Often overlooked by modern sword lovers is the tremendous amount of stress placed on a sword blade during battle. Early Viking swords were forged from layers of iron interwoven with strands of steel to produce a very tough sword. Although iron was a tougher material than bronze, it would frequently bend. Damascus, or pattern welded steel, was used to make the blade strong enough to withstand the rigors of combat. Excavations of a number of circa 850-900 Viking swords turned up this lovely Damascus specimen in Finland. It has the lobed pommel loved by the Norsemen, but the cross guard contrasts slightly with the typical downcurved versions. The early style blade is well-suited to the quick, slashing blows of the Viking warrior. Our version is of high carbon Damascus steel. Blade is polished with the fuller etched to show the Damascus construction of the blade. Pommel and cross guard are steel. Grip is leather wrapped wood. Scabbard is wood covered in leather with steel mounts. This is a true fighting sword, and one that any Viking would be proud to carry in battle. Can be seen in Records Of The Medieval Sword on pg. 83 by Ewart Oakeshott. Can be sharpened for additional fee.Overall: 36"Blade: 31-3?8" long, 1-3?4" wide, 3?16" thickWt: 2 lbs