Windlass Viking Ulfberht

Copied from a sword shown in Ian Pierce’s book “Swords of the Viking Age”

An old legend has it that a Nordic smith named Ulfberht developed the first all steel blade. This crucial development achieved near-mythical status among warriors, making this one of the most important swords in the study of medieval weapons. Several of these blades from slightly different time periods exist, some engraved in gratitude and reverence with Ulfberht’s hallowed name.

Prior to the Ulfberht swords, all European swords were of the pattern welded variety. Soft iron bars were welded together with strips of steel, forged into a blade shape, then a steel edge was welded onto the sword. But, the Ulfberht sword was a quantum leap in both technology and design. Made not of strips, but good carbon steel blades with enough carbon content to produce excellent swords. The design of the sword was also an improvement. The blade tapered more sharply to the point than did previous blades. This put the balance of the sword closer to the hand, making a sword that was faster on both the stroke and recovery than previous blades.

The etchings on both sides of our blade are copied exactly so that our reproduction is identical, warts and all. Made of high carbon steel (actually better than the original) it is beautifully balanced. The grip is wood wrapped with leather. The stout crossguard is steel and the pommel is of the Brazil nut shape that was quite popular at the time, both with Vikings and the rest of Europe. A beautiful and important sword.

• Viking Ulfberht comes with scabbard