Early Medieval Viking Sword Type L with Lobed Pommel, Class B - Outlet

Early Medieval Viking Sword Type L with Lobed Pommel

Sword class B

Historical Context and Typology

This sword is explicitly classified as Type L according to the accepted typology created by the Norwegian archaeologist Dr. Jan Petersen. Weapons of this type date primarily to the 10th century, the absolute peak of the Viking Age. Historically characteristic of Type L is the specific lobed pommel (often five-part, resembling the shape of a teapot – the so-called "tea-cosy" shape) and a straight or only slightly curved short crossguard. The broad blade with a shallow fuller was optimized by early medieval smiths primarily for devastating cuts, which perfectly suited the aggressive combat style of the Norsemen of that era, fought from behind a shield.

Construction and Materials

The blade is forged from high-quality spring steel, which is oil-quenched to a hardness of approximately 47 HRC and subsequently tempered. This process ensures excellent toughness and resistance to breaking upon impact. The crossguard and the massive pommel are also forged from steel. The hilt, designed for a firm one-handed grip, consists of a wooden core. This is carefully wrapped in leather and reinforced with a spiral wrap of braided wire, ensuring that the sword will not slip even from a sweaty palm. The overall appearance of the weapon has a slightly rougher, highly authentic period feel.

Usage Options and Safety Guidelines

The weapon is supplied in two variants, each requiring a specific approach:

• Blunt Version (Stage Combat Class B): This variant is primarily intended for historical fencing, stage combat, the practice of historical martial arts (HEMA), and LARP. The blade features a thickened striking edge (2.7 mm / 0.11 in) and a rounded tip for safer contact. Nevertheless, always use appropriate protective equipment when fencing and avoid hard edge-on-edge strikes, which unnecessarily damage the weapon.
• Sharp Version: If you choose the variant with a sharp blade, please note that for safety reasons, this weapon is under no circumstances intended for contact fencing and person-to-person duels. There is a risk of fatal injury! It is suitable exclusively for collector's purposes, as a display piece, or for experienced practitioners for cutting tests on soft targets, purely at your own risk.

Weapon Care and Maintenance

To ensure your sword serves you long and reliably, it requires regular care. The steel used for the blade, crossguard, and pommel is a high-carbon steel and is not rust-proof. After every use, especially in a humid environment or after touching it with bare hands, it is essential to clean the metal parts and conserve them with a thin layer of gun oil. Standard nicks and burrs that occur during contact fencing on the striking edge are not a material defect; they must be regularly smoothed out with a fine file to prevent the formation of dangerous sharp splinters and cracks.

Technical Specifications

To accompany this magnificent Viking sword, we highly recommend purchasing a quality leather scabbard for its safe transport and a reliable conservation oil that will protect the blade from ambient moisture.