Historic Replicas

The Viking Age was a time of transition.  It marked the emergence of Europe from the chaos following the collapse of the Roman Empire to the relative stability of the Middle Ages. Combat was a way of life for the Vikings; most Vikings were warriors, and many made their living almost exclusively from raids on neighboring peoples.  A Viking’s weapon was a central part of his identity.  The spear and the battle axe were the Vikings’ weapons of choice, being inexpensive and easy to produce.   Only very wealthy Vikings could afford swords, and as such they were highly prized, even sacred.  Viking swords were a transition between the short blades of earlier times and the imposing broadswords of the Middle Ages.  As Viking swordsmiths began to master the use of steel, the blades grew in length, until the average Viking sword was between two and a half and three feet long.  Like the Japanese katana, a well-made sword was constructed from alternating layers of low and high-carbon steel.  The former provided flexibility, the latter strength and a sharp cutting edge.  The Viking sword was double-edged and perfect from both chopping and stabbing motions.  It was light enough to wield with one hand, which left the other free for the Viking’s round wooden shield.  Sword and shield were a truly deadly combination, and the elite warriors who used them had a supreme battlefield advantage.