Cold Steel Viking Battle Axe: Unleash Your Inner Norseman (Without Pillaging!)
Okay, picture this: Vikings. Longships. Axes the size of your head. Intrigued? Me too! That’s why I jumped at the chance to get my hands on the Cold Steel Viking Battle Axe. I’ve always been a sucker for history, and the idea of wielding a modern take on such an iconic weapon? Let’s just say my inner history nerd was doing the happy dance.
So, does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
Right out of the box, this thing just looks right. That classic, broad axe head, all business with its curved edge and those pointy “horns”… it screams “Viking!” The 30-inch hickory handle feels pretty solid, though, I gotta admit, my first thought was, “Hmm, maybe a tad short?” We’ll get back to that. At a little over two pounds, it’s got some heft, a reassuring weight that tells you it’s ready for some serious work.
Now, I’m no Ragnar Lothbrok, but I’ve spent enough time chopping firewood to know my way around an axe. And let me tell you, this thing loves to chop. That wide blade just bites deep, making quick work of smaller logs. Those “horns” on the blade? Interesting touch. Sure, they’re probably meant for hooking shields or disarming enemies, but let’s be real, most of us will be using them to, uh, maybe pull a stubborn root out of the ground. Or something.
Here’s the thing, though: that 30-inch handle? Yeah, it felt a little cramped for my 6-foot frame. I could still swing it, no problem, but it wasn’t exactly the most comfortable experience. If you’re on the taller side, you might want to think about upgrading to a longer handle. I’ve heard it makes a world of difference.
The balance is decent, but it definitely feels a bit head-heavy. Not a deal-breaker, mind you – that extra weight gives you some serious chopping power. Just be prepared to put a little extra muscle into your swing.
Now, a couple of minor gripes. That coating on the blade? Not exactly a work of art. It’s functional, sure, but it’s not the prettiest thing to look at. Some folks remove it, but hey, to each their own.
The Bottom Line?
The Cold Steel Viking Battle Axe is a tough, well-built axe that’s perfect for anyone who wants to channel their inner Viking. Chopping, splitting, maybe even a little backyard target practice? This thing can handle it all. That shorter handle might not be ideal for everyone, and the blade coating could be prettier, but those are minor quibbles. If you’re after a durable, functional, and historically-inspired axe? This is definitely worth a look. Just maybe consider a longer handle – your back will thank you!