Crossed Viking Axes

[Faheemkhatri4]

Axes are a staple of Viking combat, and there were many Viking axe different types that were used. One type of axe is called a crossed viking axe, and it was common in Scandinavia during the Viking era.

These axes have partially solid heads and within the head there is a cross motif. This could be a pagan or Christian symbol.
Axe Head

The axe head, also known as the bit or blade, is the part of an axe that holds the cutting edge. This is why it's important to make sure that your axe head is made from a high-quality steel.

There are several different types of axe heads, including the broad axe, forest axe, Hudson Bay axe and ice axe head. Each axe type has its own distinct characteristics.

A broad axe is a great option for cutting and shaping wood. Its wide blade allows it to cut large trees and heavy logs with ease. This type of axe is usually used for heavy-duty work, and it's important to keep the blade sharp so that you can get a good cut.

In the medieval period, axe heads were often decorated with inlays of precious metals, such as silver and gold. This was done to make the axe more attractive and useful, especially for nobles who would likely wear it as part of their armor.

Viking axes were also commonly found in churches and other buildings, where they would be used by worshippers to shave their hair or chop off a section of their clothing. This was a way to avoid having to cover the area with a scarf or hood.

Another use for an axe was in battle, where it could be hooked over other body parts to compel an opponent to move in a certain direction. It was also used to hook the edge of a shield, pulling it away and disarming an opponent.

This was a particularly dangerous technique, as the axe could easily hit an opponent's chest or throat, making it easy for them to get stabbed with it. It was a common way for men to intimidate their enemies and prevent them from fighting back.

Some axe heads were even wrapped around the bit with hardened steel welded into the edge, giving them a better cutting edge than if they had only been forged from iron. This is called an overcoat and it's often seen on higher-end axes.

Axe heads should be stored in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent rusting and damage to the handle. They should also be oiled regularly to protect them from the elements. This is especially important if you're using an axe that contains carbon steel, which can rust over time.
Shaft

Axes, like swords and bows, were an important weapon in Viking combat. They were able to dismember armored limbs and break shields in two, and with a single blow, they could kill an opponent. They were also light enough to be used with one hand, which was a huge advantage in battle.

The axe was a common weapon for Vikings, as it came in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most were crafted from iron, which was a good material for the Vikings because it was cheap and easy to work with. They also had a long haft, which allowed them to generate large amounts of power.

While they were often wielded in battle, axes were also commonly used for hunting and other tasks. For example, some were made to cleave trees, which was particularly useful for clearing the way of a pursuing enemy.

Another way that axes were used in battle was to parry, or block, attacks. This was a great advantage because it kept the opponent from having a chance to hit you. Axes were also used to hook an opponent's ankle, throwing them off balance and onto the ground.

The sagas also mention a number of clever moves that were used with axes. In chapter 62 of Eyrbyggja saga, for example, Thrandr leapt up and hooked the head of his axe over the wall of a fortification at the farm at Eyrr (shown to the right as it appears today). This allowed him to pull himself up and cut off Hrafn's arm with his axe.

As a bonus, the curved edge of the axe's head concentrated the force of the blows, so that it was capable of punching through helmets and mail. This was especially useful in the Viking age, since many people had helmets and mail.

Although most Viking axes were made of iron, some had heads of bronze or even other metals. For instance, a bronze axe head was found in Iceland in a Viking context, but it is unclear what it was originally used for. Some axe heads were forged in a process called pattern-welding, which involved layering and welding together different types of metal. Some axe heads were decorated with inlays of precious metals.
Axe Handle

Axe handles are often made from a variety of different materials. Fiberglass and wood are two common choices. A fiberglass handle is lighter and can help reduce vibration, while a wood handle is heavier and can help prevent body fatigue.

A composite handle is lightweight and durable, and is available in a range of colors. These colorful axes can be particularly useful in the outdoors, as they are easier to spot than traditional wooden handles. They also provide improved shock absorption, which can be helpful for chopping cords of rock-hard elm.

Wood is the most common material for axe handles, but it is not without its problems. Weak points, knots and grain run-out can all affect a handle's performance.

To avoid potential handle breakage, it is important to choose a piece of wood that is straight and with few or no crooked grain lines. You can check this by looking for several continuous grain lines running through the wood, rather than a single line or a series of zigzags.

Once the handle is constructed from the right wood, it should be flattened with a planer or a rasp to create a more symmetrical shape. You should aim to make the handle as centered as possible before adding the axe head, so that it will fit in the eye (the hole where it fits).

It's worth noting that this is one of the most labor-intensive steps of building an axe. A good patternmaker's rasp or four-in-hand rasp can help you refine the handle before adding the axe head.

After the handle is constructed, you should apply multiple coats of boiled linseed oil to it. This will not only protect it from wear and tear, but also swell the wood to its fullest strength.

If you are using a wooden handle, it is important to keep it in a clean, dry place, away from moisture and other contaminants. The axe handle can quickly deteriorate if it becomes wet or covered in dirt and mud.

A handle that isn't treated properly can also be susceptible to cracking, warping and splintering. This is why it's recommended that you always use a handle conditioner, such as boiled linseed oil, to maintain a healthy and functional axe handle.
Axe Guard

The axe guard is a piece of leather or cloth that is wrapped around the handle of a viking axe. This enables the axe head to be protected and sharpened while in use, but is also easy to remove if the axe head becomes damaged or lost.

There are many different types of axe guards. One type is made from a hard metal that can be shaped to fit any axe blade and is designed to protect the edge of the axe head while in use.

Another type of axe guard is made from leather and has a strap that buckles around the axe handle. This is a common axe guard that can be used for a wide variety of axes, including the long handled viking axes.

This style of axe guard is very durable and will last for years to come. It features a 1/16-inch vulcanized hard fiber riveted construction that will protect your axe and keep it sharp. It can be used as a stand alone or as part of a axe case.

An axe guard is an essential tool for anyone who uses an axe regularly. It can help protect your axe from scratches and other damage.

It can also help keep your axe safe from rust, which is a serious problem for many axe owners. It is important to clean your axe head on a regular basis and apply a good quality axe head oil to prevent the steel from rusting.

Axe head oils are available at most hardware stores and can be applied to any axe head. They are very effective at preventing rust and can be easily applied to the axe head with a brush or a cloth.

If you are looking for a good axe guard to protect your axe, we recommend the Klein Tools Tool Guard. This is a strong, durable guard that will keep your axe blade sharp and protect your hands from the axe handle.

Axe handles were traditionally made from wood, but they can be carved to look like stone. This is a great option for those who are interested in a more authentic look.