With the popularity of Viking life trending as of late with the successes of Vikings and Game of Thrones, gear fashioned in the Viking essence has become a hot ticket this year. The Viking style has been capturing our imaginations so much so that there might not have been a more popular halloween costume in the past few years (besides all those sketchy clowns with red balloons). With the faux reminiscence of living in more primitive days all the rage these days, authenticity becomes desire, and desire becomes reality in the marketplace.
My friends at TOPS Knives have created perhaps the coolest piece of authentic weaponry. The VI Ax was designed by Leo Espinoza, which was of course inspired by the famed blade of our Vikings past. TOPS suggests that the VI Ax “is a tool that any Viking would be proud to wield,” and after much testing (and enjoying) I can’t find a reason to disagree. While Vikings may not have worn the horned helmets their famous for, their axe styles have inspired a range of modern weaponry. And while, Leo has added his own flair to the design, the fierceness of the Vikings has not been lost with time.
Made in the United States, the Vi Ax comes from one solid slab of 5/16” 1075 steel with a black traction coating. A change from their traditional 1095 steel has provided better impact resistance with ‘only slightly less edge retention,’ which in short has made this axe more capable of withstanding impact with a minimal affect to the blade’s edge. The overall length of the Vi Ax measures 15.25”, which I felt was the perfect size to wield. The weight of the axe at 39 oz (44.6 oz with sheath on) feels really nice when swung, and when I tested her on some firewood, the Vi Ax felt balanced and came down with ease, cutting the firewood without issue.
Made in the United States, the Vi Ax comes from one solid slab of 5/16” 1075 steel with a black traction coating. A change from their traditional 1095 steel has provided better impact resistance with ‘only slightly less edge retention,’ which in short has made this axe more capable of withstanding impact with a minimal affect to the blade’s edge. The overall length of the Vi Ax measures 15.25”, which I felt was the perfect size to wield. The weight of the axe at 39 oz (44.6 oz with sheath on) feels really nice when swung, and when I tested her on some firewood, the Vi Ax felt balanced and came down with ease, cutting the firewood without issue.
The main blade is great for camping, outdoors and survival uses, and should not be viewed or implemented as a toy. If you’re dressing up as a Viking, and want to carry this beast, I’d suggest never removing the leather sheath when around company, especially if you feel like swinging it around. Which brings me to a unique point, that is the secondary edge of this axe, which you’ll render my meaning if you recall the old Christmas Story adage: you’ll poke your eye out, kid. The Vi Ax includes a very sharp spike on the back end, creating a double-edged affect used mostly for combat. The main blade is 5.25” and will chop just about anything, but the spike is another animal entirely, measuring at 2.18" on the top side and 1.88" on the bottom. So when wielding the Vi Ax, you must never forget about that nasty spike.
The handle is made of grippy Black Linen Micarta, which adds a nice finished look to the axe, while providing the user with proper control. The Vi Ax comes straight from TOPS with a high quality black leather sheath, which fits beautifully, and looks, feels and smells amazing. After working with the Vi Ax, I have to lend my compliments to the chef, because it’s a superior axe, with a lot of aesthetic value, and a whole lot more practical value. Whether simply camping, or packing for the end of the world, the Vi Ax by TOPS is one of a kind, and is built to last, through the worst that nature can give through to world’s end.
If you would like to learn more about TOPS, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
The handle is made of grippy Black Linen Micarta, which adds a nice finished look to the axe, while providing the user with proper control. The Vi Ax comes straight from TOPS with a high quality black leather sheath, which fits beautifully, and looks, feels and smells amazing. After working with the Vi Ax, I have to lend my compliments to the chef, because it’s a superior axe, with a lot of aesthetic value, and a whole lot more practical value. Whether simply camping, or packing for the end of the world, the Vi Ax by TOPS is one of a kind, and is built to last, through the worst that nature can give through to world’s end.
If you would like to learn more about TOPS, click here.
Article written & Photos by Brandon Scott / Eye & Pen
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