| | | Viking Swords
| Laws of the late Viking period show that all free men were expected to own weapons (swords), and magnates were expected to provide them for their men. The main offensive weapons were the spear, sword and battle-axe, although bows and arrows and other missiles were also used. Weapons were carried not just for battle, but also as symbols of their owners' status and wealth. They were therefore often finely decorated with inlays, twisted wire and other adornments in silver, copper and bronze.
'Weapons were not just for battle, but also symbols of their owners' status and wealth.'
Swords were very costly to make, and a sign of high status. The blades were usually double-edged and up to 90cm, or a little over, in length, but early single-edged sabres are also known. They were worn in leather-bound wooden scabbards. Early blades were pattern-welded, a technique in which strips of wrought iron and mild steel were twisted and forged together, with the addition of a hardened edge. Later blades of homogeneous steel, imported probably from the Rhineland, bore inlaid makers' marks and inscriptions, such as INGELRII or ULFBERHT. Viking craftsmen often added their own elaborately decorated hilts, and many swords were given names, such as Leg-biter and Gold-hilt.
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Disclaimer
RELEASE, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT.
By purchasing any item from Swords of Honor (SOH), whether by mail, phone, internet, or in person, the buyer warrants that he is in compliance with his local and state laws and is legally able to purchase these items. Swords of Honor may not be held responsible for any non-compliance with these laws.
The term "battle ready", when used to describe a sword, means that the sword is made of high carbon spring steel - a very strong and flexible steel.
If you place an order for one of our replica weapons (swords, maces, axes, etc.), you agree that you are at least 18 years old and have read our
Sword Care and Safety section and you will be responsible for your weapon's use or misuse.
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