Hello Everyone,

I'm a newbie to the forums who's also a newbie to the reenactment hobby. I live in the USA with an intense interest in the Viking Age. I'm trying to put together a "kit" which will be historically accurate, and as such, I'm looking for a sword that is historically accurate, designed for reenactors/stage combat, and is reasonably-priced (not more than, say, $250). Any suggestions from anyone would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Kevin Scott :0)

At $250.00, you're limiting yourself mostly to either crowbars or swords that will break under use or their hilts will get loose. However, there is the Hanwei-Tinker Viking blunt which could work out for you. A lot of people are pleased with it.

http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2409

Tou can find this SH2409 sword all over the internet, but the best price is at Kult of Athena.

Yeah, I'd say the Tinker/Hanwei was your best bet really. I've handled this sword and unlike most re-enactment blunts (which tend to feel like boat anchors ;) ) it felt very well balanced. Plus it comes with a decent scabbard which could be made to look pretty presentable with a little work.

The older Hanwei Practical Viking Sword isn't terrible either, but it looks rather basic and the scabbard isn't very good.

http://www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=...king+Sword

If you decide to splash the cash and go for something more expensive there is always the Albion Skirmish Line

http://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/sw...irmish.htm

But they are about twice the price of the Hanwei/Tinker and frankly I reckon the Tinker is probably as good for re-enactment.

If you are on a budget and REALLY want to look authentic, don't buy a sword at all. Better to get a good axe, at least to start, and a spear or two. These were the most prevalent weapons for the average Viking. Swords were very expensive, equivalent to us buying a "nice" car, so not every Viking, in fact, not that many Vikings actually had a sword.

If you are just starting out, a "starting out" Viking would have a spear, shield, and axe, and that kit can be put together fairly reasonably. Save up and get a good sword a little later, just like a real Viking would. Oh and a decent belt knife would probably be worthwhile as well.

FWIW,
Geirmund
Able Seaman aboard the Viking Ship Sae Hrafn

What about Armour Class Viking swords? They're a little bit more expensive, but also come in sharp or blunt/stage varieties. How do they rate for handling and reenactment quality/authenticity?

Kevin Scott

armour class and paul binns will be your friend. well they will be at the low end for your price range. go here: http://www.viking-shield.com/ ive had a Paul Binns blunt for years and I've never even scratched it.

pauls blades are great but he has a very long waiting list try bob davies makes great blades fully authentic i have one myself that has taken serious punishment and is lasting and his lower end blade might be within your budget not sure on shipping though. but his blades are all quality price will only affect shipping. you might thing of getting a scram as well.
http://vikingswords.net/

Stage Steel makes a "Viking Age" sword that sells for $108.00 if you're on a budget and want something right away. Historic maybe no but might be worth it if you want a backup or just something to beat the crap out of.

I'll second Marc's advice. Spears, axes, and bows were the most common weapons among vikings. You had to be pretty well-to-do to have a sword in those days. If you look around, you should be able to pick up a spear and axe for less than you would pay for the sword. And Kult of Athena has definitely got the best prices. Also, if you don't know already, learn to sew. Fabric costs a lot less than the finished clothing, leaving that much more to spend on the metal items. :D

-Pete