Product Review

Norse design with a soul that's all American. Why meddle with an axe shape that has been tried and true for over a thousand years? That's the logic designer and veteran Elmer Roush brings to the Freyr tactical axe. The deep beard echoes Viking style. But its balance and pure burliness boosts it into a contemporary league all its own. Shield and Viking battle cry not included.

Elmer Roush of Brasstown, North Carolina has one foot definitively in the past. When it comes to designing axes, that is. Though the Freyr's deep beard might not be put to use drawing back an enemy's shield as it would have in Viking-patrolled seas of lore, the balance it adds elevates this axe to a modern workhorse. Named after the Norse god of prosperity, its Viking soul stands up to its classic appearance.

The blade itself is hot forged of carbon steel and receives a passivation treatment for ultimate corrosion resistance. It's met with a handle carved of Tennessee hickory and is precisely crafted for durability and ease of use. An aftermarket leather sheath is available for purchase.

If it's true that history repeats itself, then this utilitarian axe is definitive proof.

About the Forged By War program

In 2013, Ryan Johnson of RMJ Tactical, designer of elite, military, tactical tomahawks, approached CRKT with the news that he had been working with a few combat veterans that had returned from war with varying degrees of post-traumatic stress (PTS).

To help work through their challenges, they have been designing and forging steel into custom tools. Drawing from their experience earned in combat situations, they have been creating tools they wished they had available to them in the battlefield.

CRKT cares deeply about our returning veterans and we saw a way to give back to the community that created them. In 2016, we launched the Forged By War program.

These are mission ready tools, designed by veterans, with 10% of the CRKT net profits of the program donated to the veterans' charity of choice.

Mission ready tools that are Forged By War. Learn more here.

Elmer Roush's charity of choice for this tool is the Green Beret Foundation.

*Although we know the temptation is great, we do not advise throwing this specific tool for safety and potential void of warranty reasons.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 4.528" (115.01 mm)
Edge: Axe
Steel: 1055 Carbon Steel
Blade Finish: Magnesium Phosphate Coating
Blade Thickness: 1.185" (30.1 mm)
Grind: Hot Forged
Open Length: 16.125" (409.58 mm)
Weight: 1.79 lb (0.81 kg)
Handle: Tennessee Hickory
Style: Axe