The best Viking axe for most people is a hand-forged bearded axe (a Skeggøx). It is the authentic Viking shape — light and fast in one hand, equally at home on a wall, at a reenactment, or splitting kindling at camp. But 'best' depends on what you want it for. Below we compare seven of our best-selling, hand-forged Viking axes across every use: a bearded starter under $100, a two-handed battle axe, purpose-built throwers, and ornate display pieces — with the style, use, price and real customer ratings for each.
The best Viking axes at a glance
- Best overall: The Skeggøx – Bearded Axe of Ragnar Lothbrok — from $89
- Best value, fully functional: Hand-Forged Axe with Decorated Head — from $99
- Best two-handed battle axe: 'Havamal' Double-Edged Battle Axe — from $359
- Best display / collector's piece: 'Othala' Runic Axe — from $390
- Best throwing axe: 'Vargr' Throwing Axe — from $89
- Best statement piece: 'Leviathan' Two-Handed Axe — from $499
- Best wolf-themed axe: Fenrir Axe with Leather Cover — from $359
All seven come from our full range of Viking axes — every one hand-forged, most from high-carbon or stainless steel with a hardwood handle, and many with a leather sheath and wooden gift box.
| Axe | Best for | Style & use | From | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Skeggøx | Overall / first axe | Bearded · functional | $89 | ★ 5.0 (5) |
| Decorated Head | Best value | Functional | $99 | ★ 5.0 (1) |
| 'Havamal' | Two-handed battle | Battle · collector | $359 | New |
| 'Othala' | Display piece | Carved · display | $390 | ★ 5.0 (5) |
| 'Vargr' | Throwing | Throwing · functional | $89 | New |
| 'Leviathan' | Statement piece | Two-handed · display | $499 | ★ 5.0 (25) |
| Fenrir Axe | Wolf-themed | Symbolic · display | $359 | ★ 5.0 (3) |
How we chose
We stock and ship every axe in our own range, so we ranked these on what actually matters once one is in your hands: how it is made (all are hand-forged, not cast), the steel and handle (edge-holding high-carbon vs. rust-resistant stainless; ash, oak or hickory hafts), whether it is functional or a display piece, and verified owner reviews collected through Loox. Where an axe has real customer ratings, we've shown them; where it is newer and hasn't gathered reviews yet, we say so rather than invent them. Prices are the current starting price and can change with variant and any sale.
1. Best overall — The Skeggøx (Bearded Axe of Ragnar Lothbrok)
The Skeggøx – Bearded Viking Axe of Ragnar Lothbrok
From $89 · Rated 5.0 from 5 reviews. This is the axe most people picture when they think 'Viking,' and it's our best-seller. The Skeggøx, or bearded axe, has its lower edge drawn down into a 'beard' that gives a long cutting edge on a light head — fast in one hand and easy to hook a shield with. Hand-forged head, wrapped hardwood handle and a leather sheath, it works as a first Viking axe, a gift, or a display piece. If you only buy one, buy this. (New to the shape? See our guide to what a bearded axe is.)
2. Best value, fully functional — Hand-Forged Axe with Decorated Head
Hand-Forged Viking Axe with Decorated Head and Carved Handle
From $99 · Rated 5.0 from 1 review. If you want an axe you can actually use without spending a fortune, this is it. The head is hand-forged and heat-treated to hold an edge for cutting and splitting, and it's finished with etched Norse detailing and a hand-carved handle — so it looks the part on the wall too. It's the sweet spot between a pure display piece and a working tool, which is why it's our pick for best value.
3. Best two-handed battle axe — 'Havamal' Double-Edged
Viking Double-Edged 'Havamal' Battle Axe
From $359. For reach and sheer presence, nothing beats a two-handed battle axe. The Havamal is a hand-forged, double-edged Nordic axe — a symmetrical twin-bladed head on a long haft, built for the reach of the great two-handed axes like the long-hafted Dane axe once carried by Viking huscarls. It's a serious collector's and reenactment piece rather than a light one-hander; if you want the largest, most dramatic axe on this list, start here.
