Hedeby Viking Sword, 9th. c., Damascus Steel

Hedeby Viking Sword, 9th. c., Damascus Steel

Shape-wise, this single-handed sword is a classic example of a Norse weapon as wielded by the Vikings. It features the typical characteristics of a traditional Dark Ages sword: a short guard, a straight double-edged blade with a broad fuller and a distinctive multi-lobed pommel.

The blade of this replica is forged out of Damascus steel*. The edges are not sharpened and the blade's full tang is riveted to the pommel. The wooden core grip is bound in red leather and features richly decorated brass rings on both ends. The approx. 14cm long, 2cm thick guard and the generously sized five-lobed pommel are cast from brass and closely recreate the highly detailed engraved motifs and patterns of the original artefact.

This early medieval one-handed sword comes complete with a red wood-and-leather scabbard with antiqued and finely detailed brass throat, chape and belt loop (max. belt width 6cm).

Please note that this sword is not a battle ready weapon. It is designed as a collector's or decoration/display piece and is not suited for combat reenactment. Besides its quality as a collectible, it is also perfectly suited as a prop, e.g. to complete your costume.

A regular version of this sword with EN45 spring steel blade is also available in our shop (Product No. 0116041400).

Specifications:

• Material: Damascus steel blade (high carbon steel, not stainless), brass guard and pommel, leather-wrapped wooden handle
• Overall length: approx. 90cm
• Blade length: approx. 73cm
• Blade thickness: approx. 4mm (cutting edges approx. 1mm)
• Hilt length: approx. 17cm (grip approx. 11cm)
• Max. blade width: approx. 5cm
• Point of balance: approx. 12cm from the guard
• Incl. wooden scabbard with genuine leather cover and brass fittings
• Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.5 kg
• Weight with scabbard: approx. 2 kg

Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.

The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain the blade and the scabbard on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.

* The terms Damascus steel, damascene or pattern welded designate a compound steel forged out of two or more different types of steel. It is named after its birthplace, the Syrian city of Damascus, a former stronghold of the patterned steel production. As a common practice, a harder high carbon steel and a milder low carbon steel are repeatedly forge welded and folded together. The high carbon steel ensures a higher hardness, a better temperability and longer lasting edge retention, whereas the milder steel confers greater blade flexibility and tensile strength. This procedure, which arose in a time where steel qualities were often low and inconsistent, enables to combine the positive attributes of the various steel grades. Besides, the different shadings generated by the varying carbon content of the alternating layers engender strikingly beautiful patterns, such as the twisted motif called Torsion Damascus pattern or the Rose Damascus pattern. Undoubtedly, these unusual patterns partly explain why inherent magical properties were attributed to the Damascus steel blades of the Middle Ages.