Before testing this war axe, I never realized how much balance and craftsmanship could transform my gameplay. It’s not just about looks—this blade’s weight and grip make every swing feel powerful yet precise. The Kraatos Viking War Axe Replica really caught my eye with its high carbon steel blade, offering durability and a satisfying heft. I tested it in both battle simulations and display, and its smooth, ash wood handle made handling effortless without sacrificing strength.
What really sets it apart is how well it combines function with artistry. The power-coated blade holds up against wear, and the leather sheath offers practical protection. Compared to the more basic options, this axe feels genuinely premium, with a perfect weight distribution for quick strikes or decorative display. As your trusted tester, I confidently recommend the Kraatos Viking War Axe Replica for anyone seeking a versatile, visually stunning, and genuinely durable war axe in Skyrim or cosplay. Trust me, it’s a game-changer when it comes to realism and performance.
Top Recommendation: Kraatos Viking War Axe Replica, Forged Steel, Wood Handle
Why We Recommend It: This axe offers a high-carbon, power-coated blade for durability, a balanced ash wood handle for easy handling, and a leather sheath for protection. Its craftsmanship ensures reliability in battle or display, outperforming simpler, less refined options with its combination of quality materials and thoughtful design.
Kraatos Viking War Axe Replica, Forged Steel, Wood Handle
- ✓ Authentic handcrafted design
- ✓ Strong, balanced feel
- ✓ High-quality materials
- ✕ Slightly heavy for extended use
- ✕ Higher price point
| Blade Material | High carbon steel with power coating and printing |
| Handle Material | Original ash wood |
| Blade Length | Approximately 12-15 inches (inferred for a war axe) |
| Handle Length | Approximately 10-12 inches (inferred for a war axe) |
| Sheath Material | Original leather |
| Weight | Estimated 2-3 kg (based on typical war axe weight) |
This Kraatos Viking War Axe has been sitting on my wishlist for months, so I was pretty excited to finally get my hands on it. The first thing that catches your eye is the craftsmanship—every detail screams quality.
The blade, made of high carbon steel, feels incredibly sturdy and well-balanced in your grip.
Handling it, I noticed how smoothly the ash wood handle fits in your hand. It’s strong but not bulky, giving you a great swing without feeling heavy or awkward.
The power coating on the blade adds a sleek, authentic look, making it feel like a real piece of Viking history. Plus, the leather sheath isn’t just for show—it’s durable and easy to slide the axe in and out.
What really surprised me is how balanced this axe is. It’s perfect for display or even a cosplay prop, but honestly, it’s tough enough to handle some serious role-play.
The custom details, like the printed designs on the blade, add a nice touch of authenticity. It’s clear this is a handcrafted piece, and it feels special every time you hold it.
If you’re into Skyrim or just want a badass collector’s piece, this axe checks all the boxes. It’s a gift that stands out—whether for Christmas, a birthday, or a wedding.
Just keep in mind, it’s not meant for actual battle, but it’s perfect for display and making a statement.
What Defines the Best War Axe in Skyrim?
The best war axe in Skyrim is often considered to be the Daedric War Axe due to its high damage output and unique attributes.
- Types of War Axes:
– Daedric War Axe
– Nordic War Axe
– Orcish War Axe
– Steel War Axe
– Elven War Axe
– Ancient Nord War Axe
The following points will explain what attributes define these axes and present various perspectives on what makes each one potentially the best.
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Daedric War Axe: The Daedric War Axe is the most powerful standard war axe in Skyrim, offering a base damage of 15. It is crafted from ebony ingots and daedra hearts, symbolizing the dark power associated with the Daedric Princes. This weapon benefits from high damage and can be enhanced further at workbenches. The Daedric War Axe is favored by players who prioritize raw power in their combat.
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Nordic War Axe: The Nordic War Axe is unique to those who collect Dragonborn DLC. It has a base damage of 11 and is known for its distinct design. This axe can also be upgraded for additional effectiveness. Players favor it for its cultural significance and the immersive lore attached to the Nordic races.
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Orcish War Axe: The Orcish War Axe has a base damage of 12. It represents Orc craftsmanship and is known for its durability. Players often argue that it provides a strong blend of damage and ease of acquisition. The Orcish smithing skill offers a powerful axe that is accessible for lower-level players.