4. Best display / collector's piece — 'Othala' Runic Axe
Hand-Forged & Carved 'Othala' Axe with Runic Head
From $390 · Rated 5.0 from 5 reviews. When the axe is the centerpiece, detail is everything. The Othala is hand-forged and hand-carved, its head engraved with a full row of runes and its handle wrapped for grip and contrast. It's the piece to choose if you care most about craftsmanship on the mantel or wall — and the five-star reviews back that up.
5. Best throwing axe — 'Vargr'
'Vargr' Viking Throwing Axe
From $89. Axe-throwing is one of the fastest-growing backyard sports, and a throwing axe is a different animal from a display piece: the head is compact and well-balanced, and the steel is tempered tougher so it survives repeated impacts on a target. The Vargr is our pick for anyone who actually wants to throw — affordable enough to buy a pair and start sticking them.
6. Best statement piece — 'Leviathan' Two-Handed Axe
'Leviathan' Two-Handed Hand-Forged Axe
From $499 · Rated 5.0 from 25 reviews. Our most-reviewed axe on this list, and the one people buy to make a statement. Inspired by Norse myth and modern God of War-style design, the Leviathan is a hand-forged two-hander with a leather-wrapped handle and a runic wooden box. It's a premium centerpiece — the highest price here, but also the highest volume of five-star reviews, which tells you how people feel once it arrives.
7. Best wolf-themed axe — Fenrir with Leather Cover
Hand-Forged Viking Axe with Mighty Fenrir and Leather Cover
From $359 · Rated 5.0 from 3 reviews. If you want your axe to carry a story, this one is engraved with Fenrir, the great wolf destined to break free at Ragnarök. It's hand-forged, comes with a fitted leather blade cover, and turns one of the most powerful figures in Norse mythology into a piece you can hold. Our pick when the symbolism matters as much as the steel.
How to choose your Viking axe
Start with what you'll do with it. Want one iconic axe for display or a gift? A bearded Skeggøx is the classic, versatile pick. After the biggest, most dramatic piece? Choose a two-handed battle axe. Buying to actually throw, or to take camping? Pick a purpose-built throwing axe or a compact hand axe rather than an ornate display head.
Then look at the steel. High-carbon steel (like 1045 or 1095) takes and keeps a sharper edge and is the choice for functional axes, but it will rust if neglected — keep it lightly oiled. Stainless steel resists corrosion and is ideal for display and everyday handling. Handles are turned from hardwoods such as ash, oak or hickory for shock resistance. Whatever you choose, keep the head dry and lightly oiled and re-oil the handle now and then, and a good Viking axe will outlast you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Viking axe?
For most people the best Viking axe is a hand-forged bearded axe (Skeggøx): it's the authentic, versatile Viking shape, light in one hand, and it works for display, reenactment and light use. If you want the largest piece, a two-handed battle axe is better; to throw, choose a purpose-built throwing axe.
What is the best budget Viking axe?
A bearded axe like the Skeggøx (from $89) or a functional hand-forged axe with a decorated head (from $99) gives you a real hand-forged axe — not a cast replica — for under $100, which is the best value in this range.
Are Viking axes legal to own?
In most countries a Viking axe is legal to own and display as a tool or collectible, the same as any hatchet or axe. Carrying one in public is usually restricted or prohibited, and rules vary by country and region, so always check your local laws before buying or travelling with one.
Are Viking axes real weapons or just decorative?
Both, depending on the model. Many are hand-forged and heat-treated to be fully functional for cutting, splitting or throwing; others are detailed display and collector's pieces. Each product page states which, so you always know what you're getting.
What steel are the best Viking axes made from?
Functional axes are usually high-carbon steel (e.g. 1045 or 1095) for edge retention, while display pieces are often stainless steel for rust resistance. Handles are hardwood such as ash, oak or hickory. Hand-forged heads are stronger and more authentic than cast ones.