Axes
· Francisca- although any one handed ax could be used for throwing the Francisca originally used by the franks was the best with its downward curved head and often curved haft, maximizing the impact.
· Long ax- The long or two handed ax was one of the weapons that made Vikings famous. The long ax could measure up to 5 feet and could have a regular or bearded ax head. The blade could be as short as three inches and later during the Viking age blade length could be long as 18 inches.
· Short/hand axes- short axes were smaller often around 8 to 12 inches for the haft and could be concealed behind a shield if the spear or sword should fail the warrior.
· Francisca- although any one handed ax could be used for throwing the Francisca originally used by the franks was the best with its downward curved head and often curved haft, maximizing the impact.
· Long ax- The long or two handed ax was one of the weapons that made Vikings famous. The long ax could measure up to 5 feet and could have a regular or bearded ax head. The blade could be as short as three inches and later during the Viking age blade length could be long as 18 inches.
· Short/hand axes- short axes were smaller often around 8 to 12 inches for the haft and could be concealed behind a shield if the spear or sword should fail the warrior.
The Viking sword
The viking sword consisted of a typically two to three foot blade, coming to a rounded tapering point. Cross-guards were short; and often the pommel was decorated. Swords could be iron, steel, or sometimes both if the maker of the blade pattern welded it.
Vikings also wielded a knife called the Seax that could be small as a modern day pocket knife or large enough to be considered a short sword
The viking sword consisted of a typically two to three foot blade, coming to a rounded tapering point. Cross-guards were short; and often the pommel was decorated. Swords could be iron, steel, or sometimes both if the maker of the blade pattern welded it.
Vikings also wielded a knife called the Seax that could be small as a modern day pocket knife or large enough to be considered a short sword
The Spear- Spears are the commoner’s weapon and close to every soldier would carry one. Spears ranged from 7 to 10 feet in length and the blade could range from 8 to 24 inches later on in the Viking age, allowing for both piercing and slashing techniques.