How to Avoid Dull Viking Axes

Posted by seomypassion12 on February 1st, 2023

Vikings were renowned for their axes, and while they were often used for battles, they also had a reputation for using dull axes. This is why it’s important to find an axe that will be well balanced and sharp, as you won’t want to waste your time with a dull axe.

Axe Head

The axe head is where the blade meets the haft, and it’s a key part of any axe. It can be made of wood, metal, or both, and it should have a straight grain to ensure a good grip.

Axes are a very versatile tool that has been around for thousands of years, and they’re still widely used today. Whether you’re in the woods or on the battlefield, an Viking axe for sale axe can be a valuable survival weapon.

Most axe heads are rounded, but some designs have sharp edges like a knife or a scythe. A sharp axe can slice through a piece of wood in seconds, and it’s a great way to kill enemies when they’re hiding out.

Some axes are double-bitted, which means they have blades on both sides of the head. These are useful if you need to take down more than one opponent at once, and they can be effective when using a wide variety of attack techniques.

You should choose an axe with a weight that is appropriate for your experience level. A lightweight head won’t cut as deep or be as accurate, and a heavier axe will require more effort to use. If you’re new to the tool, experts recommend starting off with a 3-lb head on a full-sized axe and a 2-lb head on a “boy’s ax” so that you can get a feel for it.

Once you’ve found an axe that fits your requirements, you’ll want to make sure it’s seated properly. This is done by cutting a slot in the handle (usually front to back) that goes down about two-thirds of the way into the head. This is called the kerf and it helps the head mount snugly on the handle.

Another important part of the axe handle is the handguard. It should be made of thicker wood than the axe head, and it should be tightly packed with numerous growth rings. This pattern makes it stronger and more resistant to bending.

It should also have a large swell on the end to help you lock your hand in place and prevent it from slipping off when striking. Many modern axes lack this feature, which is why they’re often difficult to use without an awkward stance.
Axe Handle

The axe handle is the wood part of an axe that extends from the head. It is an important component of any axe and should be treated with care and respect to ensure that it remains in good condition.

Axe handles are usually made from hickory, which is a hardwood with a high level of hardness. However, it is not uncommon for axe handles to be made from other types of wood such as ash, hop-hornbeam (also known as ironwood), maple and white oak.

Most axes are available with a number of different handles, but the best ones will feature a handle that is made from hickory, as hickory has superior strength. Some manufacturers also choose to use heartwood for the handle.

Handles are typically made with a cross-grained or cross-laminated construction. This is a great way to keep the handle from being susceptible to splitting and bucking, which can lead to loss of force and accuracy.

The swell knob, or palm swell, is another important feature of an axe handle. It helps reduce slippage and keeps your hands in place while you are using the tool. Generally, a palm swell of 1.5" or more is considered to be a suitable size for most axes.

Thinner axe handles allow you to more accurately chop, but they are less comfortable and can cause vibration in your hands. A thicker axe handle will also be more rigid and provide a greater amount of power.

Axes that are used primarily for felling, chopping logs or woodwork should have a thicker handle. A thick handle will increase your force and help you get deeper into the wood. It will also help you feel a lot more comfortable while you are using the tool.

An axe handle that is curved along its length is better suited for felling, chopping and general yard work than one that is straight. A curved handle can be shaped by sanding and re-shaping it with a rasp or spokeshave.

Axe handles should be treated with a coat of mineral oil, which will help protect them from moisture. They should be stored away from excessive humidity and in a dry, well-ventilated area when not in use. Besides helping them to resist moisture, mineral oil also makes the wood smoother and more resilient to impact.
Axe Weight

The weight of an axe determines how much energy it takes to swing, and this also affects how well you can control the axe when cutting. An axe that is too heavy can throw off your aim and tire you out after a few swings, while an axe that is too light may not cut very deep.

Axes can vary in weight, but the average axe is generally between 3 and 5 pounds, including the head and handle. This amount of weight is enough to handle most camp chores and split firewood, but it is not so heavy that it would be difficult to carry on a hike or camping trip.

If you are going to be chopping and splitting large logs or rounds of wood, you'll need an axe that is sturdy enough to withstand the weight and the kinetic energy of every swing. Axes designed for felling and mauling trees typically have a longer head than axes used for general copping duties, and they can be as long as 36 inches in length and weigh up to seven pounds.

Some axes are made with moderately thin cheeks, while others are thicker. Thinner cheeks are better for cutting trees and limbs while thicker ones are better for splitting wood.

It is also important to note that axe heads made with lower quality steel have a tendency to chip and dull over time. Fortunately, many brands offer high-quality axes that are hand forged by big forges. These axes are more expensive but are still affordable and are likely to last for decades.

The handle of an axe is also a major factor in the durability of an axe. Having a wooden handle will help to keep the axe from becoming brittle, cracking, or rotten. Brett recommends that you look for handles that are made from hickory or ash - a hard wood that is strong and durable.

You can usually find axe handles at big box stores, but it's best to look for one that is made from a hardwood. Ideally, the grain of the wood should run parallel to the bit of the axe. This is important because it will help to prevent splintering and breakage when you're trying to swing the axe.
Axe Edge

The axe edge is the part of an axe blade that is used to chop wood. It may be very sharp or blunt, depending on the type of axe and its uses.

A sharp axe edge will cut much more effectively and efficiently than a dull one. This is why a good axe edge should be sharpened frequently. A dull edge can cause an axe to slip more easily, and it also makes it harder to control the axe.

You can sharpen an axe edge using either a file or a stone. A file is a better choice for light sharpening, and a stone is a great tool for medium maintenance. A stone should always be lubricated with oil or water before use.

First, clean the axe head thoroughly. Wipe off any rust and pitch that has built up on the head and handle, and then wipe down the metal with light machine oil. You can also apply a beeswax and oil mixture to the steel. This will help to protect the axe from rust and prevent it from chipping or flaking.

Once the axe has been cleaned and oiled, you are ready to sharpen it. You can do this by hand with a file, or you can sharpen it more quickly with a belt sander or grinder.

When sharpening with a file, you should pass the file over the axe edge in circular movements. This helps to shape the edge without damaging it. You can also use a sharpening gauge to ensure that the edge is correctly ground.

After you have finished filing the axe, flip it over and repeat the process on the other side of the blade. This is called stropping. You can do this by drawing the axe across a piece of finished leather or soft clear wood like pine.

Alternatively, you can sand the edge with an abrasive stone. This removes any small particles of ax metal that have built up on the blade, making it easier for you to create a fine burr or wire edge.

If you are working with an older axe, it is common for the face to have a substantial swelling in the center of the face. This can cause the edge to be very narrow on the fore and aft sides of the head. In these cases, it is important to file the edge at the center of the face. This will give you a wider bevel in the center of the head than at either tip, which will result in a more consistent wedge shape.