The Danish warriors of the pre medieval period were feared across Europe. This axe was one of the large two handed axes they carried in their conquest of large swaths of Anglo-Saxon England and the continent. The shape and angle of the cutting edge is distinctly designed to give the best alignment and leverage when swung by a warrior in ground combat at a human shaped target.
Due to the extensive travels of the Norse the use of the Dane Axe can be documented from Ireland in the west to Constantinople in the east. A truly significant weapon in the history of Europe. The norse soldiers that carried these large axe were intimidating to the point that many comments written in the period mention them and the impact they had.
Extent of Norse influence
The shape of this axe head is typologically defined as a Type L using Peterson's Typology. This incorporates a flatter top edge up sweep and a cutting edge that slopes back towards the haft of the axe, more than some of the other axe head types. Here is a great link to a deep discussion of two handed axes.
In combat these large axe were exceptional weapons. They have reach and quickness to rival a sword or spear and when contact is made they impart a great amount of energy to the target. Here is some interesting action from the 2024 Hedeby Bouts at Wikinger Museum Haithbu.
Similar Axe in Archeology Museum Dublin
Here is a video looking closer at our replica War Axe.
You can also check out our video on these axes vs mail armor here.
Learn more about Nordic Axes here and research into Axe combat here.
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985