Viking Seax Daggers & Knives

Viking Seax Daggers & Knives

The Viking dagger, also called the seax or sax, was the universal knife in Northern Europe. Vikings, Saxons, Angles, and other Germanic tribes carried these knives for various purposes. Viking knives or seax date back to before the fall of Rome and continued into the early Middle Ages.

What Does The Viking Knife Look Like

This traditional weapon ranged from small knife blades measuring 3-4 inches to swords with a blade length of up to 27-28 inches. While always single-edged, the Viking knife or seax profile often varied based on the preferences of the warriors who wielded them. These knives were essential to a warrior’s tools and were used for camp work, fighting, and daily tasks. Their combination of utilitarian and combat roles made them versatile weapons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Viking seax and a regular knife?

The Viking knife or seax typically has a single-edged blade with a straight or slightly curved design. Due to this edge, the period knife is used for diverse functions–making it more adaptable than a regular knife.

Modern-day Viking knife variants still retain intricate details and unique art options, such as a wood handle, that would change their weight and price. However, these modern-day versions are often built with robust metal options to avoid rust.

How were Viking seaxes typically carried?

Viking seaxes were traditionally carried horizontally on the belt or across the lower back–a style intended for easier access to the handle. This carrying style is unlike modern vertical sheath layouts used with present-day knife variants.

How was a Viking seax used in combat?

The Viking seax was versatile in combat, capable of slashing and thrusting attacks. Warriors often relied on it when larger weapons, such as swords or axes, were broken or unavailable. For this reason, even modern-day knives for Vikings have a unique weight profile for their price.