The Runecarved Viking Axe

In Stock

$339.99 $399.99 -15%

A 25" Viking bearded axe in 12Cr steel with Norse runes etched into the head, a blackened ash handle carved with a Helm of Awe, a leather grip wrap, a sheath and a wooden presentation box.

DetailingEtched runes on the head, carved Norse design on the handle
Head ProfileBearded, Viking
Head Material12Cr Steel
Overall Length25 inches
Handle MaterialAsh wood, blackened finish

About This Knife

The bearded profile is what makes a Viking axe what it is. The lower edge of the head drops well below the eye, which puts more cutting edge on the same weight of steel and leaves a gap behind the blade where you can grip up close for finer work.

The head is 12Cr steel, finished bright on the bevels with the darkened band carrying a line of Norse runes around the curve of the beard. 12Cr holds its edge and resists rust far better than carbon steel, which matters for something that will spend most of its life on a wall rather than in a toolbox.

The handle is ash, blackened and carved with a Helm of Awe inside a sun wheel, so the pale grain shows through the dark finish. Ash is the traditional wood for an axe haft for a practical reason: it bends rather than snaps, and it absorbs shock instead of passing it into your hands. The lower third is wrapped in black leather for grip.

It ships with a sheath for the head and a wooden presentation box lined in red, which makes it ready to give as it arrives. It suits display, collections, re-enactment and Norse enthusiasts, and it is light enough in the hand for camp use.

Care & Maintenance

Cleaning & Storage
Hand wash only with warm water and mild soap. Never place a high-carbon or Damascus steel blade in a dishwasher. Dry immediately with a soft cloth. Store in a dry environment, ideally out of the leather sheath for long-term storage to prevent moisture retention.
Oiling the Blade
High-carbon steels will naturally patina over time, which adds character and protection. To prevent rust, apply a light coat of food-safe mineral oil or camellia oil after every use. For wood handles, occasional treatment with beeswax or boiled linseed oil will preserve the lustre.
Sharpening
Maintain the edge between uses with a ceramic honing rod. When it is time to sharpen, we recommend Japanese water stones (1000/3000 grit) maintained at a 15-20 degree angle per side. Avoid pull-through carbide sharpeners, as they remove too much steel and can chip the hard edge.

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