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Often overlooked by modern sword lovers is the tremendous amount of stress placed on a sword blade during battle. Early Viking swords were forged from layers of iron interwoven with strands of steel to produce a very tough sword. Although iron was a tougher material than bronze it would frequently bend. Damascus, or pattern welded steel, was used to make the blade strong enough to withstand the rigors of combat. Excavations of a number of Circa 850-900 Viking swords turned up this lovely damascus specimen in Finland. It has the lobed pommel loved by the Norsemen, but the crossguard contrasts slightly with the typical downcurved versions. The early style blade is well-suited to the quick, slashing blows of the Viking warrior. Our version is made by Windlass Steelcrafts® of high carbon damascus steel. Blade is polished with the fuller etched to show the damascus construction of the blade. Pommel and crossguard are steel. Grip is leather wrapped wood. Scabbard is wood covered in leather with steel mounts. This is a true fighting sword, and one that any Viking would be proud to carry in battle. Overall-36". Blade-31 3/8" long, 1 3/4" wide. Wt.-2 lbs. Can be seen in "Records Of The Medieval Sword" on pg. 83 by Ewart Oakeshott ..
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The Battle of Sticklestad was the final battle of St. Olaf. This was warfare in the old school, with two hosts meeting face-to-face and sword-to-sword. It was a brutal, bloody and deadly fight, and in the end, the mighty Olaf fell. Gaining a lot of fame for his exploits, he was eventually canonized as St. Olaf. This attractive Viking sword is copied from a specimen that was quite involved in that kind of viscious encounter. Made from high carbon steel by Windlass Steelcrafts®, the sword is a beautifully balanced and highly effective weapon. Capable of both cutting and thrusting, it is also a delight to the eye. Pommel and guard are tastefully decorated with copper. Leather covered wood grip. Complete with scabbard. Overall-37". Blade-31" long, 2" wide. Wt.-2 lbs. 12 oz..
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If King Arthur actually existed many historians place him as a war leader seeking to halt the invasion of the Saxons after the fall of Rome. There are many indications that Encland did, after a time of much strife, have a brief period of peace and prosperity in what is now called "the Dark Ages". this sword is of a type that was widely in use during this period and would be what a hard fiting warrior would prefer. Nicely balancd, well tempered high carbon steel blade offset with antiqued brass parts. Period scabbard included. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®.
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The British Museum has many fine Viking swords, but one of the most beautiful and deadly is the "Leuterit" sword. This sword has the name "Leuterit" engraved on the blade - believed to be the name of the smith that made it. We have not included this on our copy, as it is cost prohibitive. But, we have stayed true to the size and weight of the original, and to its deadly beauty. The Vikings were quite conscious of the need for a good sword, and when they found one, they took quite good care of it, so that many swords served several generations of warriors. Guard and pommel are silver, with copper lozenges. Grip is wood with silver pins. Made from high carbon steel by Windlass Steelcrafts®, complete with scabbard. You have only to draw and hold this sword to know why this type of blade was used from Micklegard to Ireland, and from Iceland to the inland sea of the Mediterrean. #500806. Overall-38 1/4" * Blade-31" long, 2 .
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An old legend has it that a Nordic smith named Ulfberht developed the first all steel blade. This crucial development achieved near-mythical status among warriors, making this one of the most important swords in the study of medieval weapons. Several of these blades from slightly different time periods exist, some engraved in gratitude and reverance with Ulfberht's hallowed name. Prior to the Ulfberht swords, all European swords were of the pattern welded variety. Soft iron bars were welded together with strips of steel, forged into a blade shape, then a steel edge was welded onto the sword. But, the Ulfberht sword was a quantum leap in both technology and design. Not strips, but good carbon steel blades with enough carbon content to produce excellent swords. Not only was the material better, but the design of the sword was a definite improvement. The blade tapered more sharply to the point than did previous blades. This put the balance of the sword closer to the hand, making a sword that was faster on both the stroke and recovery than previous blades. The engravings on both sides of the blade were photocopied exactly, so that our reproduction would be exactly the same, warts and all. Made of high carbon steel (actually better than the original), beautifully balanced. The grip is wood wrapped with leather. The stout crossguard is steel, and the pommel is of the brazilnut shape that was quite popular at the time, both with Vikings and the rest of Europe. A beautiful and important sword. Comes with scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. #500864...$195
Overall-35 3/4" * Blade 30 1/4" long, 2 1/8" wide * Wt.-3 lbs.
Copied from one shown in Ian Pierce's book "Swords of the Viking Age".
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This Dark Age sword features an individually handcarved grip like the original. Native British warriors were already accustomed to fighting with
longer swords than the Roman trooper's omnipresent Gladius, so copying the longer spath carried by the Roman Calvary was a natural development. What they didn't copy was the Roman Spath's austere hilt. Although the British blades were virtually identical proportionally to the Roman ones, the hilts tended to be carved far more decoratively. Warriors fighting on foot, from carts or horseback found it to be a perfect sword. This sword type endured in Britain until it was replaced by Saxon and Danish hilt and blade types. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Includes scabbard.
Overall-38¼" * Blade-31" long, 15/8" wide, 3/16" thick * Wt.-1 lbs. 12 oz.
Original was exhumed from a Pictish grave and can be seen in the Osprey book "Pictish Warrior.".
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This is the beautiful sword carried by Tristan in the blockbuster film. Fashioned after a Saxon hilt type sword (there is one in the British Museum, much like it). The parts have a flat finish and are coupled with a rich grip. The well-tempered high carbon steel blade has a wide fuller down most of its length. This well-balanced sword comes complete with a brown leather decorative scabbard with ring fittings. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. #500908...$245
Overall-39" Blade-32 1/4" long, 1 7/8" wide, 3/16" thick, Wt.-2 lbs. 10 oz.
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This is a fine example of the true ring-hilt sword. Its highly decorated parts have an antiqued finish including the ring (the purpose of which is still unknown). High carbon steel blade, made by Windlass Steelcrafts®. Includes highly decorated scabbard with brown leather shoulder strap with detailed parts. #500960 $345.
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This hilt type is believed to be produced most commonly in Norway. We found this one in the National Museum in Copenhagen. The pommel and guard are solid German silver and somewhat massive compared to many other Nordic swords, but are far from being too heavy and give the sword a very solid and well-balanced feel in the hand. The well tempered blade is deeply fullered and has a good spring. A very attractive sword to add to your collection. Comes with scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts from high carbon steel. .
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