Petersen axe types? -- myArmoury.com

Rich Knack · Posted: Sun 23 Dec, 2012 3:33 pm Post subject: Petersen axe types?

Is there a currently available chart online (or on a forum member's computer...) documenting the different Viking axe types and their characteristics, according to Petersen? I just purchased a Type "B" axe from SBG forum member "Fallen", since I loved the looks of it (he makes other types as well), and it got me interested in learning about the differences between the different axe types. I have searched the older threads, but most of the links in them are now dead.

While I am on the subject of Viking weapons, I am also trying to find a downloadable English translation of De Norske Vikingswerde. Again, searched the older threads and the links seem to be dead.

Michael Harley · Posted: Sun 23 Dec, 2012 4:18 pm Post subject:

Hi Rich, this is the only English translation I've ever come across:

http://www.vikingsword.com/petersen/

Hopefully they'll finish it one day.

Scott Woodruff · Posted: Sun 23 Dec, 2012 4:33 pm Post subject:

This should help- http://www.vikverir.no//ressurser/books_artic...esverd.pdf
I don't speak Norwegian, but I can help with some translation.
Link to SBG thread: http://forum.sword-buyers-guide.com/viewtopic...4825540220

This is a real quick summary from memory. The types really blend into one another and many axes are hard to classify in a certain type.
A- small, symmetrical shaft section, subtle lugs, narrow, symmmetrical bit
B- similar to A but bearded
C- straight top edge, extreme beard, narrow shaft section, lugs subtle and on bottom only
D- bearded, more accentuated lugs
E- like a cross between D and M
F- similar to E but narrower bit and long bottom angle of beard in proportion to curved section
G- similar to A but with more pronounced lugs
H- similar to G, but with asymmetrical lugs
I- a chunkier type, more like a work axe
L and M- serious "Dane axe" types
Here is link to thread with much discussion of these last 2 types- http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t...mp;start=0

Rich Knack · Posted: Sun 23 Dec, 2012 5:31 pm Post subject:

Yep, I got my axe from the same guy that made the ones in the SBG thread that you linked to. He sent it out yesterday, so hopefully I will have it before the New Year...

Luka Borscak · Posted: Mon 24 Dec, 2012 6:57 am Post subject:

Hey Rich, pm me your e-mail and I'll send you pdf document about Petersen axe typology...

Rich Knack · Posted: Mon 24 Dec, 2012 8:43 am Post subject:

Thanks! PM sent...

Nils Anderssen · Posted: Mon 24 Dec, 2012 12:21 pm Post subject:

To my knowledge there is no English version of Petersen's book, only Norwegian and Russian. I am not sure if the Russian one has been published. I know Elling Polden, who is also hanging around on this forum, made a English translation of the axe (and maybe the spear) section of the book a couple of years ago. I will try to add that to the Vikverir side with the next update (which should be soon).

If you need any help with the translation please do not hesitate to ask.

Another good tip by the way is Vegard Vike and Kim Hjardar's new book "Vikinger i Krig" (Vikings at War).
http://www.spartacus.no/index.php?ID=Bok&ID2=581

Vegard has a section in the book about Viking weapons which I highly can recommend... but the sad thing is that it is only in Norwegian. I hope there will be a translation of it soon since it is a really good book. On the bright side there is many good pictures in it Wink

I will post on this forum if there are any news on the translation.

Elling Polden · Posted: Wed 26 Dec, 2012 12:44 pm Post subject:

Embarisingly enough, I had managed to delete my translation of the axe typology from my computer. But, after some poking around, I managed to retrieve it from a friend.

Nils will be adding them to the Vikverir Archive shortly.

Rich Knack · Posted: Wed 26 Dec, 2012 6:44 pm Post subject:

Got my type B axe from "Fallen" today. Not 100% traditional construction, as the eye is a separate sleeve welded onto the rest of the axe head, but very solid and it is a good looking and wicked cutter! It is a two-hander, by the way, though not nearly as long as a "Dane axe".

Photobucket image

Matthew Harrington · Posted: Wed 26 Dec, 2012 9:49 pm Post subject:

Rich Knack · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 6:20 am Post subject:

It's not as straight across the top as a "C" typically is.

Scott Woodruff · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 7:37 am Post subject:

This axe does not quite fit any of the Petersen types. There are some Vendel period axes that somewhat resemble it. Unfortuneatly I can't find the pics right now.

Rich Knack · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 7:43 am Post subject:

Ah, well, 100% authentic or not, it's still a wicked chopper!

Luka Borscak · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 8:29 am Post subject:

Rich Knack · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 10:03 am Post subject:

Didn't know that - learn something new every day!

Would a 29-3/4" handle be considered a two-handed axe, albeit a short one? Cutting edge is 4-3/4" long. The whole thing seems a bit heavy to use one-handed with any skill or accuracy, but then again, I'm not a viking warrior who has trained with armor and weapons since childhood, either...

Luka Borscak · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 10:08 am Post subject:

How heavy is it? By the length it should be a dedicated single handed axe to use with a shield.

Rich Knack · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 10:20 am Post subject:

Luka Borscak · Posted: Thu 27 Dec, 2012 10:30 am Post subject:

Well, that is heavy. My 4 foot dane axe is slightly over 3lb.