They said it couldn't be done, but just look at this photo I took last night!

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Obviously it can't be done with a normal sword, we all know that.
But using a sturdy seax with a square section cross and a razor sharp edge I just put the blade there in the center of the 2,5 mm thick steel helm, no resistance or anything. It was like a lightsaber. ;)

Not to steal your thunder, but I'm pretty sure that helm was welded down the center ridge...poorly. Nice strike, though! I like that seax! Who made it?.........McM

Mark, got you! :D
April fools! Well in July but I'm a bit behind the times I suppose. ;)

I thought everyone would see the photo was an obvious fake that you guys would just call me on right away.

I was cutting up a pre-welded top along the weld (which was a perfect through weld btw) with an angle grinder to make my project Vendel helm more bowled out and round topped rather than the Norman style top it used to be and thought this would make a hilarious photo to just throw up here and see what I could get out of you guys with the gag. ;)


Anyway, the Seax is pretty nice. I'll post a photo later when I find the time.
It's made by a custom knifemaker on the UK Ebay and I recently modified it to look more authentic to the 10th century original by silver plating the brass fittings and grinding and polishing the damascus pattern off the edge section. It is very sturdy and made from two high tensile tool steels twisted and forged into a damascus ladder pattern billet. You can cut down a tree with it, I've tried chopping wood with it with no noticeable wear.
But bifurcating a modern steel helmet? That really is impossible unless one re-solders the edges or otherwise prepares the seam to intentionally break apart.

It seems as if the US Army would be better served by lobbing saexs at enemy tanks instead of 50 calibre armour-piercers.

the little bit of blue discoloration tells me that if you by any chance of the world actually cut this helm in half with that - you sat there with a sawing motion for hours until you actually heated up the steel and began to cut through it during its non-metallic state. :p

Right you are Ben. :D

OMG! That seax must be made from a samurai sword with their mad skillz because the Norse were total N00bz with sword forging.
Ow...that hurt my brain to type.

But seriously, I am always excited to see a Vendel or Valsgarde helm or one inspired by them. They are most fascinating and gorgeous.
And I really like the seax. Can you pop us a link to the maker?