Viking Knotwork Leather Bracers - Urnes Style

Viking Knotwork Leather Bracers - Urnes Style

Design and Construction

Sold as a pair, these bracers are made from high-quality 7-8 oz (approx. 2.8–3.2 mm thick) cowhide leather, ensuring durability and a long lifespan. Their design is both functional and aesthetically striking. A base of smooth black leather is tastefully accented with panels of soft black suede, creating a captivating textural contrast. The shape of the bracers gently tapers, being wider at the elbow and narrower at the wrist, which ensures a comfortable fit and freedom of movement.

The dominant feature is a circular brass emblem showcasing a detailed, interlaced knotwork pattern in the Nordic Urnes art style. The bracers are secured with three sturdy leather straps and robust brass buckles, allowing for easy adjustment to fit the circumference of your forearm and wrist.

Practical Use and Historical Context

These bracers are the ideal accessory for anyone involved in LARP, historical combat, reenactment, or cosplay. They are a perfect complement to the costume of a Viking warrior, Norse raider, Celtic fighter, or fantasy hero. They provide essential forearm protection during combat while also serving as a distinctive stylistic element.

A Point of History

Leather arm guards historically served a dual purpose. They were originally used by archers to protect the arm from the snap of the bowstring. In battle, thicker and often hardened leather bracers (a technique known as cuir-bouilli) served as a light and accessible form of armour. The Urnes art style, which inspires the emblem's design, represents the final phase of Viking art from the late 11th and early 12th centuries. It is named after the breathtaking carvings on the Urnes Stave Church in Norway, now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Care Instructions

To ensure your bracers last as long as possible and retain their original appearance, follow these care instructions:

• Remove dirt with a dry, hard brush.
• For a deeper clean, use a soft cloth dampened with leather soap and water. Gently wipe the surface.
• Wipe away the soap with a separate clean, damp cloth, and then use a dry cloth to remove any remaining water.
• Allow the bracers to air dry at room temperature. Never dry them on a heater, near an open flame, or in direct sunlight!
• Once dry, condition the leather parts with an oil- or wax-based leather conditioner to keep the material supple and protected. Wipe off any excess residue.

Specifications