are detailed display and collector's pieces for the wall or the mantel. Each product page states which it is, so you always know what you're getting.

Steel, handles & care

High-carbon steel (such as 1045/1095) takes and holds a keener edge and is the choice for functional axes, but it will rust if neglected, keep it lightly oiled. Stainless steel resists corrosion and is ideal for display and everyday wear. Handles are turned from hardwoods like ash, oak or hickory for shock resistance. To care for any Viking axe: keep the head dry and lightly oiled, store it out of damp, and re-oil the handle now and then.

How to choose your Viking axe

Want a first Viking axe or a gift? A bearded Skeggøx is the iconic, versatile pick. After reach and presence? Go for a Dane or battle axe. Buying for the trail or the throwing target? Choose a hand axe or a purpose-built throwing axe. For deeper background, read our guides on what a bearded axe is and the meaning of the axe in Norse symbolism.

Viking Axes, FAQ

What is a Viking axe called?

The classic Viking axe is the Skeggøx or "bearded axe," named for the beard-like extension of its lower edge. The large two-handed version is the Dane axe (breiðøx).

What is a bearded axe?

A bearded axe has the lower part of its blade extended downward into a "beard." This gives a longer cutting edge on a light head, and lets the user hook an opponent's shield or weapon, the signature Viking design.

How would a Viking warrior carry his axes?

A Viking warrior carried his axe tucked through his belt or hung from a leather belt-loop at the hip, or simply held it in the hand, never slung across the back. The bearded shape helped: the hook of the "beard" let the axe hang neatly from a loop. Many warriors also kept a small hand axe or hatchet on the belt as an everyday tool and a fast back-up weapon.

Did Vikings carry axes on their backs?

No, carrying an axe slung across the back is a modern myth from film, TV and games. Vikings carried their axes through a belt or a leather belt-loop at the hip, or simply in the hand. A blade worn on the back is slow to draw and awkward to wear, and there is no archaeological evidence for it.

Did Vikings use axes or swords?

Both, but axes were far more common. A sword took much more iron and skill to make and was a mark of wealth, while a good axe was affordable, doubled as a tool, and was deadly in battle, so most Norsemen fought with an axe.

Are your Viking axes functional / battle-ready?

Some are. Many of our axes are hand-forged, heat-treated and fully functional for cutting, splitting and throwing; others are display and collector's pieces. Each product page says which, so you can buy with confidence.

What steel are Viking axes made from?

Functional axes are usually high-carbon steel (e.g. 1045/1095) for edge retention, while display pieces are often stainless steel for rust resistance. Handles are hardwood such as ash, oak or hickory.

How do I care for a Viking axe?

Keep the head dry and lightly oiled to prevent rust (especially high-carbon steel), store it away from damp, and occasionally re-oil the wooden handle to stop it drying out.