I'm engaged in an ongoing piece of 'Vendel Madness', reconstructing the arms and equipment found in the Valsgärde 8 boat burial (Uppland, Sweden).
Having seen the excellent work that he's done for other members of Wulfheodenas and also having spent time with him in Sweden last year (where we were able to examine the sword at first hand), there really was only one choice for me when it came to a sword-smith - Mr Vince Evans who is, in my opinion, one of the finest exponents of the craft working today.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Suffice to say, I'm very, very pleased.
Oh, and those fittings?
Carved.
Not cast, carved.

Enjoy.

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Oh my goodness.

Tod

Wow. That is beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful sword,
congrats
:cool:

What a work of art and a great way to bring something from the past for us all to love. Vince Evans is truly an amazing maker. I suppose you will be making the scabbard Matthew?

Have all the finds from the Valsgarde been reproduced like this then, or is this an ongoing project with more swords and such to be reproduced?

That's gorgeous! The work on the ferrules is what impresses me the most. They fit so tightly with the grip and look so seemless. Really amazing! Can't wait to see the scabbard!

Hi Matthew.
Congratulations an wonderful sword it is sooo easy to be hooked on this time line of art swords

How beautiful! Is the grip oosik?

Very beautifull sword !

for information (I know that is not really the subject) but Patrick Barta sell a beautifull calendar 2015 > visit his site
I have just receipt mine , not Vendel swords but some viking and Sutton Hoo swords

Best wishes

Every time you think you've seen everything in this area of interest, somebody comes along with something that makes you think 'Wow'. This is one of those times.

Terrible and fell like a star falling upon the helms of foes.

Here's the original hilt of the Valsgärde 8 sword.
[ Linked Image ]

That is really awesome sword, can't stop looking at all the small details. :)

All of the Valsgärde 8 items that I have to date, brought together.

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Seriously awesome. I wish I could get over there to see the stuff in person!

I still wonder if a man's beard gets tangled in the mail of that helmet. I'm always catching mine on a jacket zipper or what have you, so I shave it off for a while. I'll never have the true thegn's beard I'm afraid. I'd be a Wulfheodenas washout.

It's a pretty serious dilemma. Probably just have to go with a different helmet or something, but that one is certainly one of my favorites.

Excellent news. I was worried I might have to be a Norman...

I love looking at that sword endlessly. What other items from the Valsgarde 8 would you like or are planning to reproduce? I have to say for most people, the sword itself, or the helm would be a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition, but I admire your efforts to bring many of these pieces to a larger audience. It is a real service. The splints look very nice also.