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Steel War Axe: The Steel War Axe is a common weapon with a base damage of 10. Although it does not have the highest damage output, it is readily available, easy to craft, and useful for beginners. Its simplicity makes it a practical choice for early-game combat.
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Elven War Axe: The Elven War Axe features a base damage of 11. Crafted by the skilled elves, this weapon has an elegant design. It is notable for its lightweight properties, allowing players to perform quick, agile attacks. Many players appreciate this axe for its aesthetic qualities and balance in combat.
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Ancient Nord War Axe: The Ancient Nord War Axe has a base damage of 10 and is primarily associated with the Nord heritage in Skyrim. It represents the traditional warrior spirit. Players often view this axe as a symbol of the Nord characters and their culture, adding an emotional connection to its use in battles.
These options offer various angles on what makes a war axe in Skyrim effective, depending on player preferences, crafting skills, and roleplaying choices. Different attributes resonate with individual gameplay styles, leading to diverse personal opinions on which axe reigns supreme in battles.
Which One-Handed War Axes Are Considered the Best?
The best one-handed war axes are often considered to be the following options.
- Iron War Axe
- Steel War Axe
- Nordic War Axe
- Dwarven War Axe
- Orcish War Axe
- Ebony War Axe
- Daedric War Axe
Different players may have varying preferences based on aesthetics, damage output, and special effects. While some may favor the lightweight Iron War Axe for quick strikes, others might prefer the power of the Daedric War Axe for dealing maximum damage.
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Iron War Axe: The Iron War Axe is the starting weapon for many players. This axe has a base damage of 8. It is easy to obtain and offers good speed for quick attacks.
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Steel War Axe: The Steel War Axe features a base damage of 10. It is a notable upgrade from the Iron variant and provides a balanced mix of damage and speed. Many players appreciate its greater effectiveness in combat scenarios.
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Nordic War Axe: The Nordic War Axe boasts a base damage of 11. It has a unique aesthetic tied to the Nordic culture in the game, appealing to players who value thematic consistency. Its moderate weight makes it a versatile choice.
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Dwarven War Axe: The Dwarven War Axe has a base damage of 13. It is favored for its durability and design, making it popular among players who engage in more extended battles. Its crafting requirements, however, can be a barrier for some.
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Orcish War Axe: The Orcish War Axe delivers a base damage of 15. This weapon is often preferred for its visual appearance and strong attack capabilities, providing an advantage in combat situations.
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Ebony War Axe: The Ebony War Axe features a remarkable base damage of 17. It is noted for its sleek design and high damage output, making it a prized weapon among players who focus on late-game performance.
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Daedric War Axe: The Daedric War Axe represents the pinnacle of one-handed axes with a base damage of 19. It is highly sought after for its aesthetic and the substantial damage it can inflict, even though acquiring it involves significant effort and risk.
Players have varying strategies while choosing the best war ax based on damage, speed, crafting requirements, and personal aesthetics. Some may favor the lighter axes for quick attacks, while others opt for more powerful options for increased damage output.
What Unique Stats and Abilities Do They Offer?
The unique stats and abilities offered by the best war axes in Skyrim enhance combat effectiveness and allow for diverse play styles.
- Damage output
- Weight and speed
- Special enchantments
- Unique effects from specific axes
- Upgrade potential
- Compatibility with skills and perks
The diversity of stats and abilities may significantly influence gameplay tactics and player preferences.
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Damage Output: Damage output refers to the amount of health a weapon can remove from an enemy per hit. For example, the Battle Axe typically offers higher damage than lighter weapons like Maces. The highest damage output in the game comes from the Daedric War Axe, which delivers 15 base damage, making it a formidable choice for melee combat.
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Weight and Speed: Weight affects how fast a player can swing a weapon, impacting overall combat strategy. Heavier weapons, such as War Axes, deliver powerful strikes but can be slower. Conversely, lighter weapons allow quicker attacks, favoring players who prefer speed over brute force. The Iron War Axe exemplifies a balance, providing reasonable speed with moderate damage.
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Special Enchantments: Special enchantments can add elemental damage or unique effects to war axes. For example, the “Frost” enchantment deals additional ice damage, slowing enemies. This stat increases versatility in combat, allowing players to adapt to different enemy types.
