Sword

Swords were used both as stabbing and cutting weaponry. The size of the always two bladed weapon varied, just like its design throughout the centuries. We preferably use the Viking Sword, commonly known as broadsword, which differs starkly from the classic look of later designs. The length of the blade usually lies between 50 and 70 centimeters and the hilt can, compared to later models, only be described as very short. To balance the rather heavy, due to the methods those weapons were created, frontal part of the sword, most swords also feature a large counter weight at the end of the handle.

• The replica blades we use are made of hardened steel and weigh around 100 to 1500 grams. The blade is blunt in accordance to the law and around 3 millimeters thick. The tip of the blade is also rounded. (the roundness has roughly the size of a 2 euro coin)

One handed axe

Ever since the dawn of time, the axe was a common sight on the battlefields of the earth. Its biggest advantage was probably the fact that it was made out of very cheap to produce metal as well as being easy to produce. Since it was also a tool used for work, even the poor civilians were familiar with the basics of its use. The idea of the axe, no matter its size or weight, was it to inflict a lot of damage on a very small area. Obviously throughout the ages, axes were optimized for battle as well. For example an axe with a enlonged blade (Bearded Axe) or variants that featured a hammer head in addition to the blade.

• We commonly use replicas of the early medieval battle axe. The length lies usually between 60 and 90 centimeters and the weight is around 500 to 800 grams. The best known variant ist eh bearded axe, because it can be used to not only strike an enemy but also to pull away an enemy shield. Generally speaking all one handed axes are allowed as long as they can be used safely.

Saex/Sword Saex

The early medieval saex can best be described as a precursor of the modern machete. Originally used as a tool for work, the saex is made up of a large, dull blade that is only sharp around the lower third of the tip. Since it was mostly used to chop wood, shrubbery or to slaughter animals, the short length (30-50 centimeters for the blade) can not compete with the sword. There were, however, variations discovered that had a hilt and were sharpened differently. Those hybrids are known as Sword Saex and are usually much longer and thinner than their counterpart, which of course makes them unsuitable as a tool.

• We use the classic saex as well as the sword saex. Due to the historically large user base of this “work knife” there are many different designs and blade variations for everyone who is interested in wielding this weapon. Since saexes are shorter than swords, they vary greatly in weight and are heavier on the blade as well. The weight ranges from 500 to 1200 grams.

Sabre

The sabre originated in the indo-persian region but rose to fame especially in Eastern Europe. Originally conceived as a rider's weapon, it was used as a sidearm up until World War I. In contrast to the sword, a sabre has a curved blade which in turn makes it possible to cut much better and do more damage on unarmed or lighlty armored foes. Of course that means that for heavily armored enemies, the sabre is not very effective since its blade is so narrow. On the other hand, the design of the weapon allows for a very free flowing battle concept, ideal for cuts but also for blows and stabs. The length of the blade varies extremly, from 60 centimeters to 90 centimeters or more, however due to its design it is lighter than a sword of the same length.

• The sabres we use are replicas from the russian region. The blades are smaller than those of the broad sword and the weapon itself is a bit lighter. Due to the different design the fighting style is vastly different from that of a sword fighter.

Spear

The spear is pretty much the oldest weapon man ever used. The oldest findings date back over 400 000 years ago. The initial design did not change much since those days. A long staff with a piercing tip attached to it. Now if those are made out of fire hardened wood, bone, rock or steel is secondary. Up until firearms became more frequently, the spear was the most used weapon on any battlefield. And even in the centuries after that, it was often used as a Pike.

Basically the spear is the perfect weapon to equip an army with. Cheap to produce, quick to use and simple to transport. Within a strong formation or in the second row of a well made shield wall, the spear can be an almost insurmountable barrier that can even be used, as the only melee weapon, to stand your ground against a cavallery attack. The length of the spear is, depending on the use, varied greatly. From the two meter variant, perfect to use with one hand, the spear was also seen in seven meter Sarissas used by the macedonians. Also there were spears optimized to be thrown, like the roman legionnaire Pila.

• We use two types of spears: for one we have the classic spear with a length between .60 meters and 3 meters, with a massive body and a long, nicely crafted blade. Those are used with both hands in the second row. Our spear fighters also have a knife or saex for melee combat.
• The second variant is the one handed speer with a length of 2 meters. It has a thinner body and a simple tip and can be used with just one hand, which allows the warrior to additionally carry a shield.

Long Axe (Danish Axe)

The Long Axe, commonly known as Danish Axe, is crafted out of a two meter long body with a single cut, curved blade. The blade of the axe is formed in a way that it can be used as shield hook to grab and remove an enemies shield. On the frontal tip of the blade, the blade is a bit longer, which secures a strong hit and a rupture when used. The blade is secured to the body on one end. The Danish Axe was of course created by the danish vikings but quickly found its way across scandinavia, england and russia.

• The Long Axes we use are pretty much what is described above. The weight of the blade is around 300-500 grams, the length of the body is around 1.80 to 2 meters. Due to the way it is build it can of course be used as a stabbing weapon or for heavy blows.

Shield

The use of a one handed weapon allows the usage of a shield. The shield we use is the round shield. It is made of a round wooden plate, covering a hole in the middle is a grip to hold it on the inside as well as a metal dome on the outside to protect the hand holding it. Round shields were available in sizes from 30 centimeters to over one meter in diameter. In battle, line shields that were even bigger were used to protect the entire body. Depending on the fighting style a smaller shield might be better, though.

Rule of thumb: the smaller a shield is, the easier to carry it is which allows for a much needed speed and movement to protect oneself from an attack. The smallest shield is the buckler, sometimes even smaller than 30 centimeters but it is usually used only as duel shield or addition to a sidearm of a spear fighter.