Vikings did don't just excel at close quarter overcome, but in addition had been a power at prolonged-distance strikes via throwing axes. The Francisca, generally known as the Viking throwing axe, was created for equally combat and competition.

With its long shaft, wielded in both hands, its iron head and sharp edge, it was formidable in truth – cleaving heads and bodies at a single blow. But what was it really like?

In the following paragraphs, I will get you on the journey with the background from the Viking battle axe, tracing its evolution from a simple Software to your fatal weapon.

Viking tomahawks served a variety of features, both of those as powerful weapons in near quarters warfare and adaptable tools for day to day work. The viking tomahawk certainly represented two different cultural heritages

A further common type of Viking axes is Hand Axe. The hand axe contains a symmetrical or a bit curved small and wide head with a brief haft that fits easily in a single hand.

It is possible to think about then that it necessary some very proficient warriors to lug these all-around and press forward all through battle.

Viking throwing axes ended up identified as Franciscas. Franciscas ended up little, light-weight axes with a short blade in addition to a effectively-balanced design. They were hunting knife being quite successful at placing targets in a length, and had been usually Employed in battle to break enemy formations or to harass enemy troops.

Viking weapon design things for heraldic emblem. Warrior head within a viking helmet. Vector illustration in stamp style.

With All of this, you’ve probably found yourself deeply invested in these cold metal equipment in some kind or other. Are they designed especially for throwing?

The Dane axe was popular One of the Vikings with the tenth to your 11th century. It is commonly associated with the elite warriors and nobles who served because the king’s bodyguards or individual troops.

The Viking axes are not merely fascinating and functional instruments, but additionally expose a great deal in regards to the history, lifestyle, and legacy of the Norsemen.

First, the axe’s leading edge had a longer overall duration than pocket knife regular, jogging well down below the pole. Even with this kind of design, expert warriors could don the blade in a single arm.

The head of a Dane axe is flared or triangular. A bearded axe head does viking axe not flare upward and has a lengthy, pronounced heel that extends nicely beneath the butt, the place in which the axe head joins with the handle. Also, bearded axes tend to be more functional than Dane axes for get the job done off the battlefield. 

The blade alone was reasonably mild and forged quite slim, which makes it fantastic for slicing. The thickness of your body on best the edge is as thin as two mm (0.079 in). Several of such axes have been built with a bolstered bit, usually of an increased carbon steel to aid a tougher, sharper edge.