Double-Headed Viking Axes: Double Bit & Double Blade Axes

4 pieces

A double-headed axe has a cutting edge on both sides of the head, which is why it also goes by double bit, double bladed or double-sided axe. These four are Viking-styled takes on that shape. The Vargstal is a hand-forged double bit axe in high-carbon AISI 1065 steel, 650 mm (25.6 in) long and 1.95 kg (4.3 lb), made for chopping and splitting. The Havamal is a fully functional double-edged battle axe in the same steel, 835 mm (32.9 in) and 1.9 kg (4.2 lb), with a leather blade cover. The Jotungard is the giant, 920 mm (36.2 in) and 5 kg (11 lb), designed above all for artistry. The Odin twin-blade axe is a display piece showing Odin and his ravens on its carbon-steel head. Prices run from $113 to $384. Viking Age axes were single-bladed, so all four are modern designs. For the historical shapes, browse our Viking axes.

Which double-headed axe should you buy?

Two are forged and hardened to be used. Pick by what the axe will do.

Swipe to compare all four.

Vargstal double bit axe

$113
Use
Functional, chopping and splitting
Length
650 mm (25.6 in)
Weight
1.95 kg (4.3 lb)
Steel
Hand-forged AISI 1065, 48–54 HRC
View the Vargstal double bit axe

Havamal double-edged axe

$384
Use
Functional battle axe, leather cover included
Length
835 mm (32.9 in)
Weight
1.9 kg (4.2 lb)
Steel
Hand-forged AISI 1065, 48–54 HRC
View the Havamal double-edged axe

Odin twin-blade axe

$195.49
Use
Display, cosplay and collecting
Blades
Odin, Huginn and Muninn
Handle
Leather-wrapped ash
Steel
Carbon steel
View the Odin twin-blade axe

Want an axe for the woodpile or the campsite? The Vargstal, at 650 mm, is the handiest. Want a functional double-edged axe with more reach? Go for the Havamal. Want the biggest presence on a wall? The Jotungard is one of the largest axes we carry, and the Odin axe is the pick for a Norse mythology fan.

QUESTIONS

Questions fréquentes

Is a double bit axe the same as a double-headed axe?
Yes. Double-headed, double bit, double bitted, double bladed and double-sided all describe the same thing: an axe head with a cutting edge on each side instead of an edge on one side and a flat poll on the other. “Double bit” is the usual term among woodsmen and axe makers.
Did Vikings use double-headed axes?
No. Viking Age axes were single-bladed, from the one-handed bearded axe to the long two-handed Dane axe, and no double-bladed Viking axe is known. Double-bladed axe shapes are much older, such as the Bronze Age labrys of Minoan Crete, and the double bit felling axe came out of North American logging in the mid-1800s. Our double-headed axes are modern Viking-styled designs. Our guide to the types of Viking axes shows the real shapes.
Which of these double-headed axes are functional?
The Vargstal and the Havamal. Both are hand-forged from high-carbon AISI 1065 steel and hardened to about 48–54 HRC, so they are made to be used. The Jotungard is designed above all for artistry, and the Odin twin-blade axe is a display, cosplay and collector’s piece, not a tool.
What is a double bit axe used for?
Loggers traditionally kept one bit thin and keen for felling and the other a little thicker for rougher cuts, so the same axe covered two jobs. The Vargstal is built for chopping, splitting and cutting wood, and its 1.95 kg mass drives powerful strikes.
How big and heavy are the axes?
The Vargstal is 650 mm (25.6 in) and 1.95 kg (4.3 lb). The Havamal is 835 mm (32.9 in) and 1.9 kg (4.2 lb), with 320 mm (12.6 in) from blade to blade. The Jotungard is 920 mm (36.2 in) and 5 kg (11 lb), with a 475 mm (18.7 in) head. The Odin axe is not listed by size; write to support@vikingsbrand.co if you need exact figures before ordering.
Can I have a double-headed axe engraved?
Yes. The Havamal and the Vargstal can be engraved on the axe head or the handle, the Jotungard and the Odin axe on the handle. Add your name, initials or a logo with the engraving option on the product page.
How do I care for a carbon-steel double bit axe?
High-carbon steel takes a keen edge but rusts if it is put away wet. Wipe the head dry after use, keep a light coat of oil on it and store it in a cover. The Havamal ships with a leather blade cover; for the Vargstal, a leather double-bit sheath and a wooden box are sold separately. Our Viking axe care guide has the full routine.