Product description
This type of axe head is classified as Petersen Type C. It features an extremely pronounced beard, with a broadly flaring section behind the eye, making it one of the most distinctive forms of bearded axes. This type is a further development of bearded axes that were already in use during the Late Roman period. Most examples have been found in Sweden, some in Norway, but none have been discovered in the United Kingdom.
This axe was likely used as a battle axe, as the connection to the haft is relatively thin compared to a typical woodworking axe. Axes of this type may have originally been developed by the Slavic peoples of the Baltic region.
The “beard” — the downward-extending portion of the blade — provided a larger cutting edge without adding extra weight. This design also allowed the user to grip the haft just behind the head for planing or shaping wood. In combat, the beard offered tactical advantages, such as hooking or pulling away an opponent’s shield or weapon.
This axe features a hand-forged iron blade. The axe measures 81 cm in length and 21 cm in width, weighs approximately 2.1 kg, and the blade is sharpened.
This axe head is a Petersen Type C.
