Viking Bearded Axe 

Blackened Finish, High Carbon Steel, Hardwood Handle

18” Overall, 4.5” Cutting Edge

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This is a solid axe with blackened 'forged' finish for rugged authentic look. Thick axehead and recurved hardwood handle. You might also like viking utility axe; search eBay item # 225018859466

Comments: This is best buy of the various Viking axes I carry; better construction than the GDFB, half the price of comparable Hanwei and still decent quality. Factory edge is only moderately sharp though in photos you see I sunk it into that stump, straight out of the box. These some wrapped in a thick oil to protect from corrosion so messy to unwrap. I'm a collector and weekend warrior, active in local HEMA groups and Renaissance Fair. I list what I own and can recommend. See my Seller ratings and buy with confidence, plus I ship fast!

A bearded axe, or Skeggøx (from Old Norse Skegg, "beard", and øx, "axe") refers to various axes, used as a tool and weapon, as early as the 6th century AD. It is most commonly associated with Viking Age Scandinavians. The hook, or beard (the lower portion of the axe bit extending the cutting edge) provides a wide cutting surface without making the axe too massive.

This design allows the user to grip the haft directly behind the head for planing or shaving wood and variations of this design are still in use by modern woodworkers and some foresters. The beard of the axe would also have been useful in battle, for example to pull a weapon or shield out of a defender's grasp.