Viking axes were formidable weapons that played a crucial role in Viking conquests. But how were they made by hand? In this article, we’ll explore the steps involved in making Viking axes.
Material selection: Viking axes were mainly made from iron, but some were also made from steel. Iron was readily available in Scandinavia, but steel was imported from abroad.
Forging the blade: The first step was to forge the blade. Blacksmiths would heat the iron or steel until it turned bright red, then hammer it into a flat shape. Then they used an anvil to give the blade its final shape.
Heat treatment: After forging the blade, blacksmiths had to soak it in water to cool it quickly. This created a very hard but also very brittle blade. To avoid this, the blade was then heated and cooled several times to give it the desired hardness.
Handle manufacture: Viking axe handles were generally made from hardwoods such as ash or oak. The handle was tapered at one end to match the shape of the blade.
Assembly: The final step was to assemble the blade and handle. Blacksmiths drilled a hole in the handle, then inserted the blade. Wooden or metal wedges were then used to secure the blade to the handle.
In conclusion, Viking axes were handcrafted using simple but effective techniques. Blacksmiths had considerable skill in creating blades of sufficient hardness and strength for battle. Viking axes were also highly functional, as hardwood handles and tempered blades created durable and effective weapons. Today, Viking axes are still highly prized by collectors and weapons enthusiasts for their beauty and fascinating history.