Description
Circa 900
This hilt style is typical of swords forged in Norway during the Viking Age. The example shown here, preserved in the National Museum in Copenhagen, has a pommel and guard crafted from solid German silver. These fittings are relatively sturdy compared to other Nordic swords, giving the weapon a balanced weight and solid feel without being cumbersome. The blade itself is well tempered, featuring deep fullers along its length to lighten the sword while preserving strength and flexibility,qualities essential for the quick, powerful strikes favored by Viking warriors. The blade’s resilience owes much to skilled heat treatment, enabling it to absorb blows without fracturing. This sword reflects the practical craftsmanship of Viking smiths, blending effective design with a distinctive look. It is paired with a scabbard and forged from high carbon steel by Windlass Steelcrafts.
- Overall length: 37-1⁄2″
- Blade length: 30-1⁄2″; width: 1-7⁄8″; thickness: 3⁄16″
- Weight: 3 lbs
Fun fact: Viking swords of Norwegian design often featured pommels shaped in a distinctive “lobed” or “brazil-nut” style, which not only balanced the blade but also served as a recognizable symbol of status among warriors.
