Tinker 9th Century Viking Sword

Description of the Product

This 9th Century Viking Sword features the classic Oakeshott Type X blade with wide fuller. The Type X was in use longer than any other blade type, from the Viking Age well into the Middle Ages. Type X blades are broad and flat, and meant for cutting. Its well placed mass means that whoever wielded this on the battlefield was a foe to be reckoned with, regardless of how you were armoured. The profile tapers moderately and although many swords of the Viking Era tend to have rounded points, these acute and sharp points are also found in the archeological record.

As most of the swords of that era had a type X blade, where they differ is in the hilt and pommel construction. This sword falls into the Petersen type E, with a trilobated form pommel. These are typically decorated with circular ornaments and are associated with Norway c. 800-850. The most famous example of this type of decoration is seen in the C26494 sword found on Skattebu farm in Norway. This sword also bears a striking resemblance to one pictured on the pages of Swords of the Viking Age by Ian Peirce.

Although not a direct copy of any particular sword, this Tinker Viking sword design was inspired by those historical examples, most notably finds from the area around Trondheim, Norway. This was the area where, according to latest research, the first Vikings left for the journey to the British Isles. Although contacts across the North Sea were natural and trade and exploration vibrant, those leaving Trøndelag at the turn of the 8th and 9th century will forever be remembered as the wolves pillaging and sacking places like Lindisfarne and Iona. “A furore Normannorum libera nos, Domine”, "Free us from the fury of the Northmen, Lord” would be a cry heard for decades.

As with the rest of the swords in the Tinker line, this Viking sword comes in sharp and blunt versions with identical handling characteristics. The breadth of the sharp version makes for an efficient cutting profile. The blunt version is geared towards the discerning reenactor with 2mm rounded edges. The construction of these Viking swords differs from other swords in the Tinker series as these have peened hilt construction in period fashion to satisfy Viking re-enactment requirements and for a more historical appearance. The wooden scabbard covered in leather has suspension points and a period chape giving the sheathed sword a very attractive appearance. Made by Hanwei. Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece.

About Tinker Peace Line:

Hanwei commissioned Michael ‘Tinker’ Pearce to design a line of swords that will satisfy both the sparring and cutting needs of Historical European Martial Arts practitioners. In this collection you get authentic and genuine pieces that are based on historical designs, but made with modern techniques and materials to make them as strong as possible. Every Tinker Pearce sword is a fully functional, battle-ready blade.

These swords are offered either blunt or sharpened, so you can choose whether you need one for cutting practice and authenticity or one for training, HEMA-combat and reenactment. Either way you get one of the finest modern medieval swords on the market with impressive handling.

The creator of these fine weapons is Michael Tinker Pearce, a noted maker of custom medieval swords, whose pieces have a long-standing reputation for durability and overall performance. He has studied swords for over thirty years and has been instrumental in making features such as authentic weight and balance as industry standards. His research and broad-based training has enabled him to understand both how swords were used by those who depended their lives on them, as well as the needs of modern re-enactors and martial artists.

These swords meet Tinkers quality requirements. Each blade is forged from 5160 Spring Steel, and is tempered to a hardness of 50-53 Hrc and the tang to the low 30s Hrc. For the Medieval models the very end of the tang is threaded. The pommel has a recess to fit the hexagonal nut to secure and tighten the hilt. This allows the hilt to be easily dismantled for inspection, customization, and to exchange blades if needed. The sharp and blunt blades are interchangeable on all the medieval models. The blades are intended for full on sparring, but may be replaced if needed, further reducing the long-term cost of these swords. The Viking Sword sharps and blunts are peened for historical authenticity and to meet the needs of collector and reenactment groups.