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Viking Hewing Spearhead, approx. 64 cm
The spear enjoyed great popularity in the Viking Age. The large number and variety of surviving examples have led to believe that spears were more commonly used than swords – as they were not only easier, but also much cheaper to make.
Although some Norse sagas suggest the existence of so-called hewing spears (e.g. Njáls saga, a 13th c. Icelandic saga in which the warrior Gunnar Hámundarson wields such a spear or atgeir), there is to date no archaeological evidence of this particular weapon. Considering the lack of actual surviving originals (or parts thereof), any reconstruction is thus solely based on interpretations of written sources from the high or even late Middle Ages and can only give an idea of what such polearms might have looked like.
Provided they indeed existed, such spears or lances, which offered a greater reach than swords and axes in hand-to-hand combat, were not only effective at thrusting but also at cutting. They distinguished themselves apart from other types by being capable of delivering (as the name indicates) hewing or slashing / chopping blows.
The large (approx. 64 cm / 25.2 in. long) Viking Age hewing spearhead we offer here is crafted from tempered EN45 high carbon steel and. The broad, leaf-shaped blade is approx. 50 cm (19.7 in.) long, tapers towards the point, and is reinforced with a distinctive, raised ridge along its centre line for extra rigidity. Two pre-drilled holes allow it to be secured onto the wooden staff of your choice to create your own Viking spear or lance. The haft and additional mounting hardware are not included in the delivery.
Alternatively, collectors may purchase our wooden spearhead stand (available separately, product no. 1816375000) to display their treasures in style in their armoury.
Please note that this spearhead is primarily designed as a collectible, decoration piece or prop and by no means suited for combat re-enactment! The blade’s point is not rounded, and the edges are not sharpened, yet slightly ground (with suitable equipment and the necessary know-how and skills, they may be ground to sharpness if needed).
Details:
– Material: tempered EN45 spring steel (high carbon steel, not stainless)
– Overall length (incl. socket): approx. 64 cm
– Blade length: approx. 50 cm
– Max. width: approx. 8.8 cm
– Blade thickness: approx. 4 mm
– Length of socket: approx. 14 cm
– Inner diameter of socket: approx. 3 cm
– Weight: approx. 850 g
Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.
The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain the spearhead on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.
