I am keen to own at least 1 viking sword, i'm a little unsure what i'm after yet.

first of all i want it to be a real sword no SLO's as some might call them.
but i'm a little unsure after that. theres ones i've seen at museumreplicas, windlass and some other places i'm not just 100% keen on, id like something perhaps with more intricate viking patterns designs to the crossguard and pommel.

anyone have some links to other places with viking swords?
also where would be a good place to comission one?

no idea whether i would like damascus or not...

the other thing i considered, and id appreciate anyones opinion on it, was i thought of buying a cheaper viking sword from somewhere in attempt to severely neglect perhaps even bury for a while (i know it sounds crazy) but i would like as an ornament - a viking sword which looks like it is the real deal and has been excavated perhaps :)

The best Viking swords are made by Albion - www.albion-swords.com - the next generations. If you don't want to spend that much money, buy their Squire Line version. It's much cheaper and still a good sword.

Kris Cutlery makes a tremendous viking sword for the money, its even complete with a two-piece pommel. Its a great cutter as well for only $325.

I have owned all 4 Albion Squireline models, for about $500 they are pretty sweet as well.

Kris Cutlery is two piece pommel but threaded I think, not peened.

Craig, I'd lso take a look at the Albion Squire Line options at Viking-Shield.com. If it's a fancier or engraved version you're after, their Vinland or Clontarf are great options, and can be ordered sharp.

Well, I bought the Five-Lobed Viking sword here: http://www.museumreplicas.com/c-82-swords-knives-daggers.aspx
It's rather simple, but I selected the sharpened option and it cuts far better than the SLO I tried before. I have been debating trying to jazz it up a little with a Dremel tool (cut little channels in it and pound in wires, as I understand it would be period), but I'm a little bit afraid I'd ruin it. Anywho, you mention MRL in your post, so I assume you've spotted the other cheaper Viking or Viking-like swords there.

Another place that you could check is Kult of Athena: http://www.kultofathena.com/swords-dark.htm
They have a selection of cheaper Viking swords. The Sticklestad Viking Sword (which is a heck of a lot cheaper on KOA than on MRL) got a good review on either Sword Buyers Guide or the Sword Manufactorer's Guide, forget which, and it is somewhat prettied up as opposed to my Five-Lobe.


Note: Be sure to compare prices between KOA and MRL. For some reason, they tend to have the same swords at very different prices, with no one website seeming to be a better deal.

Or perhaps check out the Generation 2 River Witham viking sword:
http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~IP70...+Sword.htm

Or one of these from Del Tin:
http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~DT21...+Sword.htm
http://www.kultofathena.com/product~item~DT21...+Sword.htm

You might be able to do some antiquing on it too, to get the desired "old" look, using the method outlined in the article on this website:
http://www.myArmoury.com/feature_antique.html

Much as I respect Del Tins, I say stay away from their Viking swords. Most of them are much too heavy.

Those Viking Shield Albion Squire Line Vikings sound like your best bet.

Craig hasn't mentioned what his "top end" price would be. In which case....

http://www.templ.net/english/weapons-antiquit...le_age.php

Well if I had the cash I would look at this one by Michael Pikula as he is doing great work and is not backlogged for years on orders as of now! This might change in a few years or when/if the economy recovers and more people can feel comfortable buying non to survival essentials.

http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=15955

Oh, and it available " NOW " not 5 years from now. ;) :cool:

I wouldn't antique this one and it would be higher up the price scale than you are ready to spend.

( NOTE: I'm partially posting this in answer to the original question of this Topic but also for others who might be tempted to buy what looks like a " bargain ": A pattern welded blade like this from an established and popular maker could run into the low 5 figures for a sword length blade ).

Paul Binns makes exelent viking swords. His swords are handforged (wich albions swords are not) and Paul is also very found of making pattern welded blades.

And here's another top end custom maker, who also makes Viking-type swords that are pretty darn nice:

http://www.arscives.com/vevans/viking.htm

But.... he's not taking custom orders at this time....

However, keep an eye on this site:
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/2960363

Maybe something will come up (there's an awesome Migration-era Ring sword there, but I think it's spoken for...)....

Take a look at this people. The most beautiful viking sword I've seen. I wish I could afford it. Perhaps some day.

http://www.powning.com/jake/commish/swords15.shtml