Viking swords, like the Vikings themselves, have reputations for being brutal and utilitarian devices, simplistic hacking weapons with little in the way of grace or beauty. This view has been perpetuated pop culture. For those who study Viking history and culture, though, they know that is simply not the case. Many Viking weapons that have remained for us to examine were not only functional but beautifully decorated. One such example is this sword, based on a find in Finland that dates back to the 11th Century (the original sword pictured below).
The long blade has a deep, wide fuller common among swords of this type, and which is an attractive offset to the intricate hilt design.
While the edge comes with a narrow 1.4mm edge so you can actually use it in blade on blade contact (CAREFULLY and REPSONSIBLY of course – please see our section on sword training and fighting on the main site for info) – the blade is strong enough that you can sharpen it up yourself or pay an additional fee of $30 for them to be given a quick and ready edge if you want to use them for test cutting practice.
The hilt itself is extremely attractive and authentic, with a mild steel crossguard and genuine leather wrap handle.
This 11TH c. Viking sword has a type AE pommel and guard according to Petersen's viking sword typology. This very unique style is accented by the knotwork commonly seen in Viking art from the same period. Visible in the scrolling design on the hilt are two dragons, which resemble the dragon-prowed ships the vikings would sail off on raids. The pommel also shows the image of the dragon in the intertwining loops.
This is a beautiful sword! DSA continues to try and raise the bar with this latest Viking sword. The decorative fittings promise to make this sword a conversation piece while it hangs on the wall – and the solid construction promises to make it a functional sword as well.
At 2lbs 11oz, this Viking sword is not only attractive but one of DSA’s lighter swords, in keeping with their efforts to bring down the weight and increase the quality of their newer productions.
STATS
Blade Length: 30”
Handle Length: 6”
Point of Balance: not known
Weight: 2lbs 11oz
FEATURES
1060 Carbon Steel Blade, Tempered to a HRC of 53
Mild Steel Fittings
Hand made in Canada
Designed for solid steel on steel contact
QUALITY CONTROL
Each sword is inspected at the Darksword Warehouse by the makers themselves for any looseness, rust or blade damage before shipping in a tightly packed, form fitting cardboard and shrinkwrapped package and sent inside a cardboard box.
