Introduction

Do you sometimes wonder, What weapons those brave Vikings warriors had with them to the battle? Vikings were not to be taken lightly when it came to axes and shields. However, the weapon that identifies with Vikings the most was definitely the sword. These swords were more than just the killing tools, they were symbols of an ancient era and inherited from one generation to another. The thing that also comes to mind while thinking about vikings swords is how they are manufactured. The process of crafting a Vikings sword really demands skillfulness and craftsmanship.

We’re going to embark on a journey to the wonderful realm of Viking swords where you will find awe arousing things. We will discover how Vikings swords were manufactured, what materials were commonly used and the various designs that forged the reputation of these weapons amongst their enemies.

Forging a Legend: Viking Sword-Making Process

In movies, spectators can witness swords being made in the blacksmith’s forge in just a few minutes. But, in reality, the process of Viking sword making is long and difficult. It demands skillful artisanship, and a profound knowledge of materials. The following is a simplified breakdown of how the process works. Let’s get started:.

• Gathering the Goods: The first step involved obtaining the raw materials. Vikings primarily used iron, sometimes combining it with a bit of steel for added strength. They mine the iron ore and then extract the metal through a heating and hammering process.
• Heating Up the Action: The extracted iron is then heated in a forge, a special furnace that reaches incredibly high temperatures. This heating made the iron more malleable, meaning it could be shaped more easily.
• Hammer Time: To process the iron, however, the first step is heating it. Once the iron was hot, the blacksmith would use hammers and anvils to transform the metal into the wanted shape. Such a process would keep happening and the metal would be plasticized and beaten with hammering out until the general sword shape was acquired.
• Creating the Tang: Hilt’s tang is that part of the sword that is canalised into the handle. A blacksmith typically forms a tang by taking a hold section of the blade, which would be precisely shaped to slide into the handle.
• Shaping the Guard and Pommel: The guard, which guards the gentle hand of the wielder, and the pommel, the ball-shaped heavy weight at the far end of the hilt, is melted separately from iron.
• The All-Important Fuller: The cutting edge is further improved by adding a channel in the middle of the blade. Through repeated passing between the two edges of the blade, this groove will remove the unneeded material while simultaneously ensuring the sword is not fragile.
• Harden Those Blades: Once the basic shape is completed, the sword undergoes a hardening process. This process involves heating the blade again to a specific temperature and then quenching it rapidly in water or oil. This process makes the blade harder and more durable.
• Polishing Up a Masterpiece: The final step involved polishing, and sharpening the blade. Some swords were even decorated with intricate designs or inlaid with precious metals.

A Cut Above the Rest: Different Types of Viking Swords

While the Viking swords were not all the same, they had four major characteristics: composition, length, width, and presence of sharp edges. There were several distinct types, each with its strengths and weaknesses:

• The Longsword: It is commonly considered that it is the most widely used, as each Viking warrior was equipped with these swords. It had a suitable length for flexing the hands and included a balance between projection and force.
• The Scramasax: This was a one-edged knife / a short sword intended for use in close-quarter combat and more instrumentalist of weapons.
• The Seax: Similar to the scramasax, seax was a very useful tool that could be used as a weapon in battles or for hunting or everyday tasks.
• The Ulfberht Swords: These products were the prestigious swords which the Nordic warriors mostly used. They were considered to be made with a special technique of steel production that made them stronger and stable compared to other cutting pieces of metal. However, it remains unclear as to exactly where these swords come from and how they are manufactured.

Conclusion

The Vikings’ swords were not only the items for wars. They were status symbols, expressing one’s affluence as well as power. They frequently got from one generation to another as a part of the family heritage or were invested with some kind of meaning. The workmanship displayed on these

blades is an indication of the high standard and quality of Viking metal workers.
In the present time, the Viking iron swords are still exciting us. They embody a visible link to a vanished past, and vividly portray the ruthless warriors who once dominated the ocean. At the Inspirit Art Store you are sure to discover a great collection of Vikings swords.

FAQs – Viking Swords