Tim, that is One Gorgeous Viking Sword :!: As most know, I've done a lot of business with Arms & Armor, for which I have several reasons, which are as follows:

Arms & Armor strives to be historically accurate, replicas are from original museum pieces and private collections and in their "standard production" line, these swords are created so as to adhere to the original sword while perhaps for instance doing the blade profile with a flat diamond cross section to keep costs down. Although, keep in mind, if a customer wants to order a standard production sword and have it done exacting to the original as I understand it in most cases this can be done, but the price will also be higher.
Another thing I like about Arms & Armor is that they are true to historical swords in that little details like the opening of the crossguard is not exacting to the blade profile, as was the case in medieval swords, they too were not exacting to the blade profile :!:
Then there is the issue of price. With Arms & Armor I am getting a top shelf quality production sword that is historically accurate and for "my" financial means is still affordable and easier condoned by my wife! :lol:

I do have a couple of Albions and I Love them to no end, neither are at the lower end price wise either, one is the Berserkr and the other is the Vassal, the latter being my favorite one handed sword! I am chomping at the bit to buy the Valkyrja, but if I do that right now, well, send me your condolences :lol: ! Cause I'm in Big Trouble with the Mrs. LOL

I've met Mark and his brother from Ollin Blades in person and I have wielded a couple of their swords, even cutting jugs with them. Their swords are superb in quality! I have just not "yet" ordered a sword from them. I told Mark, face to face, that in my opinion, he was born to be a swordsmith and that I found him to be very humble for a man who is so talented :!:
I was extremely impressed with both brothers, they are Fine Men!

The grip is outstanding and I love the color, as soon as I saw the photograph is kind of shouted "WOW" and my wife wondered what in the hell was I so excited about, so I showed her and she said "WOW" too! As most know by now, she too is a bit of a sword enthusiast and right now she's in love with her new German Rapier and Parrying Dagger from
Arms & Armor that I bought her as a Birthday / Christmas gift.

Outstanding Type X!

Bob

Well, this sword arrived today. It is perfect! It feels great. The leather on the grip is very soft so holding the sword is nice. I'm posting some close ups and some of the sword in hand. I've also posted some of the tip which does have a very slight ridge so I guess it's a flattened diamond.

---

 Attachment: 113.55 KB
[ Download ]

 Attachment: 127.5 KB
[ Download ]

more

---

 Attachment: 44.82 KB



 Attachment: 32.92 KB



 Attachment: 53.88 KB
[ Download ]

 Attachment: 51.9 KB
[ Download ]

Fantastic. I pulled out my copy of "Swords of the Viking Age" to do a little compare and contrast and A&A really nailed the cross on that one. What a wonderful sword you have there. I'm curious as to how close the stats are to the original. Can you give us some lengths?

I was just looking at this sword again and thought I'd bump the topic and ask if there are any additional photos of this piece. I'd really like to see more of it. I like it quite a bit.

Nathan, A&A has some pictures of this sword posted here:

http://www.arms-n-armor.com/custom941.html

Hi Guys

Here are some more pics I took a few constructional and a couple of finished. Let me know if you have any questions :)

Best
Craig

---

 Attachment: 51.26 KB

WIth our standard Viking Spear and a custom shield.

 Attachment: 28.12 KB

Overall Shot

 Attachment: 52.23 KB

Here is the hilt in nearly finished condition.

 Attachment: 44.83 KB

THis shows the guard just after being punched for the tang.

Wow Craig, thank you for posting these pictures. Looking at the picture of the original it appears that the guard is ever so slightly curved. Or is that just my imagination?

Once again I have to commend both yourself and the rest of the crew at A&A for creating such great products.

Scott

Congrats to Tim on a fine sword, looks like Tim is my kinda guy. :D

Craig,

Thanks for the additional photos, I always love seeing in progress stuff like that.

Tim,

Could I bother you for a couple of more measurements on this particular sword? I am interested in the width of the blade at the guard as well as say 2" from the tip?

I also have to compliment you on the group picture. Those three swords look great together.

Regards,
Scott

An impressive blade in my opinion. I was particulalry attracted to the wide fuller, as I'm a sucker for one :cool:

It's hard to remember each & every sword that passes through, but this is one of the one's I rememeber as being a piece that said something to me.

J.D.- Thanks for the compliment! I'm sure whatever Craig does will be brilliant. I'm exceited to see pics of whatever it is!

Brian- Thanks for the compliment, love the scabbard!

Scott- Here are some measurements:
Blade length: 30 1/4 inches
Blade width at guard: 2 7/32 inches
Blade width at 12 inches: 2 1/16 inches
Blade width at 18 inches: 1 29/32 inches
Blade width at 24 inches: 1 9/16 inches
Blade length at 28 inches: 1 3/16 inches

It has pretty gentle taper throughout the blade. The wide fuller makes it look wider which I love! Fuller width at the guard is 1 1/16 inches. Pretty darn wide.
Thanks for all your interest in this sword. It is a beauty! Craig is certainly a talented man...

Tim that's a great looking group. You've got some very characteristic designs from the era, very cool.