The Fenrir — 22" Viking Bearded Axe
The bearded axe is the shape the Norse settled on and never really improved: the lower edge sweeps down and back into a "beard," which buys you a long cutting edge without the weight of a solid head. It also leaves a gap behind the beard, so you can choke right up under the blade for controlled work.
The head is 12CR stainless steel, hand-finished and etched across the full face with a Norse design — a stylised wolf's head at the top flowing into interlaced knotwork that wraps down and around the beard. The etching is done into the steel itself, not printed or stamped, so it sits below the surface and doesn't wear off with handling. The bit is left bright and polished against the darker etched ground, which is what makes the pattern read from across a room.
The handle is rosewood, finished in deep black and shaped slim through the middle for grip, with carved detail worked into the shaft in red. The lower third is wrapped in red leather, riveted at the base — a firm hold that doesn't slip, and a clear colour break against the black.
A hand-tooled leather head cover is included: red leather, stitched, patterned and closed with brass snaps, so the edge stays protected in storage or transport.
Each axe is made one at a time by hand. Small variation in etching depth, wood grain and leather tone is part of a handmade piece.
Care: 12CR is stainless, so it resists rust far better than carbon steel, but it isn't rust-proof — wipe the head dry after use or after handling with damp hands. Keep the etched surface clean and free of grit. Treat the leather wrap and sheath with conditioner once or twice a year, and don't store the axe in the sheath in a damp room.
