Gransfors Bruks Ancient Axes Collection - Hand forged to order by Lars Enander. Please order well in advance of need as delivery date cannot be estimated.

A Swedish axe developed during the 7th century. The broad axe originally came to the Nordic countries from Western and Central Europe and was subsequently developed into two basic axe types: the two-lugged and the four-lugged. The two-lugged broad axe is characterized by two lugs below the eye and was often quite big and heavy. It had a short handle and a long extended edge. The beard axe was used primarily as a tool for woodwork and for cutting and smoothing planks, for example. This type of axe was an essential tool used for boat building and in the construction of Viking buildings (skiftesverkhus) which were built using horizontal planks. This replica, forged by hand, is based on an 11th century axe found in Gothem on the island of Gotland. The original axe is exhibited at the Museum of National Antiquities in Stockholm.

Straight handle: 75 cm
Length of edge: 15 cm
Weight (including handle): Approx. 1.6 kg