Viking Axe Set - Hand Forged Hatchet, Throwing Axe & Bearded Axe for Men | Woodworking Tool, Camping Hatchet & Outdoor Survival Gear | Perfect Gift for Him, Viking Enthusiasts & Adventurers | Great for Camping, Bushcraft & Wood Chopping

The ax is beautifully made and came in perfect condition.I love the overall look of this axe. The engraving on the handle and the head are both amazing looking and really cool. The problem I have with it is that the wood also seems to have black colorant or something and it comes off on the hands and the woods unfinished surface feels less than desirable in my hands. I almost wonder if it wouldn't be better to seal the wood using something like tung oil or even a coat of poly. the other thing I didn't like about it is the jute twine handle. It feels cheap and I don't like the rough feel or look. It's probably still functional but this would be much better with a leather wrapped cord or something as opposed to the jute. The sheath fits this perfectly and the piece as a whole is fantastic looking.This a really nice hand crafted usable axe. But the jute twine hand grip on mine arrive loosely wound and would not have been safe in its condition to use, since the grip slid back and forth 1". This is not a show piece or cosplay accessory for me. Rather it's being used in our overland Jeep set up, so will see some action. I ended up pulling the loosely wrapped just twine, which is only secured with convex head nails. Removed the nails re-wrapped the twine to taught then hammered the nails back in. This shortened the grip 1-1/2". The carved handle is sanded and smooth with a coating or treatment of sorts to give it the charred appearance. Some of the coating rubs off on my hands. I'll be shellacing it. The design on the axe head is etched to tooled in with a black coating of sorts to highlight it. The edge is sharp on arrival, but I'll be doing a little refining. It's a beautiful piece, but if you're planning on using it, you may consider a different grip type. I may end up wrapping it in leather, I'll see how it goes.Hopefully this was helpful, Thank you!This ax is gorgeous! I'm mainly going to hang it for decoration, not carry it or use it. The craftmanship is outstanding, and the runework and images are more-or-less historically accurate. It's a nice piece, but of course it's a far more decorative ax than any Viking would probably have used. That will not stop you from appreciating the work that went into carving of the handle or etching that amazing art onto the blade. Just remember that if it's cosplay you're considering this for, many events will not allow this sort of weapon on the premises.My only complaint is that whatever black dye they treated the leather sheath with does not hold well at all. It comes off everywhere against anything that it touches. Also be certain that the ax is well-oiled and will leave stains on anything that you lay it on until you clean it thoroughly. I used some clear silicone-like epoxy glue to cover all the black dyed portions of the brown leather sheath. I figure you might also use clear fingernail polish if you wanted--just something to act as a barrier so that it doesn't come off on you.My son has been fascinated by all things Viking since he was small. He is enamored with this axe. The etching and carvings are beautiful and well done, and the leather sheath is a nice bonus. It appears very sturdy, but I'm not sure how well it will hold up to use. The edge arrived sharp, and my son has used it on a few small branches for a camp fire. I don't think it's fully functional for felling trees or anything intensive, but as a camp axe, I think it would do well. Really impressed with the designs. The jute wrappings did arrive pretty loose, but were easily tightened.Beautiful piece that is too pretty to use. I got this for my son for his birthday. It is a very unique and beautifully made piece. He displays it in his room as an art piece even though I think you could actually use it. It even comes with a nice leather case for the head of the axe.