Imagine seeing an axe tattoo on the arm of a woman who you consider to be the softest person on the planet. Doesn’t that make you question your entire perception of her? That’s the power of axe tattoos. These tattoos represent strength, resilience, hard work, and determination. They are extremely popular because of their versatile uses and how they represent a connection to nature or an old-fashioned way of doing things. Whether it’s an intricately detailed Viking tattoo or more modern, bold, graphic, or minimalist designs, the possibilities for etching a striking piece are endless. Discover in this article a few design ideas that can inspire your creativity. Read on to discover the best ideas from around the web and how you can add your own little twist for satisfying personalization.
Meaning of axe tattoos
Axes are powerful hand tools that have existed since prehistoric times and are used for various functions, such as cutting, splitting or shaping. Due to their constant need in everyday life, they have also become symbols of cultural and religious significance over the years. A tattoo of this useful tool can have the following meanings:
Belief in productivity or hard work Connection to nature, independence and survival in challenging situations Courage and willingness to face unexpected obstacles Demonstrates a will to provide protection, guidance or leadership Determination to work towards one’s goals and succeed
In addition to the general possible axe tattoo meanings listed above, the overall meaning of a design can vary depending on the tattoo style, placement, accompanying elements in the design, and the wearer’s personal beliefs and ideologies. Continue on to the next section to discover how the factors listed above and more can help you create a desirable axe tattoo design.
8 Cool Axe Tattoo Designs and Ideas
Present this highly efficient and useful tool in a variety of creative ways for a tattoo that impresses at a glance. Check out the following illustrative ideas that combine symbolic meanings and aesthetic thinking to create stunning tattoos.
1. Viking Axe Tattoo
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Vikings are popular as legendary seafaring warriors for whom an axe was an indispensable tool in their daily travels and their conquests in battle, trade, or sea travel. To add the Viking element to your axe tattoo, you can add a horned helmet as pictured above. While there is not enough historical documentation documenting the use of horned helmets, Vikings are shown in pop culture wearing them and can therefore be a great pop art addition to the theme.
2. Battle Axe Tattoo
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Battle axes have been found throughout history in various shapes and sizes and have been used by indigenous cultures worldwide. However, if you want a battle axe tattoo with a very rugged aesthetic, a double-edged axe is a good candidate as a subject for your tattoo. The double edge not only speaks to the lethality of the weapon, but also to the wearer’s confidence in their ability to use it efficiently for maximum productivity.
3. Traditional axe tattoo
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Want to spice up your axe tattoo with some bold lines and a pleasant color palette? Then you should try a traditional tattoo style that is popular among tattoo enthusiasts for its strikingly bold and clean outlines and flat but striking colors and shading effects. Give this traditional style a vibrant and creative twist with unique patterned details that will decorate your axe tattoo and brighten up your personality.
4. Simple axe tattoo
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Unlike the previous tattoo style, if you prefer to keep your tattoo simple with just the basic details that can speak your mind without the extravagance, a simple axe illustration with neutral colors can do the trick for you. As you can see above, adorned with just some dry twigs on both sides, the axe tattoo design is simple yet manages to take up space by holding its own in captivating an audience.
5. Double axe tattoo
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Double axes are often used to represent dual or contrasting symbolisms. These symbolisms can relate to various personal feelings that the wearer has. You can choose from a variety of ways to place them together for your preferred aesthetic. The tattoo above shows them crisscrossed against each other, leaving the perception open as to whether it speaks to the duality of one’s philosophies or the amplification of them.
6. Firefighter axe tattoo
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The axe used by firefighters has a striking appearance with its red painted blade and versatile construction that allows for breaking, ventilation and overhaul during firefighting operations. It represents the pride and traditions of firefighters and their superior skills in taking on a formidable opponent. The design above combines the tool with red flowers, creating a vibrant red canvas that further emphasizes the passionate lives of firefighters.
7. Nordic axe tattoo
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In essence, Viking axes are also Norse axes, but the term “Norse” refers to broader populations as opposed to “Viking,” which refers to a specific seafaring warrior clan. Since Norse axes encompass types used by different clans, there is a wide variety of designs to choose from. The tattoo above features a heavy, bold piece depicting a double-headed axe, similar to the battle axe seen previously, but with a more abstract design for a modern look. Try similar creative techniques to mix the old and the new for a unique and attractive axe tattoo.
8. Ice Axe Tattoo
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The ice axe, as the name suggests, is used to break through ice or to pierce it to anchor yourself and maneuver upwards, especially during mountaineering. It is not an axe that you will find just anywhere and therefore it is symbolic of mountaineers and climbers who rely on this tool to survive in extremely challenging conditions. It can represent the spirit of exploration, the die-hard attitude towards one’s passions and the achievements that are made during every adventure.
The axe tattoo can be illustrated in a variety of powerful and versatile designs, while also holding deep personal symbolic value for many. This everyday tool can represent desirable human qualities such as strength and resilience, and can serve as a tribute to intense emotions or rich cultural value, painting a detailed chronology of human life and evolution. Whether you want a simplistic, minimal design or a large and elaborate mural, it is possible to combine the axe with a variety of elements to create a tattoo that you will love. Explore your placement, aesthetic, and symbolism for your axe tattoo to serve as inspiration, encouragement, and long-term adornment.
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Ruslan Millinhton has been tattooing since 2015. Originally from the city of Sumy, Ukraine, he now spends most of his time in Charlotte, NC, USA. He has been tattooing for over 10 years. He works primarily in color and black and gray realism.
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Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience writing across various niches including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has been honing her craft ever since.
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Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hair and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these areas. She has 7 years of experience and her philosophy on hair and skin care is simple: if you love it and take care of it, it will be healthy.
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Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience in creating short-form content for the beauty, fashion and lifestyle niches. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.
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