A pattern welded axe head is made from a folded billet rather than a single bar. Two steels, 1095 and 15N20, are forge welded together, drawn out and worked to shape, then the finished head is etched so the layers show across the cheek. On a blade the pattern is expected. On an axe head it is unusual, because a head takes shock rather than slicing, and getting a welded billet to survive that takes proper work.
The heads and hafts
Haft lengths run 19 to 50 inches. The bearded heads sit at 19, 20 and 22 inches: one at 19 inches overall with a 4.5 inch cutting edge, a Ragnar style head at 20 inches with a 5 inch edge, a rune bordered head on a 22 inch ash haft with a leather edge cover, a head with an engraved vegvisir on a 19 inch ash haft with a 7 inch edge, a hooked horn and a blackened collar, a head with an engraved longship on a 20 inch haft with a 7 inch edge and a riveted leather collar, a helm of awe etched head on a 19 inch ash haft with a brass collar and butt cap, and a head with an etched wolf head on a walnut haft with a brass collar and butt cap. The long pieces are a Viking axe on a 32 inch ash haft with a Mjolnir stamped poll and a bearded bit, a valknut axe with a hammer poll, an engraved valknut collar and a curved ash haft, and a poleaxe at 50 inches overall with a 6 inch cutting edge. Every head runs 58 to 60 HRC and nearly all ship with a leather edge cover. Prices run from 249 dollars to 595 dollars.
Living with a folded head
The pattern goes through the steel, so sharpening will not remove it. What it will do is show rust sooner than a bright finish, because the etch leaves a slightly open surface. Wipe the head, keep a film of oil on it, and do not store it inside a damp leather cover. Our axe care notes cover that and the haft. If the process itself is new to you, our explanation of Damascus steel is the place to start. Heavier heads are in war axes and the long staff arms are in poleaxes.
Ransack Viking is a US company based in North Babylon, New York. These pieces are handmade in the Czech Republic, then imported, inspected and shipped from New York. Engraving is done in the US after arrival: text 19 dollars, symbol 39 dollars, family crest 49 dollars.
Free US shipping
On most pieces. Heavier and oversized ones carry a flat charge.
Hand Forged
Heated, hammered and ground by hand.
Engraving available
Names, dates or Norse runes on most pieces.
