The Viking war axe is an iconic weapon that was used by Norse warriors during the Viking Age. These axes were powerful and versatile, capable of inflicting devastating blows on their enemies. Many modern enthusiasts are interested in recreating these historical weapons, and with the right tools and materials, it is possible to make your own Viking war axe.
Before you begin, it is important to understand that making a Viking war axe requires some specialized knowledge and careful craftsmanship. It is not a beginner’s project, but with patience and attention to detail, you can create a beautiful and functional axe that embodies the spirit of the Norse warriors.
To start, you will need a suitable axe head. Traditionally, Viking war axes had a single blade and a curved shape, allowing for both chopping and hooking motions. You can either purchase a pre-made axe head or forge one yourself if you have the necessary skills. Make sure the head is made of high-quality steel, as this will ensure the strength and durability of your axe.
Preparing the materials
Before you start making a Viking war axe, it is important to gather all the necessary materials. Here is a list of the materials you will need:
Axe head |
A high-quality steel axe head is essential for a Viking war axe. Look for one that is sturdy and well-made. |
Handle |
You will need a strong wooden handle to attach the axe head to. Choose a handle that is durable and fits comfortably in your hand. |
Rivets |
Rivets are used to secure the axe head to the handle. Make sure to get rivets that are of the appropriate size and material for your axe head and handle. |
Hammer |
A hammer will be needed to attach the rivets and make adjustments to the axe head and handle if necessary. |
Once you have gathered all the materials, you can move on to the next step of the process: rough shaping the axe head.
Gather the necessary tools and equipment
To make a Viking war axe, you will need several tools and equipment. Here is a list of items you will need:
- A forge or a suitable heating source
- An anvil and a hammer
- A metal file
- A grinding wheel or sandpaper
- A drill with various drill bits
- A hacksaw or a bandsaw
- A vise or clamps
- An oxy-fuel cutting torch or plasma cutter (optional)
- Protective gear, including safety glasses, gloves, and a face shield
- A measuring tape or ruler
- A pencil or marker
- A sturdy workbench or table
It is important to gather all these tools and equipment before starting the process of making a Viking war axe. Having the right tools will make the process easier and ensure that you can create a well-crafted and functional axe.
Choose the right type of wood
When making a Viking war axe, it is important to choose the right type of wood for the handle. The handle, also known as the shaft, needs to be sturdy and durable to withstand the rigors of combat. The type of wood you choose will greatly impact the quality and longevity of your axe.
Hardwoods:
Hardwoods are an excellent choice for making Viking war axe handles. They are strong and dense, making them resistant to impact and wear. Some popular hardwood options include oak, ash, hickory, and birch. Oak and ash are particularly favored for their strength and durability.
Softwoods:
While softwoods are not as durable as hardwoods, they can still be used for Viking war axe handles. Softwoods like pine and fir are more readily available and can be easier to work with. However, they may require additional reinforcement or maintenance due to their softer nature.
Overall considerations:
Regardless of the type of wood you choose, make sure it is straight and free from any knots or defects. A straight-grained wood will provide better stability and prevent the handle from splitting or breaking during use.
Remember, the choice of wood for your Viking war axe handle is essential for its performance and longevity. Take your time to select the right type of wood that suits your needs and preferences.
Shaping the axe head
Once you have chosen a suitable piece of steel, it’s time to start shaping the axe head. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shape the axe head:
- Start by marking the shape of the axe head on the steel using a permanent marker.
- Use a grinder or a file to remove excess material and begin shaping the axe head according to the marked lines. Be careful to maintain an even and symmetrical shape.
- Gradually refine the shape of the axe head, paying attention to the bevels and the cutting edge. Use a file or sandpaper to achieve a smooth finish.
- Once you are satisfied with the shape, heat the axe head to a critical temperature using a forge or a torch.
- Quench the heated axe head in oil or water to rapidly cool it down. This will help to harden the steel and increase its durability.
- After quenching, use a file or sandpaper to remove any scale or oxidation from the surface of the axe head.
- Now it’s time to temper the hardened axe head. Heat it to a specific temperature, depending on the type of steel used, and then let it cool slowly. This will reduce the brittleness of the steel and make it less likely to break.
- Finally, sharpen the cutting edge of the axe head using a sharpening stone or a grinder. Take your time and ensure that the edge is sharp and symmetrical.
By following these steps, you can create a well-shaped and functional viking war axe head. Remember to wear appropriate safety equipment such as gloves and goggles while working with tools and hot metal to ensure your safety.
Mark the desired shape on the wood
Before you start carving, it’s important to mark the desired shape of your Viking war axe on the wood. This will serve as a guide and ensure that you stay on track throughout the process.
Begin by measuring the length of the axe handle and mark it on the wood. Use a straight edge or ruler to make a straight line across the length of the wood to represent the handle.
Next, decide on the shape and size of the axe head. It should be thick and wide enough to handle the force of impact during battle. Use a pencil to lightly sketch the outline of the axe head on the wood, making sure it is symmetrical and proportional to the handle.
Once you are satisfied with the outline, go over it with a marker or pen to make it more visible. This will make it easier for you to follow the lines as you start carving.
Remember to double-check your measurements and make any necessary adjustments before proceeding. The accuracy of your markings will determine the final shape and functionality of your Viking war axe.
Tip: If you are unsure about the shape or size of the axe head, you can refer to historical references or existing Viking artifacts for inspiration.
By marking the desired shape on the wood, you will have a clear visual guide to follow as you carve your Viking war axe, ensuring accuracy and precision in the final result.
Use a saw and chisel to shape the axe head
Once you have selected a suitable piece of high-quality steel for your Viking war axe head, it’s time to begin shaping it. This step-by-step guide will walk you through using a saw and chisel to shape the axe head.
Gather the necessary tools and materials
Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:
- A saw suitable for cutting steel
- A chisel
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- A sturdy workbench
Mark your design on the steel
Using a marker or scribe, carefully mark the design of your Viking war axe head onto the steel. Take the time to ensure that the design is symmetrical and proportional.
Tip: You can find inspiration for your design by researching authentic Viking war axes or using a template.
Cut out the basic shape with a saw
Put on your safety goggles and gloves before you start cutting. Secure the steel piece to a sturdy workbench and carefully cut out the basic shape of the axe head using a saw suitable for cutting steel. Take your time and make steady, controlled cuts.
Pro-tip: If you’re new to using a saw, practice on a scrap piece of steel first to get comfortable with the technique.
Refine the shape with a chisel
Once the basic shape is cut out, it’s time to refine the axe head’s shape using a chisel. Hold the chisel securely and carefully remove any excess steel, gradually shaping the bevels and edges of the axe head.
Important: Be cautious when using a chisel, as it can be sharp and require precision. Take breaks when necessary to rest your hands and prevent fatigue.
Continue refining the shape until you are satisfied with the proportions and aesthetics of your Viking war axe head.
Congratulations! You have successfully used a saw and chisel to shape your Viking war axe head. In the next steps, we will move on to heat treating and sharpening the axe head to make it battle-ready.
