Throughout history, the Viking civilization has captivated the imaginations of scholars, enthusiasts, and adventurers alike. From their awe-inspiring voyages to their renowned craftsmanship, the Vikings left an indelible mark on human history. Among the countless artifacts that bear testament to their ingenuity and mastery, the Viking knife stands as a striking symbol of their legacy. It is proof of the artistry and ingenuity of Norse artisans who utilized iron and fire to craft a tool that was as all-around as it was deadly. A Viking knife is often referred to as a seax or sax. The term "seax" or "sax" arise from Old English and is used to express a particular type of dagger or knife that was used by the Vikings.

The evolution of Viking knives can be traced through the various stages of the Viking Age and the influences of different cultures and technological advancements during that time. Here's a general overview of the evolution of Viking knives: Early Viking Age (8th-9th century)

A Viking knife refers to a type of forged knife that was used by the Vikings, who were seafaring warriors and traders from the Scandinavian region during the Viking Age (approximately 793 to 1066 AD). These knives were an essential tool for the Vikings and served various purposes such as cutting, carving, and sometimes as a weapon in close combat. Smaller beard axes such as this Danish hand axe had evolved from Francisca and served the Huscarls primarily as devastating throwing axes, but were also used in close combat. A distinctive feature is the relatively long blade cutting, which tapers sharply towards the shaft. The blade encloses the shaft made of wood and is riveted to it. The shaft is largely straight but is widened at the lower end towards the blade, which improves the handling discreetly. This amazing seax is from the husband & wife duo of Nathaniel and Megan Everett at Lunar Light Forge in Akron, Ohio. Knives like this were used during the early Middle Ages, for example by the Merovingians, Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. A handy utility knife was indispensable for everyday jobs. This knife has a hand-forged blade and a grip of bone, wood and brass decorations. It comes with a brown leather sheath with a decorative pattern. All in all, this is a knife with beautiful details and an asset to any Viking, Germanic, Anglo-Sax or Frank.

During the early Viking Age, Viking seax knives were typically simple and utilitarian in design. They had straight or slightly curved blades with single edges, often made of iron. The handles were commonly made of organic materials like wood, bone, or antler. These knives were practical tools used for various tasks such as cutting, carving, and eating. Middle Viking Age (10th century) The sax, seax, saxmes, seaxe or scramasax was an early medieval stab and melee weapon used by the Vikings and the Germanic tribes such as the Alamans and Langobards. The Vikings used their seaxes in battle. Our saxes are both Germanic and Viking replicas. We have seaxes of different steel qualities and with different steel hardnesses. Some of our seaxes are made of damascus steel. This means that they consist of several folded layers to create a strong and artistic blade.

What is a Viking Seax?

Towards the end of the Viking Age, Viking knives underwent further developments in design and craftsmanship. The blades became more refined, often exhibiting complex pattern-welding techniques that created visually appealing patterns on the steel blade. The handles started to incorporate more elaborate decorations, such as metal fittings and engravings. Knives during this period became more ornate and began to play a significant role as status symbols and personal accessories. Influences from Other Cultures This seax from Medieval Collectibles has the look and feel of a knife from the Viking era. It’s made from 5160 tempered carbon steel with a full tang, which is peened over the end of the handle’s metal end cap. This knife's trademark is clearly an eye-catching design. if you’re looking for something a bit more downplay, you’d be better served by some of the other Dalstrong knife series. It's important to note that Viking knives varied in design and style across different regions and time periods. There were no strict rules governing their appearance, and variations can be observed based on regional preferences, social status, and the available resources and craftsmanship of the time. Surviving examples of Viking knives discovered through archaeological finds provide valuable insights into their evolution and the skills of the Viking craftsmen. 3. Modern Viking Knives The knife works really well with all size hands, but should only be used by those of you that have more experience. No finger guard here, so think before use.

I forge these blades from the offcuts of my hand forged swords so in some sense, although they are a small knife they are the sons and daughters of my swords The long history of the seax is still going strong today as companies young and old are making new versions of the historic blade. These five are some of the more unique and exciting seax knives available today. Terävä Skrama 240 Terävä Skrama 240As the Viking Age progressed, Viking dagger knives during the middle ages of the Viking age started to exhibit more decorative elements and regional variations. The blades became longer and acquired a distinctive shape with a wide, curved cutting edge and a pointed tip. The handles continued to be made from organic materials but began to feature more intricate carvings and inlays. Knives during this period were still primarily utilitarian tools, but they also started to serve as symbols of status and wealth. Late Viking Age (11th century) The knife and handle are forged from one piece of steel. I have forged these knives to feel good in the hand, rendering them a neat and useful little side knife as well a reliable using tool. Viking seax knives are often associated with the Norse mythology and culture, and are popular among enthusiasts, collectors, and reenactors interested in Viking history and weaponry. Today, replicas of Viking knives are available, crafted with similar materials and designs to resemble the blades used by the Vikings. 2. Evolution Of Viking Knife For a budge knife, it does have some weak points. The two main ones are that the leather sheath may need some working in to be at its best, and the knife may need a sharpen out of the box to have a pristine edge. Other than that, this is a good knife for the money.