Viking Sword Petersen Type H , Class B - Outlet

Viking Sword Petersen Type H from Spring Steel for Stage Combat

Sword class B

Historical Context and Early Medieval Usage

Viking swords, which began to establish themselves in Europe during the Migration Period and reached their peak between the 8th and 11th centuries, differed significantly from later knightly swords. The presented model corresponds to the Petersen Type H typology, which was one of the most widespread hilt shapes across all of Scandinavia. The blade, equipped with a wide fuller, tapered slightly towards the tip, which reduced its weight and improved balance. It culminated in a rather blunt spatulate tip, as it was primarily a slashing weapon designed for close-quarters combat in a shield wall (skjaldborg). An interesting historical fact is that good swords were incredibly expensive and highly prized in Norse society. They were often passed down from generation to generation and given personal names. The legendary saga-shrouded sword Skofnung, belonging to the mythical Danish king Hrólf Kraki, was considered the best sword in the Northern lands. With this replica, you can hold a piece of this harsh and proud history directly in your hands.

Principles of Safe Stage Combat

This sword is classified as Class B for stage combat. This means the edge is blunt and the tip is rounded to minimize the risk of piercing or severe injury during training. However, we must warn you that it is still a heavy piece of solid steel. During practical use and historical fencing practice (HEMA, reenactment), using adequate protective gear is absolutely essential. Never spar without a thick gambeson, sturdy gauntlets, and a high-quality helmet. Avoid "edge-to-edge" strikes at a 90-degree angle, as these cause deep nicks in the blade and shorten the lifespan of the weapon. The weapon is not suitable for extreme full-contact steel fighting like buhurt (HMB), where specially reinforced and heavier custom weapons are required.

How to Maintain Your Sword for a Long Lifespan

Since the blade is forged from high-carbon spring steel, it is susceptible to corrosion without proper care. After every training session, especially if you touched the sword with bare hands or it got wet, the blade must be wiped dry and treated with a thin layer of gun oil (e.g., Ballistol or WD-40). The hilt is wrapped in genuine leather. To maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking, we recommend occasionally treating it with a leather conditioner containing beeswax. Store the sword in a dry place, ideally drawn out of its leather scabbard, so the leather does not trap moisture against the blade.

Technical Parameters of the Viking Sword

We recommend acquiring a sturdy leather scabbard with a belt for comfortable carrying around the camp, as well as a high-quality linen gambeson and iron gauntlets for safe combat training.