7 Best Viking Axes – Beautiful & Ancient Designs
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The primary purpose of Viking axes is typically for decorative purposes due to their unique design and historical significance. However, it’s worth considering whether you can use Viking axes for woodworking.
To help you make a decision on whether it’s worth it, we bought and tested some Viking axes so you can choose the best one according to decoration or woodworking.
So, if you’re looking for a Viking ax for decoration and woodworking, this article is for you!
Best Viking Axe – Quick Features Comparison
| Products | Product Name | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Fully Functional  | Fully Functional |
| Buy On Amazon |
Sharp Blade  | Sharp Blade |
| Buy On Amazon |
Lightweight  | Lightweight |
| Buy On Amazon |
30″ American Hickory handle  | 30″ American Hickory handle |
| Buy On Amazon |
NMLRA Approved  | NMLRA Approved |
| Buy On Amazon |
Axe of Ragnar  | NMLRA Approved |
| Buy On Amazon |
Each Weather-Proof | ach Weather-Proof |
| Buy On Amazon |
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Best Viking Axes – Top 7 Axes Tested By The Tool Geeks Team
We explored the same Viking axes that are close replicas of ancient axes used by Vikings. For accuracy and inspiration, we turned to various popular shows featuring vikings and ones that are based upon historical vikings, such as Ragnar Lothbrok.
Our primary goals were to assess their design for decorative purposes and evaluate their handling, sharpness of the blade, and weight for woodworking purposes.
1. Norse Tradesman One-Handed 24″ Viking Battle Axe
Best Features 
- Viking Design
- Viking Design Handle
- Sharp Blade
More detailed review ↴
The Norse Tradesman ax is made of carbon steel that lasts long without getting damaged or deformation. Also, carbon steel resists abrasion. This material ensures that the ax is constructed to last and perform exceptionally. The ax has a semi-razor sharp edge that was usable for a 56-58 Rockwell scale hardness.
We could easily carry and swing this ax, as it’s under 3 pounds and 24.02 x 6.69 x 1.57 inches, making it a light-weighted ax for cutting wood.
The ax handle is hand carved while the material of the Axe is rosewood, which tends to last a good time. Also, the ax’s handle is leather lace wrapped with engraved runes, which looks beautiful and has an excellent grip.
The head is made of 6” 1095 carbon steel and a skeg ax head, meaning the blade has an elongated, hooked, and bearded shape. The blade has a length of 15 centimeters, and you can get an excellent heat treatment to get 56-58 RC hardness.
Although the carbon steel-made blade material is excellent with a little force, it is unsuitable for woodworking; we can confirm this after testing it.
This ax will be a great display, so if you plan to do woodworking projects like chopping trees out, check somewhere else because this one will break even on a little woodworking project, but that doesn’t mean that this ax is a toy. It comes with a semi-sharp blade that can seriously damage you if you are not careful enough.
2. Cold Steel 89VA Viking Axe
Best Features 
- Viking Design
- Thick Blade
- Sharp Blade
More detailed review ↴
As the name suggests, the Cold Steel 89VA ax is made from cold steel and can be considered a modern interpretation of a two-handed Viking war Ax.
While testing it, the main concern was whether it was usable for woodworking.
So, after using this ax with proper force on a wood log, we can confirm that it is not for heavy-duty work but can be used as a knife at home (custom-made). This ax is unsuitable for chopping purposes but is it a replica battle ax that could possibly be used on thin wood wood and branches.
The overall height of this tool is 52 inches. The head of the ax is made of 1055 carbon inches, a known material for durability and sharpness. The 10” blade is 3 mm, fully polished, and hand-sharpened. Also, his ax comes with a long handle 48 inches long and is made of hickory, steel, and wood.
This is made from high-quality 100% steel materials. The ax is under 7 pounds and 48 x 14 x 3 inches, heavier than the previous one.
You may need to follow the included instructions to complete the ax setup.
3. Drake Off Road Tools Viking Type Light Bearded Axe
Best Features 
- Viking Design
- Lightweight
- Durable
More detailed review ↴
The beauty of Drake off-road Viking ax made us include it in our list.
Plus, we interviewed some friends who already had this ax to obtain their thougths about their experiences with it.
They said: “The Axe is reliable and durable because of its light beard and small hatchet shape.”
The total length of the tool is 16 inches, and the head is 4 inches. Its weight is approximately 1.3 lbs and 14 x 1 x 5 inches, so it is light-weighted compared to previous ones.
The head of the ax is made of high-quality steel. This tool also comes with oxidation and is covered with natural bee wax.
It has a quality handle with a curve at the end (Viking style). The curve prevents the tool from slipping from your hands while working. The handle is ergonomic, and it is made of a beach tree that is treated with wood varnish.
We asked one user if he had ever done woodworking with this ax. According to him, this ax is unsuitable for regular woodworking projects. But it can be a great companion for outdoor trips, hiking, and infrequent, light wood carving.
4. Cold Steel (CS90WVBA-BRK) Viking Hand Axe 90WVBA
Best Features 
- Viking Design
- Quality Handle
- Lightweight
More detailed review ↴
The hand ax 90WVBA is also a Viking design, and it was created by Lynn C. Thompson, Rich McDonald, and Dave Baker.
We love the length of the handle, and the weight of this ax, as it features a quality handle that is 30 inches long (extra broad) and made of hickory wood. The ax is only 1 pound (17.6 ounces) and 29.8 x 6 x 1.35 inches, so it is the least weighted ax and can be carried easily.
The blade is made of high-grade 1055 carbon steel, has a 6 “sharp cutting blade edge, and has a hooking beard with an elevated thrusting horn.
