Learning the ways of the Viking axe

[clanmaki]

Fascinating Thread!!! Thank You!

[cobra]

Cool - I always thought the Viking axe styles were the neatest.

[SoloSurvivalist]

Nice.

[556mp]

I gather that the assymetrical wrapping of the eye doesn't have any structural integrity issues with stress threshholds?

Not as far as I understand. There was one example that was found where the forge weld had failed, but that was likely due to a faulty weld. I dont see why it would be any less structural that the trade axes and hawks of early America.

[smokejumper]

Nice to see how a real craftsman researches a project. The vikings would be proud. I could be wrong, but I'm guessing you have gotten some photography tips from Mr. Y, 'cause they sell the story quite well bro.

[Mudman]

Ohh can't wait to see it finished!

[rikinwyoming]

subscribed,,, very interesting indeed!!

[DBX]

OK, I want one!

Sent from over here

[Morlog]

I know that historically it would be more likely to see a viking wielding a bearded axe like the one being forged, or a spear in battle. It was a simple matter of resources. Steel was a valuable resource. Making swords used a large quantity of that valuable resource. Making axe heads and spear heads that could be fastened to an abundant resource (wooden handles) made a lot more sense for the common folks. I love the viking bearded axe. They are an awesome thing to have.

[Niflreika]

I know that historically it would be more likely to see a viking wielding a bearded axe like the one being forged, or a spear in battle. It was a simple matter of resources. Steel was a valuable resource. Making swords used a large quantity of that valuable resource. Making axe heads and spear heads that could be fastened to an abundant resource (wooden handles) made a lot more sense for the common folks. I love the viking bearded axe. They are an awesome thing to have.

There's a couple other factors as well.

First, is that in most tribes, only the Jarl, and those awarded one by the Jarl could use swords.
Then there's the fact that swords are useful for one thing. Axes were a tool that got used pretty much every day (you would use the short summer to gather wood for the long winter.

The bearded axe certainly has some combat advantages, such as a long edge with less weigth that a full axe head. But also, in a time when nearly everything was made of wood, the lower weight and long edge of the axe made for much better hewing characteristics.

It's interesting to see the progression of axe design from the bronze age onward, and how new materials, like iron and steel madeso mething like a bearded axe even possible.

Kudos to 556mp and Adahy for this project.