Viking Bearded axe head..... -- myArmoury.com

Owen Bush · Industry Professional

I have another "viking" axe head . this one has veered towards a slightly non traditional shape , a combination of my observations of pieces I have seen in museums and the a-priory memory of what an axe should be.......
The head is unhafted but I am thinking blackened ash and 5 foot handle and forged nails and leather.....possibly ....I am open to ideas and suggestions.
the edge is 11.5 inches big beard and a little mullet!
All the best Owen

William P · Posted: Thu 20 Oct, 2011 6:06 am Post subject:

umm how heavy is it? im trying to figure out how heavy axe heads can be sold for so i can get a proper sized danish axe thats 700 grams or less.

i ahev an already hafted axe, and im trying to guesstimate how heave the head is without removing it... how would you do that?

Benjamin Rial · Posted: Thu 20 Oct, 2011 8:32 am Post subject:

Nice looking work Owen!
Blackened ash would look nice or even a light/honey stained oak or hickory. Have you ever tried soaking a handle in used motor oil, letting it drip dry and then lightly flaming it? Done carefully it can have a very beautiful effect plus it helps prevent the wood from drying out; keeps its resilience. Just a thought anyway.

Bartek Strojek · Posted: Thu 20 Oct, 2011 10:21 am Post subject:

Really cool axe.

Looks quite a lot like an XIth century axe from the region of Łęczyca, only with way more pointed "beard".

Can't wait too see it hafted.

D. Raleigh · Posted: Thu 20 Oct, 2011 11:26 am Post subject:

Like it. Nice lines. Long, but not too long. Could be carried comfortably along the deltoid insertion at the base of the collarbone, blade facing front. I'd like to see it hafted with fired ash, and if it were mine I'd be tempted to carve up and cast a bronze walking foot for the haft.