Viking Sword “HEDEBY” – Damascus Reconstruction Based on a Hedeby Grave Find
The Viking sword “HEDEBY” is based on an elaborately crafted and remarkably well-preserved grave find from Hedeby. The historical sword dates from the 9th century and is believed to have belonged to a Danish nobleman or wealthy Viking warrior.
The original artefact can be viewed at the Viking Museum Haithabu. The early medieval settlement of Hedeby near Schleswig was one of the most important Viking Age trading centres in Jutland and became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.
Classic Early Medieval Viking Sword Form
In its overall design, “HEDEBY” displays the characteristic features of an early medieval Nordic one-handed sword. These include a short guard, a straight double-edged blade with a broad fuller and a distinctive multi-lobed pommel.
The blade is forged from Damascus steel. Its cutting edges are unsharpened and measure approximately 1 mm in thickness. The tang extends through the complete grip and is peened at the pommel.
Richly Decorated Brass Hilt
The elaborately decorated hilt is one of the sword's most distinctive features. The approximately 14 cm long and 2 cm thick guard, together with the generously proportioned five-lobed pommel, is cast from brass.
Highly detailed engraved motifs and patterns reproduce the decoration of the original artefact as closely as possible, giving the reconstruction its distinctive and prestigious appearance.
The grip has a wooden core wrapped in red leather. Decorative brass rings at either end of the grip visually connect it with the guard and pommel.
Red Leather Scabbard with Brass Fittings
A matching scabbard with a wooden core and genuine red leather covering is included. Its throat, chape and belt passage are all made from brass.
The belt passage accommodates belts up to approximately 6 cm wide. The combination of red leather and brass gives the scabbard an appearance that closely complements the hilt of the sword.
Based on a Specific Find from Hedeby
“HEDEBY” is not merely generally inspired by Viking Age swords but reconstructs a specific archaeological artefact discovered at Hedeby. The elaborate decoration of the original suggests that it may once have belonged to a high-ranking or wealthy owner.
The sword is designed as a collector's piece and decorative object. Its detailed Viking Age appearance also makes it an impressive historical prop for costume, portrayal, photography, theatre or film.
Although the blade edges are unsharpened, no reenactment combat classification is specified for this model. It is therefore not intended for reenactment combat or direct blade-to-blade contact.
About Damascus Steel
Damascus steel is a composite material consisting of two or more different types of steel. Traditionally, harder high-carbon and softer lower-carbon steels can be joined through repeated forge welding and folding.
Historically, this process allowed different material properties to be combined within one blade. Higher-carbon components could contribute hardness, hardenability and edge retention, while softer components could provide additional flexibility and resistance to breakage.
The different steel layers also create the characteristic patterns associated with Damascus steel. Depending on the forging process, a range of designs can appear, including twisted or torsion patterns. The exact appearance can therefore vary from blade to blade. Such striking patterns also contributed to Damascus blades sometimes being attributed special or even magical properties during the Middle Ages.
Details
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Type: Viking sword / early medieval one-handed sword
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Model: HEDEBY
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Historical model: Grave find from Hedeby
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Date: 9th century
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Original displayed at: Viking Museum Haithabu
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Blade material: Damascus steel / carbon steel, not stainless
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Blade: Straight, double-edged and unsharpened
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Blade profile: Broad fuller
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Tang: Full tang, peened at the pommel
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Guard: Cast brass, approx. 14 cm long and 2 cm thick
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Pommel: Five-lobed, cast brass
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Hilt decoration: Detailed engraved motifs based on the historical artefact
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Grip: Wooden core with red leather wrapping and decorative brass rings
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Overall length: approx. 90 cm
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Blade length: approx. 73 cm
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Blade thickness: approx. 4 mm
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Edge thickness: approx. 1 mm
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Maximum blade width: approx. 5 cm
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Hilt length: approx. 17 cm
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Grip section: approx. 11 cm
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Point of balance: approx. 12 cm in front of the guard
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Weight without scabbard: approx. 1.5 kg
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Weight with scabbard: approx. 2 kg
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Scabbard: Wooden core covered in genuine red leather
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Scabbard fittings: Brass throat, chape and belt passage
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Maximum belt width: approx. 6 cm
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Scope of delivery: Viking sword including scabbard
The stated dimensions, weights and other specifications may vary slightly from piece to piece.
Care Instructions
The Damascus and carbon steel used for the blade is not stainless and may occasionally show minor traces of corrosion. Protect the blade from moisture, clean and thoroughly dry it after handling or use, and regularly apply a thin coat of suitable weapon or general-purpose maintenance oil. The scabbard should likewise be kept dry and properly maintained.
Age Restriction
This item is sold only to persons aged 18 years or older. Please provide your date of birth during the ordering process. Suitable proof of age is also required.
Safety Notice
Despite its unsharpened construction, this product may have sharp or potentially hazardous edges. Improper or careless use may result in injury.
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