The Huginn Viking Axe

The Huginn Viking Axe

A raven in flight, etched deep into the blade and framed by Celtic knotwork that runs the length of the bit. Odin kept two ravens — Huginn was thought, the one who flew out across the world each morning and came back with what he had seen. This is the axe named for him.

The head is forged from 12Cr steel, hardened and hand-finished, then etched by hand so the raven and the knotwork sit bright against the darkened steel. No two etchings come out identical.

The handle is rosewood, carved along its length with runic bands and a compass motif, then wrapped in natural jute cord for grip and finished with brass pins. A braided jute lanyard runs through the butt. The whole axe measures about 22 inches — long enough to swing properly, short enough to hang on a wall and be looked at.

It comes with a hand-tooled leather sheath, stitched and riveted, that covers the edge and buckles closed.

The box is part of the piece. Solid wood, scorched and finished dark, with the Valknut and a full runic circle burned into the lid and Celtic corner knots at each edge. Inside, red velvet, cut to hold the axe and the sheath separately. It opens like something that was meant to be opened in front of people — which is exactly what it's for.

This is a display and collector's axe, and a gift that doesn't need wrapping.

Specifications

• Blade material: 12Cr steel, hardened and hand-etched
• Handle: Rosewood, carved and jute-wrapped, brass pins
• Overall length: Approx. 22 inches
• Sheath: Hand-tooled leather, riveted and buckled
• Presentation box: Solid wood, engraved Valknut and runes, red velvet lining
• Best for: Collectors, display, Viking and Norse enthusiasts, gifts

Caring for the steel

12Cr is a stainless steel, but stainless does not mean rust-proof — it means rust-resistant. Wipe the head dry after any contact with moisture, and give it a thin coat of light oil (mineral oil, camellia oil, or 3-in-1) two or three times a year, more often in a damp house or near the coast.

Wipe fingerprints off before the axe goes back in its box. Sweat carries salt and leaves marks on etched steel over time.

The leather sheath should never be stored damp. Leather holds moisture against steel, which is the fastest way to spot a blade. If the sheath gets wet, let both dry apart before putting them back together.

Keep the rosewood out of direct sun and away from radiators. A little furniture wax once a year keeps it from drying out.

Never put any part of this in a dishwasher.