Viking Age Damascus Knife

Description of the Product

Damascus -pattern welded steel- is made of layering two steel or iron types, welding these together, layering again, welding layers together by hammering the stack down, stacking layers on top of each other again to be welded together and so on. The final product has very thin and fine steel layers which are brought visible by acid treatment on the final and finished blade giving the wavy appearance to the steel. During the 6th century BCE Celts already made pattern welded blades and so did the Vikings and Japanese Samurai, but most famous pattern welded steel was high quality pattern welded steel sold in ancient Damascus that was bough and transported all over Europe.

Pattern welded steel is commonly called Damascus steel even though it doesn't anymore come from Damascus and also already during the Viking Age it was made in many places around Europe. The name Damascus steel was already known in 800's AD so it has been really good marketing as this catchy name is still being used. Technically it's wrong to call the Viking pattern welded steel Damascus steel as it's made of different steel composition that was used in the original Damascus steel sold on the markets and bazaars of ancient Damascus. The final steel however looks the same and pretty much functions the same, so this misnomer is understandable.

A good sturdy knife was something everybody carried with them everyday, whether working at home farm, on celebrations or on a journey during Iron Age Europe. A good knife was part of the everyday dress for men and women alike. This is a good utility knife for all Vikings and other Iron Age Northern European people. Good size for chores, crafting and also self defense when needed. The durable and sturdy blade is hand forged out of pattern welded steel and the brown leather sheath has a belt loop for easy carrying.

Nice everyday tool made to be used. This is a 100% handmade item and each item will have it's unique small differences from other pieces. The overall look, feel and size however is the same for each piece.

• Common all-purpose utility knife style and model from Viking Era Scandinavia and Northern Europe
• Brown leather sheath has belt loop for easy carrying
• Ring in the handle pommel cap to attach a wrist strap
• 100% hand made with hand forged blade
• Overall length: 21.8 cm
• Blade length: 10.5 cm
• Handle length: 11.3 cm
• Weight: 220 g
• Blade width at guard: 27 mm
• Blade thickness at guard: 3.0 mm
• Blade material: Damascus high carbon steel with twist pattern
• Blade hardness: 50 to 55 HRC on Rockwell scale
• Handle material: Walnut wood and brass
• Sharpness: Sharp
• Manufacturer: Karhunhammas - Beartooth