{"product_id":"viking-axe-copy","title":"Viking Axe","description":"\u003cp\u003eAxe head:           Hand forged carbon steel   \u003cbr\u003eHead weight:     1.8 pounds\u003cbr\u003eHandle:              20\" Ash wood\u003cbr\u003eSheath:              Top grain leather\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe runes translate best to:\u003cbr\u003e\"Courage is a decision\" and on the other side,\u003cbr\u003e\"Trust you ancestors\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe axe comes with blade oil, leather conditioner, CLR (rust remover if needed), cleaning cloth and instructions on how to take care of the axe plus a little Viking history. \u003cbr\u003ePlease note:  Carbon steel can develop small rust spots if not oiled properly.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll of our axes are handmade, and no two are alike.  If you decide to purchase one, you will receive the axe shown in the picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAbout the Viking Axe\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Viking axe is a remarkable tool with a rich history rooted in the culture and traditions of Vikings.  It is crafted to endure the test of time, lasting a lifetime and even generations.  Most of our handles are made from ash wood.  The all so famous Yggdrasil (the Tree of Life) was an ash tree, and sacred to the Norse people.  This connects your axe directly to Viking mythology.  Occasionally the Vikings used rosewood they brought back from Africa and Asia, though ash was native to the Viking homeland.  Some of our axe handles are made from rosewood as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe axe was an essential tool and weapon among the Vikings, prized for its versatility and effectiveness.  It was a no-nonsense, all-purpose tool used for clearing forests, building homes and ships, and, of course, used in battle.  Its design reflects both functionality and lethal efficiency.  The axe is light and fast, with a short cutting edge that concentrates force onto a small area, delivering devastating blows.  Most Viking axes were designed for \u003cbr\u003eone-handed use, allowing warriors to pair them with shields, though two-handed varieties have also been discovered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA typical one-handed Viking axe had a head weighing approximately one to two pounds and a handle measuring 16 to 30 inches, tailored to the warrior's size, strength, and skill. Some axe heads were forged with a \"beard\" or hook, enhancing their lethality.  The hook was used to rip away an enemy's shield and make him very vulnerable.  This move was quickly followed up by a blow from the axe.  As the Viking pulled back the axe the hook would inflict additional damage.  These innovations showcase the Vikings' ingenuity in weapon design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMuch of what we know about Viking axes comes from archaeological excavations and Norse sagas.  Most axes were utilitarian, with no elaborate decorations or engravings, and handles were typically straight.  However, examples of axes with curved handles are on display at the Viking Museum in Roskilde, Denmark.  One axe with intricate gold and silver inlays has been found, though.  Notably, no double-edged axes have been discovered; such designs are the product of modern fantasy rather than historical reality, much like the horns often depicted on Viking helmets.  Likewise, there are no reliable historical records or depictions showing Vikings using their primary battle axes as throwing weapons. Practically speaking, casting away your main weapon in the midst of combat would have been a serious disadvantage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur family business honors the legacy of Viking craftsmanship by adhering to traditional methods and designs.  For instance, modern axes often use composites to secure the axe head to the handle, but we use wooden wedges or friction fitting, just as the Vikings did. We also treat our handles with boiled linseed oil, a practice used by the Vikings to preserve the wood. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAbout the Vikings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Viking Age, spanning approximately 780 AD to 1066 AD, was a period of exploration, innovation, and cultural development.  The term \"Viking\" was only used centuries later; contemporaries referred to these people as Norsemen or Danes.  The Vikings were skilled shipbuilders whose vessels could traverse open seas and shallow rivers alike.  This capability enabled them to explore and settle far-reaching regions, from the eastern \u003cbr\u003ecoast of North America to distant parts of Europe and Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Viking era was notable for its progressive societal norms, including a level of equality between men and women that was rare for the time.  Women could own land, lead in battle, and wield significant influence.  Additionally, the Vikings were known for their advanced hygiene practices.  Today, their legacy continues to influence modern culture, from language - such as Thursday, derived from Thor’s Day - to Christmas traditions rooted in Norse customs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Viking axe is not merely a tool or weapon; it is a symbol of a vibrant and enduring heritage.  By preserving the traditional craftsmanship and design of these axes, we celebrate the spirit of the Viking Age and the innovations that continue to inspire us today.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Norsewood Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52734180065596,"sku":null,"price":209.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0792\/4013\/4972\/files\/IMG_2193_1.jpg?v=1770835800","url":"https:\/\/www.norsewoodshop.com\/products\/viking-axe-copy","provider":"Norsewood Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}