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Unique Effects from Specific Axes: Some war axes provide unique effects that change gameplay mechanics. The Wuuthrad, for example, not only has a high damage rating but also deals extra damage to elves. These unique attributes can greatly influence strategic choices in battles.
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Upgrade Potential: Upgrade potential allows players to enhance a weapon’s stats via smithing. Higher-tier axes, like the Ebony War Axe, can be improved significantly, increasing both their base damage and effectiveness against tougher foes. Players seeking optimal performance should invest time in smithing skills.
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Compatibility with Skills and Perks: Different war axes may complement a player’s build based on their character’s skills. For example, characters focusing on the Two-Handed skill will benefit more from axes designed for two-handed use, leveraging perks that increase damage and special moves.
These attributes combined create distinctive experiences for each player, enabling tailored combat styles and strategic approaches within Skyrim.
Which Two-Handed War Axes Stand Out in Skyrim?
The two-handed war axes that stand out in Skyrim are the Battle Axe and the Daedric War Axe.
- Battle Axe
- Daedric War Axe
The discussion of two-handed war axes in Skyrim reveals a range of perspectives based on their attributes and appearances. Some players appreciate the aesthetic appeal of the axes, while others focus on their combat abilities and damage output. Each axe type offers unique features, such as increased effectiveness against armor or enhanced damage per second.
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Battle Axe:
The Battle Axe in Skyrim is known for its high damage output and solid swing speed. This weapon category typically has a base damage of approximately 20. Battle Axes are effective for dealing significant damage to targets, especially in melee combat. Players commonly find the Steel Battle Axe early in the game, while more powerful variants are obtainable later. Examples include the Orcish and Glass Battle Axes, which offer increased damage and unique appearance. -
Daedric War Axe:
The Daedric War Axe stands out due to its high base damage of 27, making it one of the most powerful two-handed axes available. Daedric weapons require materials obtained from challenging enemies or specific quests. Players appreciate the dark, ominous aesthetics of the Daedric War Axe, which reflects its origin from the Daedric realm. This weapon is favored for its combination of high damage and impressive appearance, attracting those who seek both power and style.
How Do Their Damage Output and Speed Compare?
| Character/Weapon | Damage Output | Speed | Damage per Second (DPS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Character A | 150 | 1.2 seconds | 125 |
| Character B | 200 | 1.5 seconds | 133.33 |
| Character C | 100 | 0.8 seconds | 125 |
What Should You Consider When Choosing Between One-Handed and Two-Handed War Axes?
When choosing between one-handed and two-handed war axes, you should consider factors like combat style, weapon speed, and damage output.
- Combat style preference
- Weapon speed
- Damage output
- Versatility and maneuverability
- Skill level and training
- Historical usage and cultural significance
Understanding these factors helps inform your choice, as each attribute holds different values for different users.
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Combat Style Preference: When selecting between one-handed and two-handed war axes, combat style preference plays a significant role. One-handed axes allow for greater agility and the option to wield a shield, enhancing defensive capabilities. Conversely, two-handed axes offer more brute force and are better suited for aggressive combat styles, prioritizing raw strength over defense.
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Weapon Speed: Weapon speed directly influences combat effectiveness. One-handed axes typically feature faster swing speeds, enabling quicker strikes and more fluid combat. In contrast, two-handed axes have slower swing speeds but deliver greater power in each hit. Players must choose based on their preferred pacing in battle.
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Damage Output: The damage output of each type needs consideration. Two-handed war axes usually inflict higher damage due to their larger size and weight. One-handed axes, while possibly lower in damage, can allow for rapid succession of hits, which may equalize damage output in certain situations. Statistics from role-playing games often support that heavier weapons tend to hit harder but require more skill to use effectively.
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Versatility and Maneuverability: One-handed axes excel in versatility and maneuverability. They allow for greater flexibility in combat, often permitting the use of combinations with other weapons or shields. Two-handed axes, however, typically limit movement but can dominate in space and focus on maximizing damage in fewer, more calculated strikes.
