Danish Hand Axe

Housecarls, the retainers of Scandinavian nobles and kings, were very fond of using axes of all sizes. They usually used their Danish axes with their left hands to attack the sides of their opponents that were not protected by shields. Danish axes are illustrated on the Bayeux Tapestry, for example, and date to the second half of the 11th century.

Small axes like our Danish hand axe are advanced developments of the Merovingian axe. Housecarls primarily used them as destructive throwing axes, but they could also be used in close combat. They have distinctive, long blade edges that taper dramatically toward the handles. The axe blade encloses the wooden handle and is attached to it with rivets. Straight for the most part, the handle flares out toward the bottom, which makes it easier to hold on.

Specifications

Overall length: 54 cm

Blade length :12.5 cm