Tod's Stuff Broken Back Seax
Original: English, late 10th century to 11th century
The seax had many forms, from simple utility knives to elaborately decorated knives to swords. They served as many purposes as they had forms and were popular from the 5th century to the 11th century. This seax is of the form now called
broken back for the change in the line of the blade's spine: the spine often rises then abruptly turns and moves down to the point.
This seax is by design a simple example of the form. The steel blade is based on an example housed in
The Museum of London of "Honey Lane" form. The grip is of spalted boxwood. The blade is seated into the grip with wedges of softer wood and glue.
The scabbard is made of thick leather. It is bound in brass stamped with cup and ring decorations and features two handmade brass rings for use in attaching it to a belt.
See our
hands-on review for more information on this seax.
Weight: 7 ounces
Overall length: 13"
Blade length: 8"
Blade width: 1.125" at base, tapering to .5"
Grip length: 5"
Maker:
Tod's Stuff of Oxford, United Kingdom.
Based on a blade found in the Museum of London (Acc No: 16132).
This item has been retired from the collection.
Based on a blade found in the Museum of London (Acc No: 16132).
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