One-handed viking ax, 8thC.

Customer review:

' (...) Swordmaker's axes are simply amazing. I have two, a medieval bearded axe, and a viking axe. Both are fascinating in their construction. They are much lighter than one might think, with thin axe blades/bits. They don't have the heft and thickness of a log splitter, because that isn't what is desired in a battle axe. They aren't meant for wood, but for flesh and bone, and are more than up to that task. I was asked about how solid these axes are, and I have no doubt that they would crack a skull open, or separate an arm or hand from a body with one swing. Their lightness allows them to be swung for long periods of time, which medieval axes most certainly were during battles. They are polished to a high shine, but they aren't polished to a perfect machined shine. They are made the way medieval axes were, with no glue, wedges, or anything of that sort. As a result, the blade sometimes feels a little loose on the axe shaft, but that shouldn't be a concern. The axe heads are very secure in their seating, making these axes 100% reliable. Remember, Swordmaker doesn't make modern style axes, he makes medieval axes. Medieval craftsmen knew EXACTLY what they were doing when they plied their craft. (...)

Kelley Mitchell