Viking Ulfberht Sword

#500864
$289.95

One of the most significant medieval swords, our beautifully balanced replica has a high carbon steel blade that has been etched on both sides. The cross guard is steel and the with a brazil nut pommel. The grip is wood wrapped with leather. Scabbard included. Overall 35-3/4 inches. Comes factory sharp.
In stock

OVERVIEW

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.

Includes scabbard. Made by Windlass Steelcrafts and comes factory sharp.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

Attribute name Attribute value
Overall Length 35-3/4"
Blade Length 30-1/4"
Blade Width 2-1/8"
Blade Material 1080 High Carbon Steel
Weight 3 lbs
Edge Sharpened
Engraving Unavailable

REVIEWS

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Ulberht Sword !
One of the most prized and collector's favorite Windlass swords. True to encyclopedias of medieval weapons. Very well done. Light and Solid. I would have liked a slightly more elaborate scabbard and maybe a belt with it, but you don't judge a sword by its envelope :)
- Philippe, June 06, 2022
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Worthy Ulfberht Homage
A wonderful homage to the original Ulfberht blades, which completely changed the game for dark ages weapons. The Windlass version is very well balanced for a 3 pound sword, and it simply feels great in the hand. The factory edge was quite sharp, and backyard cutting has been a joy, transporting me back to a harsher time . . . it has also been great to wear at the local Renaissance Festival. I didn't know what to expect from the blade etching, but IMHO it looks even better than the pictures represent. I’m very happy with this sword, it’s a great addition to my dark ages sword collection.
- Shannon, March 08, 2022 | Verified Purchase
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A great deal
This is a well balanced sword that cuts good and looks good. You will not regret purchasing this wonderful sword.
- Michael, August 30, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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Honoring my Heritage
This too will honor my ancestry from Scandanavia.  I have to reassure the neighb ors that it is not sharp though.
- H., July 01, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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A lot of sword for the money.
I just love this sword.. Right out of the box right to the test cutting and it cut like a champion. It slices it dices it makes french fries and it will still be ready for any invader. All together one of Windlass steelcrafts best creations.
- Michael, February 21, 2021 | Verified Purchase
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Pretty good
It’s nice, and it has some heft to it, all in all it’s a great sword.
- Tyrone, July 18, 2020
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Looks good on the wall, feels good in the hand
This is a great sword!  Feels nimble in hand, and love how the Brazil-nut pommel fits with the base of my hand to allow for quick direction changes.  Good, 'cutty" blade, too.  Reasonable price for a good approximation of how one of the originals probably felt in dry-handling.  Also takes a good edge for dispatching of water bottles, mats, and other light targets.

The wording on the blade comes out clearly enough to "read", although if closely examined will show up as just a cosmetic detail that could be scrubbed away with some steel wool, if preferred.
- Michael, July 11, 2020 | Verified Purchase
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Wonderful Sword!
This sword is beautiful. Mine is very well put together and has an excellent peen. The balance and over all feel are great. If you are on the fence with this one...get off.
- Dan, July 29, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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Great Viking Sword
Great Viking Sword
This is the second Viking sword I’ve bought from MR and again I am very satisfied with the product. Detail of both the sword and scabbard are amazing. Love the balance when I hold this sword. Sword came well packaged and sharpened as always. Thanks MR
- Steven, July 22, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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Superior
Very nicely rendered.  Great balance.  And compares nicely to the original which I have seen on display!
- Mike, July 20, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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EXCELLENT blade!
Just got this today, surprisingly fast considering I had special treatment (sharpening) done. Blade very regular w/ straight edges (sometimes Windlass has failed in this, but not today). Typical razor's-edge sharpening work - ALWAYS pay to do that! Worth every nickel. Sturdily made, and though on the heavier side very well balanced. Flexes within the limits of the blade width and returns to true. The brazil-nut pommel makes for a MUCH more pleasant grip
- Gordon, June 13, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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Like My Viking ULFBERHT
Excellent solid sword.  Great Windlass quality.  I have many other swords in my collection, many Windlass.  Ulfberht is etched deep.  I believe the originals were inlayed but I wouldn't be able to afford one built like that. Steel is polished to mirror finish.  Leather wrap on handle is good.  Pommel and handle secured by hammering over end of tang.  Nice and tight. Blade rings when struck on side showing good temper.  Balance seems good to me.  Blade was sharp.  Good addition to my collection.
- James, February 23, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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Remarkable Sword
This is an excellent example of its type.  I have owned the sticklestad,  leuterit, and several other makes from this company and others.

Ulfberht is the one I've kept,  it handles the best for me. There is plenty of room in the grip while staying historically accurate.

The inscription is correct,  and sets it off while displayed on the wall. But hard use is where this sword shines. It is a great cutter with its spatulate tip,  mrl did a fantastic sharpening service.

This has held up well to the wooden pell, the tire pell, countless bottles,  and tatami.  In the shield wall,  it would be a limb claimer!  

Really well done,  outstanding value. I highly recommend this if you're in the market for a battle ready Viking sword.
- Jonathan, January 10, 2019 | Verified Purchase
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Viking Sword Purchase
I did a lot of research before buying this blade . The blade turned out to be just as good as I read . High quality , well made . For the price one could do no better . I am extremely satisfied with this purchase .
- RICHARD, December 30, 2018 | Verified Purchase
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A damn fine blade.
The only improvement I could think of would be to use less oil, or wrap it in a way that kept the oil only on the blade.
- Adam, December 21, 2018 | Verified Purchase
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