Anyone into Vikings and their weapons & tools? Just got an axe.

[akacoach]

While my axes are hand / camping axes are a little more standard I do love my pizza axe!

 

[Philthunder]

Any excuse to get into a skirt

 

[akacoach]

Ever been to Valhalla 3 day festival down in Basingstoke?

 

[akacoach]

Ever been to Valhalla 3 day festival down in Basingstoke?

 

[GMballistic]

Ever been to Valhalla 3 day festival down in Basingstoke?

I haven't no. Not even heard of it.
What's there and how entertaining is it?

 

[akacoach]

I haven't no. Not even heard of it.
What's there and how entertaining is it?

I went in 2024 with my mate Josh for his stag do and we had a brilliant time. We only went for the Saturday and stayed in a local B&B rather than camping, although loads of people camp on site and it definitely looked like it’d be worth doing if you went for the whole weekend.

During the day there’s loads to see and do – Viking battles, traders, archery, axe throwing and living history displays – but the evening feast was the highlight for us.

The feast tent had an open bar serving lager and mead, live traditional and modern Viking music, and every few minutes someone would shout “Skål!” and the whole place would raise their drinks and join in. The atmosphere was fantastic, with everyone singing, chatting and having a laugh together, even if they’d never met before.

We only did the one day, but it never felt like there was nothing to do. And there was always the option to dress up, although live weapons were not allowed.

https://valhallavikingfestival.co.uk/pages/about

 

[GMballistic]

Very cool and thanks for sharing @akacoach . Maybe something different to try for next year.

 

[Matt2kilos]

Here’s my shaving axe. Yes it holds an incredible edge.
I really like the balance and versatility you get with a bearded axe.
I suppose it’s loosely based on a Viking design.
I bought the head from a maker in Bulgaria.
Took a bit of work to get the edge the way I wanted but it has turned out well.

So you use a bearded axe to shave ?
They’re actually called bearded axes and you shave with it or is it a bearded axe for something else and you happen to shave with it?

I could Google it but I’m four Gins in and can’t be bothered.

I collect cut throat razors so I’m genuinely intrigued

 

[Owain]

So you use a bearded axe to shave ?
They’re actually called bearded axes and you shave with it or is it a bearded axe for something else and you happen to shave with it?

I could Google it but I’m four Gins in and can’t be bothered.

I collect cut throat razors so I’m genuinely intrigued

I did get it sharp enough to shave with when I first got it, well, I took the hair off my arm with it.
I actually use it for shaving wood and stripping bark. It’s a surprisingly versatile tool that you can push and slice with when held at the top of the shaft. That’s why I fitted a shortish handle, though obviously not as short as the pizza cutter above. They are not great for chopping with but the longer cutting edge is useful for other more intricate shaping. Would be useful as a push tool for shaping and thinning clinker planks if you are looking for a Viking connection.