Axes were a popular choice among Vikings for both chopping wood and for use as weapons. They were often used in battles along with swords, spears and shields.
They were also able to Viking axes be hidden under a cloak (left), and could be thrown for surprise attacks as a way of killing an opponent. This was described in chapter 22 of Sturlu saga.
1. Weight
Viking throwing axes were very popular weapons of the medieval Nordic countries. They were used in combat as well as for chopping wood. Axes were generally made from wooden handles with a blade that was made of iron or steel.
These weapons were very deadly, and skilled warriors could turn their enemy’s shield into splinters with them. Axes were also a great way to kill an opponent in close combat because they were lightweight and easy to handle.
There were a number of different types of axes that were used during the Viking Age. These included the Dane (Danish) axe and the bearded axe. Each type had a different thickness of the blade and size.
Some Viking axes were designed specifically for war and battles while others were used on farms. Farm axes were generally smaller and lighter, while battle axes were longer and heavier. They were also forged out of stronger materials like steel to make them harder to break and more effective in battle.
Axes were often used to cut wood and wood for a sword. They were also a good weapon for throwing as they were very powerful and could easily strike an opponent’s head.
Most of the time, axes were thrown from afar, and were often used to attack the back or head of an opponent. This was especially true when a person was weak and needed to be attacked quickly, so that they could win the fight.
However, a few axes were thrown in close combat as well. This is seen in chapter 22 of Fostbraedra saga, where Thormodur unexpectedly pulled an axe out from under his cloak and struck Lodinn in the head.
This was a highly dangerous move, but one that Vikings did use. They might have thrown their axe from a distance in order to surprise their opponent.
Another way a Viking might throw an axe was to use the weapon as a parrying weapon. This is something that we can see in several sagas, such as the Brennu-Njals saga.
Vikings were often very skilled at fighting with their axes. A skillful warrior could tear an enemy’s shield into splinters and kill them in close combat, as well as hit their opponent with the blade. They were able to do this because they knew how to use their axes and were comfortable with them. They were also very fast and agile so that they could swing the axe quickly and hit their opponents.
2. Balance
Balance is a big consideration for axe throwing because it determines how accurately an axe can be thrown. An axe that is unbalanced will be difficult to throw, and may even break if it is not thrown properly.
A good axe will be well balanced, and this is especially true of double bit axes, which are more symmetrical than single bit axes. It’s also important to check the balance of your axe after each use because it can start to lose its grip on the handle.
Ideally, your axe should have a nice handle that is comfortable to hold for long periods of time. It should also have a hilt that is thick enough to be held comfortably without slipping or sagging.
Some of the best axes for throwing have handles that are thick and sturdy, so that they can hold up to regular use. They should be able to withstand the pressure of being thrown, as well as the weight of the axe head itself.
For example, the Smith & Wesson Bullseye axe set is a great option for beginners, and it comes in a convenient nylon sheath so that you can keep it safe. This set includes three axes that are all perfectly balanced for accuracy and have sharp blades on all sides.
The JXE JXO axes are another popular choice for throwing, and they come in a set of three. These axes have a nice, curved design that is reminiscent of a traditional hatchet. They’re made from a monolithic piece of metal, and they’re painted a rugged black.
While this axe isn’t as light as some of the other options on this list, it still weighs less than half a pound. It’s also made from a very solid, high-quality piece of metal and has sharp blades on all sides. It’s a great option for throwing and also has a bottle opener that’s integrated into the handle, making it a really practical addition to any collection of axes.
This Viking battle axe is an excellent option for a number of purposes, including combat training and reenactments. It has a forged axe head and a hardwood handle that’s 23 inches long and weighed about 1.75 pounds.
3. Length
When it comes to throwing axes, the length of the haft will vary depending on the size and style of the axe head. The longest axes can be up to 1.5 metres (approximately 5 feet) in length, while short axes with smaller heads can be as little as 1 metre (3 feet) in length.
Viking throwing axes can be a lot of fun to throw, but they also have the potential to kill or injure an opponent when thrown at them. Many Viking warriors used these axes to attack their enemies on the field of battle, relying on their sharp edge to cleave through their opponents’ armor and helmets.
There are two basic types of Viking axes: hand and battle axes. Axes designed for farm use have shorter hafts, while those meant to be used in battle have longer hafts.
Axes for farm work were typically made of wood and were designed to be used for cutting and splitting trees, while those intended to be used in battle were much more robust and crafted of iron. This made them more durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of a long battle.
One way to measure the length of an axe is to look at the handle. It should be long enough to reach the top of an opponent’s handspan, which is usually around 8 inches. It should also be long enough to cradle an opponent’s fingers when they are gripped, making it easier for them to control the axe without getting their fingers caught on a blade or an edge.
The head of the axe is also a key factor in how well it can be used in battle. It is often described as heavily bearded, which is useful for a variety of combat moves, such as hooking an ankle to trip over the opponent or hooking their shield out of the way for a disarm.
Another advantage of the curved head of an axe is that it concentrates the force of a blow into a small area, which allows for powerful punches and blade cuts through heavy armor or mail. Sagas mention a move where the axe head cleaves the opponent’s head down to the shoulders, giving the user a wide range of potential attacks in battle.
4. Shaft
The axe shaft is one of the most important aspects to consider when throwing an axe. The shafts of viking throwing axes are usually made from wood. However, there are also some axes that are constructed from bronze.
The shaft is typically about four centimeters in diameter and is generally rectangular in shape. It can be a straight or curved shape, depending on the preference of the axe owner. The axe shaft is usually made of one of three wood species that are common in Viking Age Scandinavia: cherry, maple and birch.
Many of the axes that are found in Viking Age graves have shafts made from these species, although not all of them are dated to the Viking period. For example, the axe head of an axe from Mammen in Jutland has been dated to the ninth century by dendrochronology (find list 1).
Axes are commonly carved and decorated with designs that may include both Christian and pagan motifs. One example is the axe of a deceased magnate from Mammen, which has a tree-like Yggdrasil motif on one side. The Yggdrasil is often interpreted as both the pagan tree “Yggdrasil” and the Christian “Tree of Life”.
Some axes are made from thick iron, which means that their hafts were able to survive many hits and be used over a long time. In addition, these axes were often wrapped with metal to prevent the axe haft from breaking when struck.
This is a common practice in historical axes, and was probably common in Viking era axes as well. It can be seen on a number of original axe heads that have been found in axe restorations, and it was often evident from a close look at the axe head itself.
It is interesting to note that some axe heads were shaped and then forge welded together in one piece. This was not uncommon, and some axe heads actually have a visible weld on the hammer (back) of the eye. These heads are typically D-shaped, not round and their backs were flat and thicker than the sides.
0
0
