Viking Sword Iron

The Viking sword was the most popular model in Europe during the High Middle Ages. Its period of greatest splendor occurred between the 8th and 11th centuries. Its other name, also extended, was the Carolingian sword, since it was the type of weapon most used by the troops of the Frankish Empire. 

Despite not being the main weapon of these warriors - the spear was preferred for its greater range- it was the favorite for the defense of one’s honor. These were very expensive swords to make, so their bearers were associated with high status. These models were generally double edged but single edged models can also be found in the early Viking Age.

Viking swords were designed to be wielded with one hand. This way -and like medieval swords- they could be combined with the bearing of a shield. The hilt consisted of three -or four- parts: guard, handle and rear part (made up of one or two pieces, including the pommel) and they were made of iron, although you could also find bronze models.

 They used to measure between 35 and 37.5 inches, with a 27-35’’ blade and a 4.7-7’’ hilt. The blade narrowed and lost thickness as we got closer to the point in order to light the weight of the weapon while maintaining the necessary strength. Thus, the thickness was about 0,23’’ at the birth of the blade, narrowing to only 0.08’’ near the end. 

The center of gravity approached the grip as its blade narrowed- and its weight lowered, with the technique of hollowing - over time. This characteristic made the energy used in the blows greater, but after the attack, the recovery of the weapon to the original position was made more difficult and they were more efficient as a cutting weapon than as a rapier.

As for the manufacturing method, from two to four twisted iron bars were used. These were placed in parallel and forged to laminate them all together. The shapes created on the surface of the metal as a result of this process were used as decorative elements, creating patterns along the blade.