It also comes with a separate sheath available for Viking bearded axes.
The ax is not a working ax but for decoration purposes and can be used as a Viking collection with pride.
5. Throwing Axe – Win Your Next Viking Throwing Tomahawk Competition! 19″ Hand Forged Hatchet from High Carbon Steel
Best Features 
- Viking Design
- NMLRA Approved
- Perfectly Balanced For Throwers
More detailed review ↴
This tomahawk is only 1.5 lb and 19.5 x 7.5 x 2 inches, so it is lightweight and easy to carry and swing.
The head has a 4” blade edge, while the overall length of the ax is 19 inches, ideal for camping, splitting, and throwing. These blades may require additional sharpening.
The head is hand-forged with high-carbon steel and is NMLRA-approved (we’ll discuss this later in the article) with a 100% defects guarantee.
The fit friction design is more beneficial as it comes with friction to hold the head and handle compared to the set screw, so the handle socket is uneven. So it is problematic when it comes to woodworking projects.
Additionally, the nice thing is there is no need to spend much money due to its low price compared to its quality construction.
The ax is hand forged with carbon steel, but the poor welding did not impress us. While the blade is heat-treated, the head of the ax does not stay at a fixed point.
6. Shadow Cutlery Vikings (SH800X) – Ax of Ragnar Lothbrok
Best Features 
- Viking Design
- Replica of Ragnar Lothbrok’s Axe
- Beautiful Leather Wrapped Handle
Ragnar fans, this one is a treat for you, as it is the replica of one of the axes used by Ragnar in Vikings season.
This ax is excellent for many purposes, such as decoration and photography. But, it is not suitable for daily woodcutting and log splitting.
The ax head is made of carbon steel, is hand forged, and comes sharpened. The handle is also leather-wrapped, providing full grip and comfortable holding.
It comes with a 6” blade, the length of this tool is 24-½”, and the handle is 24 inches, showing its good quality.
It comes under 2-3 pounds (1.45 Kilograms) and (63.5 x 15.24 x 2.54 cm) 25 x 6 x 1 inch, which shows it is relatively heavier.
Besides being lightweight and easy to handle, the hand-forged carbon steel head makes it a quality ax.
7. Norse Tradesman 14″ Viking Throwing Ax
Best Features 
- Soft Handle Grip
- Teakwood Handle
The Norse Tradesman ax is also one of the high-quality axes with fantastic durability.
The ax has a hatchet feature with sharp edges of 56-58 Rockwell scale hardness.
Also, it comes with hammer polls with a hardened face that is usable for nails and stakes. This 1.9 pounds weighted ax has 14 x 6.25 x 1.25 inches dimensions.
The ax handles are designed with curves with a slight downward blade angle. We also loved the handle grip because it was not too harsh on our hands.
According to the creators, the ax handles are weatherproof and made of high-quality one-piece teakwood that lasts a reasonable amount of time. But, we don’t think that the handle wood is durable enough for throwing.
Although the creators claim this ax is the best for throwing, it’s not for competitions (leagues). The reason is that the weight is slightly heavier than recommended for throwing an ax (1.25-1.75 pounds).
Also, the handle is not durable enough to handle the jerking-type motions continuously.
What are the Things You Should Consider While Choosing the Best Viking Axe?
Since most Viking axes are designed for decorative purposes, unless the particular brand specifically states that the ax can be used for wood cutting purposes, you will want to focus mainly on aesthetics when choosing a Viking axe.
The factors you need to consider are:
1. Design
Basically, the ax’s design means the ax’s appearance. It should be beautiful enough to be used as a home decoration or display. Most axes discussed in the article are great for minor work, while they have simple yet sophisticated designs.
2. Blade type/material or sharpness
The type of blade your ax should have depends on your working needs. You can choose any type of carbon steel or steel material blade ax.
It will be long-lasting and significant with minor force working while they have curved designs, making them beautiful. Also, the sharpness of the blade is critical when choosing the one. Curved blades are primarily ideal for thin woodcutting too.
3. Handle Size & Material:
Most axes’ handles are wooden, but the wrapping on the handles is different. We recommend a leather grip to avoid slipping the ax from your hand.
The handles should be long enough to easily handle them with one or two hands. Also, they should be durable enough for the occasional light cutting activities.
6. Weight
Choosing the right weight is essential, as you must carry the ax. The weight of the ax should be less than 1-2 pounds so that you can carry and swing them easily without having to struggle.
7. NMLRA ApprovedThe
When something is “NMLRA Approved,” it means it has been reviewed and approved by the organization to meet specific standards and specifications.
In the case of axes, it could refer to axes designed and manufactured to be used in historical reenactments or other events that the NMLRA oversees or supports.
FAQS
What kind of ax did the Vikings use?
Vikings used axes with long handles, known as “long axes” or “Dane axes.” The length of these axes was about 1 meter. They used long axes for increased reach and excellent leverage.
Are Viking axes good?
Poor men mostly used it as they did not have any other choice. The ax is excellent to be used for clever moves or attacks. You don’t want to do ax fighting so that you can use them for wood cutting.
Can Viking Axe be Used for Woodworking?
After careful testing and analysis, we’ve concluded that Viking axes are generally unsuitable for large-scale or medium-scale woodworking activities.
You could use them once in a while for small-scale wood products, but at the very least, you risk scratching the axes’ decorative design. The reason is that these axes are usually made for decorative and display purposes.
Otherwise, we don’t recommend using them for serious hobbyist nor professional purposes.
Caution: Don’t use these axes for fighting purposes. The team at The Tool Geeks strongly discourage the use of tools in any type of violent or combative activity.
We hope this article on has helped you add that visually stunning Viking axe to your tool collection.
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