Viking Sword “GODFRED HAITHABU” – Early Viking Sword with Scabbard, SK-B Reenactment
The Viking sword “GODFRED HAITHABU” is an entirely handcrafted reconstruction of an early Viking Age sword. The historical original is said to have belonged to the feared Danish king Godfred, also known as Gudfred or Gudrød. Godfred lived until his death in 810 at Hedeby near present-day Schleswig, one of the important Viking settlements of Jutland.
The additional name “HAITHABU” reflects this historical connection while clearly distinguishing this model from other Godfred swords.
Characteristic Early Viking Sword Design
The historical model dates from the 8th century and displays characteristic features of an early medieval Viking sword. These include a short guard curving slightly forwards, a straight double-edged blade with a pronounced fuller and a broad pommel with three distinctive ridges.
The guard and pommel are made from heat-treated, malleable cast iron. The blade tang runs through the entire grip to the pommel, where it is hand-peened in place. The grip itself is wrapped with a broad strip of leather.
Oil-Hardened EN45 Spring Steel Blade
The blade is made from EN45 spring steel and oil hardened to a Rockwell hardness of approximately 48–50 HRC. Its pronounced fuller provides the blade with flexibility while also contributing to a comparatively lightweight construction.
“GODFRED HAITHABU” is specifically the reenactment version of this sword. The blade edges are unsharpened and the model is classified as SK-B combat quality.
Wood-and-Leather Scabbard with Strap Buckles
A matching wood-and-leather scabbard is included. Two buckles are attached to the scabbard by straps and can be used, for example, to connect the straps of a separate sword suspension or belt system.
With its characteristic early Viking Age appearance, the sword is particularly suitable for reenactment, living history and historical portrayals as well as for collectors and display. The combination of its curved guard, pronounced fuller and distinctive pommel gives the model an unmistakable appearance.
Details
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Type: Early Viking sword / reenactment sword
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Model: GODFRED HAITHABU
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Historical model: Attributed to Danish King Godfred
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Historical connection: Hedeby, Jutland
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Date of historical model: 8th century
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Combat quality class: SK-B
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Version: Unsharpened
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Blade material: EN45 spring steel / carbon steel, not stainless
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Hardening: Oil hardened
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Rockwell hardness: approx. 48–50 HRC
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Blade profile: Straight, double-edged, with pronounced fuller
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Tang: Full length and hand-peened at the pommel
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Guard: Short and slightly forward-curving
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Pommel: Broad with three characteristic ridges
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Guard and pommel: Heat-treated, malleable cast iron
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Grip: Wrapped with a broad leather strip
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Overall length: approx. 95 cm
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Blade length: approx. 79.5 cm
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Maximum blade width: approx. 44 mm
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Point of balance: approx. 17 cm in front of the guard
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Weight without scabbard: approx. 1340 g
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Scabbard: Wood and leather with two strap-mounted buckles
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Scope of delivery: Viking sword with scabbard
The stated dimensions and specifications may vary slightly from piece to piece.
Reenactment Combat Notice
“GODFRED HAITHABU” is the unsharpened SK-B reenactment version of this Viking sword. Despite its blunt blade edges, a reenactment sword can cause injury if used improperly. The sword should be used according to its classification and carefully inspected for damage and wear before and after each use.
Care Instructions
The EN45 spring steel used for the blade is not stainless. Protect the blade from moisture, clean and thoroughly dry it after use, and regularly apply a thin coat of suitable weapon or maintenance oil to help prevent corrosion and protect the steel surface.
Safety Notice
This product may have potentially hazardous edges. Even an unsharpened reenactment blade can cause injury if used improperly or carelessly.
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