{"product_id":"hand-forged-viking-bearded-axe-rune-engraved-ash-handle","title":"Forged Viking Bearded Axe with Rune Engraving, 28 in","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Forged Viking Bearded Axe is a full size axe, 28 in (71 cm) overall, with a 6.5 in (16.5 cm) cutting edge and a head of forged carbon steel finished in a dark patina.\u003c\/strong\u003e The blade face is cut with the first eight runes of the Elder Futhark, and a leather head sheath is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eDetails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall length: 28 in (71 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCutting edge: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead width: 6.5 in (16.5 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 1.4 kg (3.08 lb)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHead: forged carbon steel, dark patina finish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle: ash wood, scorched grain, leather knot wrap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFittings: copper ferrule and copper butt cap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: leather head sheath with belt loop\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe inscription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade carries \u003cstrong\u003eᚠ ᚢ ᚦ ᚨ ᚱ ᚲ ᚷ ᚹ\u003c\/strong\u003e, the first eight runes of the Elder Futhark: fehu, uruz, thurisaz, ansuz, raido, kenaz, gebo, wunjo. These are the runes that give the alphabet its name, f, u, th, a, r, k.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarving the futhark row itself was one of the most common inscriptions on real Viking Age objects. It appears on weapons, combs, bracteates and grave goods across Scandinavia, and it was understood as invoking the whole rune set at once rather than spelling out a sentence. That is why it is sold as a row of runes and not as a translated phrase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe runes are cut after the dark patina is applied, so the metal inside each stroke stays bare bright steel. The contrast against the patinated face is the whole effect: no paint, no inlay, no filler. You can look up any rune on the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/rune-translator\"\u003erune translator\u003c\/a\u003e, and see the rest of the range in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/engraved-viking-axes\"\u003eEngraved Viking Axes\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarbon steel is not stainless. Wipe the head dry after use and after any contact with damp, and keep a light film of oil on it in storage. The patina is a protective finish, so do not polish it off. In humid conditions, store the axe outside its sheath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEach axe is finished by hand, so grain, scorch pattern and patina vary slightly from piece to piece.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow big and how heavy is this Viking axe?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt measures 28 in (71 cm) overall with a 6.5 in (16.5 cm) cutting edge, the head is 6.5 in (16.5 cm) wide, and it weighs 1.4 kg (3.08 lb).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do the runes on the blade mean?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are the first eight runes of the Elder Futhark: fehu, uruz, thurisaz, ansuz, raido, kenaz, gebo and wunjo. This is the opening row of the rune alphabet rather than a word or a sentence, and carving that row was a common inscription on real Viking Age objects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the axe come with a sheath?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A leather head sheath with a belt loop is included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the handle made of?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsh wood with a scorched grain finish and a leather knot wrap, fitted with a copper ferrule and a copper butt cap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow should I care for the axe?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWipe the head dry after use and keep a light film of oil on it during storage, because carbon steel is not stainless. Do not polish off the dark patina, as it is a protective finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"VikingsBrand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42859466621013,"sku":"runic-bearded-axe-28","price":199.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0977\/2234\/files\/hf_20260811_151745_4753c39f-a252-42a2-abf5-dfaecfb5bbd8.png?v=1786461761","url":"https:\/\/vikingsbrand.co\/products\/hand-forged-viking-bearded-axe-rune-engraved-ash-handle","provider":"VikingsBrand™","version":"1.0","type":"link"}