OFF TOPIC: Viking Swords

bertl

bertl

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OFF TOPIC: Last night I watched "Secrets of the Viking Sword", a NOVA/National Geographic production, which dealt with the "Ulfberht" swords of the Vikings. The problem with most swords of that period is that the blades were brittle, since the technology for high carbon steel didn't exist in Europe. It doesn't matter how sharp the blade is if it breaks during the middle of a battle. The true "Ulfberht" swords were made from crucible steel imported primarily from Persia. This steel had a very high carbon content and was free of slag intrusions. The best part of the show was the discussion of the metallurgy, and the demonstration by an American blacksmith/swordmaker making the crucible steel and then forming the sword.

If you are interested in the history of blade metallurgy, keep your eye open for a re-run of the show.
 
I have it on the DVR waiting (I capture all new Nova & Frontline productions) to be seen. Sounds good. Looking forward to it.

Got a few swords around here. One, Han (Han Empire 207 BC - AD 9) Jian (double-edged straight sword) first ring pommel with damascus steel blade that was obsolete 2,000 years ago, modern repro never been in its rosewood sheath, that scares me yet I love it at the same time.

Link to this video (see it here if you have a good internet connection, AKA wide open pipe, and the right software): http://video.pbs.org/video/2284159044
 
Last edited:
"Secrets of the Viking Sword" is online now at

video.pbs.org/video/2284159044
 
The lack of repeatability in medieval Western steels is the reason that such attention was paid to the history of a sword.

A new sword was an unknown quantity. You did not know how it would fare in battle. But a sword which had been in many battles was proven to be robust and was worth much more than the new sword.
 
wow, just noticed this thread a few hours ago and just finished watching the program
THANKS!
i enjoyed it tremendously
 
The fact that they sometimes used burnt bone in making swords was cool..The historically correct clothes that the show featured was also.
 
Saw perhaps the last half of the show, definately worth watching for sword/knife interested folks...
 
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