Viking sword

blade man

blade man

Joined
Jan 8, 2001
Messages
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I've been looking at the Cold Steel Viking Sword, and really like it. Its $250 at 1SKS, which prolly wouldn't be too much more than the new gladius from Kris Cutlery. If the two are similar in price, I'll go for the CS Viking Sword, cuz I like it a lot more. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
 
Blade man, my experience with Cold Steel's products has not been very good, but I seem to be very alone in this. However, I can recommed that you try Lutel for their viking swords. This is from and earlier post of mine: "Try numbers 12014, 12015, and 12016 at http://www.lutel.cz/index2e.htm Their price is listed at 7000CZK, which converts to $204.05US at this moment. Of course, shipping is extra, but the price includes a very nice scabbard and belt with the mountings to hang the scabbard onto the belt. Their appearance is excellent and they have a very good reputation for durability and quality."
 
The handles look good, but the description says it has a rounded point, and I dont want that. I want to be able to thrust well with it. Otherwise, they look good, but I'd like to be able to see the blade as well. Hmm...
 
Blade Man, the following was a part of my reply to Sweet in the thread on the KC Baselard:

"The Viking Era Norse used their swords as slashers, not as thrusters, so the sharp point was not a particularly important aspect to them. I have seen many pictures of historical blades with rounded points, and I suspect that these are the patterns for the Lutel swords. Historicity is extremely important to me in whatever sword or other historical piece I may buy. You may get some feel for that if you read my posts on the Republican Era Gladius that I was involved in designing and one of which I now have. Similar considerations went into the purchase of the 'Roman Riding Sword' from Patrick Barta on which I am awaiting delivery."

My emphasis is on the historicity of the weapon and in the historicity of its use. I am not so much interested in adapting a sword to my modern ideas of how it should be used. If I want a thrusting sword, there are any number of them that I can buy that are historically accurate, but I will note that Sweet has pointed out that there were sharp pointed Viking swords. I will also note that the general practice of the time was not thrusting but slashing.
 
True, but I am not overly interested in the historically-accurate aspect of a sword, but rather how it will perform according to my needs. It's good to be as historically accurate, it's just not quite as important to me.
 
As a fellow "Viking Sword" enthusiast, I would suggest checking out this web-site. They make the Skofnung Viking Sword. Also read up on the tests they do on these babies. The URL is:

http://www.lastlegend.com/skofnung/viking01.html

These swords are a little more expensive than Cold Steel but are specifically for steel to steel battle. Very good investment.
 
I second Hugh's post about Cold Steel (I too have been pleased with the products of theirs I have owned) and I think Lutel is also a good recommendation. This one however is my favorite production viking:

049.jpg


Of course it is a bit more pricey at www.armor.com.
 
Viking swords - - I think I'd scoff at the Skofnung, because its weight is unrealistic (6.5 pounds! That's a good weight for a great sword!). You did mention that you werent' worried about historical accruacy, so have at it.

I have the Shifford viking sword from A&A, and it is the best. An inch or two under a yard, a few ounces over 2 pounds (right at 2kg, nice pic from Triton).

The new Kris Cutlery viking sword looks danm good with those blued steel fittings. I have much respect for Kris cutlery and their process and source steel.

If you really want a viking sword with a pint A&A wil make one custom. but you're talking $$$ there.

If you want a viking-type sword with the central fuller, there are some medieval styles of norman swords with a tapered point and the fuller. The cruciform guard could always be cut back to viking standards...

Good luck on the quest for steel!

Keith
 
I have similar concerns about those last legend pieces. I also can't take any credit for the photo I pulled it off of A&A's site.
 
Just thought (yoost taut) I'd let you know that there are two Viking swords for sale at Sword Forums International Classifieds. One is a Del Tin, and I don't know the pedigree of the others.:cool:
 
I'm just wondering if the Shifford Viking Sword will stand up when it counts in battle. Is it more of a display piece or is it made for re-enactment? It's pretty pricey if it's not for battle.
 
To the best of my knowledge A&A doesn't make anything that doesn't perform. They are arguably the best production sword maker in the business.
 
The A&A is pricey because it is hand worked and tempered, and it is durable. Also, remember that the blade profile of the Shifford Viking was for use against opponents wearing skins, padding, leather, or the occasional item of iron, like mail or a helmet. If you want to cut up metal sheet, you're looking at the wrong blade profile. If you are going to hit sword on sword (whih i do not recommend) you are looking at the wrong blade profile.

In another comparison, you don't get an axe to stab with, you don't get a spear with the intent to chop.

A&A will also make a viking with the right type of edge for stage combat, that is, blade on blade contact. Nothing chews a sword up quicker than that, and I consider that to be abuse.

Keith
 
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