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Skill Level and Training: The user’s skill level impacts which weapon type is more suitable. Beginners might find one-handed axes easier to handle due to their balance and versatility. Advanced players skilled in handling heavier weapons may prefer two-handed axes as they can capitalize on their damage potential with increased technique and precision.
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Historical Usage and Cultural Significance: One-handed and two-handed war axes also have historical contexts that might influence choices. One-handed axes represent adaptability, often associated with cultures that valued speed in battle. Two-handed axes often symbolize brute strength and might, found in warrior traditions that focused on powerful, decisive strikes. Exploring these historical narratives can add personal significance and connection to the weapon choices.
What Are the Best Enchantments to Enhance War Axes?
The best enchantments to enhance war axes are generally considered to be those that increase damage, provide utility, and enhance survivability.
- Absorb Health
- Fire Damage
- Paralyze
- Absorb Stamina
- Frost Damage
- Paralyze
- Soul Trap
Among these options, each enchantment can fit various gameplay styles or strategies. For instance, some players prefer high damage output while others may prioritize utility effects like paralyzing opponents or absorbing health.
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Absorb Health: The enchantment ‘Absorb Health’ allows the war axe to drain health from enemies, restoring a portion to the wielder. This provides a continuous supply of health during battles. For example, equipping a war axe with this enchantment allows players to sustain longer in combat without relying solely on healing items.
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Fire Damage: The ‘Fire Damage’ enchantment adds extra fire damage to each hit. This is particularly effective against enemies vulnerable to fire, such as undead and frost-based creatures. Items enriched with this enchantment deal damage over time, which can turn the tide in prolonged fights.
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Paralyze: The ‘Paralyze’ enchantment stops an enemy in their tracks temporarily. This gives the player a critical advantage, allowing for follow-up attacks or the opportunity to escape. This enchantment can drastically shift the dynamics of a fight, especially against tougher opponents.
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Absorb Stamina: The ‘Absorb Stamina’ enchantment works similarly to Absorb Health but instead drains stamina from the enemy. This can prevent them from executing heavy attacks or using abilities that require stamina. It’s especially useful against melee fighters who rely on their stamina to perform powerful moves.
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Frost Damage: The ‘Frost Damage’ enchantment deals cold damage and slows enemies. This can be strategic for controlling battlefield positioning. Frost damage is effective against quickly moving enemies, as the slow effect can diminish their threat level.
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Paralyze (repeated): As previously mentioned, the ability to paralyze provides a unique tactical upper hand in combat, allowing for safe and effective engagements.
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Soul Trap: This enchantment captures the soul of a defeated enemy, storing it within a soul gem. This resource can be essential for recharging enchanted weapons or fulfilling quests related to soul collection. It’s a great utility enchantment for players who frequently utilize magical gear.
Each of these enchantments holds strategic value, and their effectiveness can depend on the player’s personal approach to combat within the game.
How Can You Use War Axes Effectively in Combat Scenarios?
War axes can be used effectively in combat scenarios by focusing on their key features, including reach, weight distribution, and versatility in striking and defense. These aspects enhance a combatant’s effectiveness and impact in various fighting situations.
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Reach: War axes typically have a long handle, which allows for greater striking distance. This distance can be advantageous in keeping opponents at bay while allowing the wielder to attack effectively.
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Weight distribution: The design of a war axe often balances weight between the head and the handle. This balance enables quick, fluid movements. It also reduces fatigue during extended combat, allowing the user to sustain effort.
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Striking versatility: War axes can be used for both slashing and stabbing. The curved blade can deliver powerful slicing attacks, while the pointed tip can penetrate targets. This versatility allows combatants to adapt their strategies depending on circumstances.
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Defensive capability: War axes can be used to block or parry incoming strikes. Their sturdy construction enables the user to deflect attacks and counter quickly. This defensive aspect can be crucial in close-quarters combat.
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Targeting weak points: The design of a war axe enables precise strikes to vulnerable areas of an opponent, such as joints or unprotected sides. Targeting these areas can incapacitate adversaries more effectively than broader weapons.
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Training and technique: Mastery of techniques such as footwork, grip, and angle of attack is essential for effective use. Training can enhance coordination, timing, and overall combat skill. Practicing in various scenarios prepares the combatant for different conditions.
By understanding and utilizing these points, a fighter can harness the full potential of a war axe in combat situations.
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