“And the Ancient Heirloom Unferth permit thou….”
-from Beowulf
Here is ‘Ancient Heirloom’ or ‘Forn’ which means ‘ancient’ in Old Norse. It is a single edge Viking sword forged in a traditional manner using multiple bars of iron and steel forge welded together for a composite blade. This was done because early smiths did not have access to large, homogenous bars of steel to forge into blades. They had to make due with what was available. They eventually learned that the heterogenous nature of the materials could be used to produce beautiful patterns. This blade billet was started by forging a 40 layer bar of modern steel.. 1095 and 1045. This makes a low contrast, linear pattern that runs parallel to the edge. I then forged two bars of 19th century wrought iron (from an old, demolished Wisconsin bridge) into long bars and then twisted them in opposing directions. The bars are lined up with the piled steel in the center and the two iron bars on either side and these are all forged into a solid piece of steel. After welding up the core and additional bar of 1095 and 1045 was made for the edge… which was then welded on.
The cross guard and pommel (Type C) were forged from wrought iron from an old Wisconsin bridge and were deeply etched in acid to show the character of their manufacture and to heighten the sense of time and antiquity. I did the silver wire inlays before the acid treatment so that bits and pieces would come loose and stand proud of the work.. again.. giving a sense of the vast passing of time.
The over-all theme of this sword is that of an heirloom passed down from father to son over many generations. Swords were items of tremendous value in Norse culture and were important family legacies. These swords were given names as if they had a soul of their own. I also wanted to go with the theme of ‘local village smith’ rather than a blade imported from Germanic regions. Single edged swords were known to be made locally rather than imported and the local blades did not typically have complex pattern welding. More a ‘piled’ structure like what I’ve done with this blade. Low contrast, weak pattern, composite nature. Again.. the blade was deeply etched to show the passing of time.
The grip is oak with goatskin wrap and leather risers.
The blade is 30″ long and a total length of 36″. The weight is 2 pounds 8 oz and point of balance is 6″ from the guard. A true cutting blade.
I’m asking $2000 for the sword and a basic leather storage scabbard. I will charge an additional $250 for a wood core/leather scabbard and bronze cast chape.
Please do not hesitate to ask for further information and/or pictures.
