Albion Huskarl
Jun 28, 2014 9:13:13 GMT
Post by William Swiger on Jun 28, 2014 9:13:13 GMT
I purchased this sword from Kult of Athena. I have no personal or professional relationship with Albion or KOA.
Albion Huskarl:
Overall length: 36.9"
Blade length: 31"
Blade width: 2.2"
POB: 5.5"
CoP: 20"
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
Type X: Oakeshott describes the Type X as: "A broad, flat blade of medium length (average 31") with a fuller running the entire length and fading out an inch or so from the point, which is sometimes acute but more often rounded. This fuller is generally very wide and shallow, but in some cases may be narrower (about 1/3 of the blade's width) and more clearly defined; a short grip, of the same average length (3 3/4") as the Viking swords. The tang is usually very flat and broad, tapering sharply towards the pommel. The cross is narrower and longer than the more usual Viking kind--though the Vikings used it, calling it "Gaddjhalt" (spike-hilt) because of its spike-like shape. Generally of square section, about 7" to 8" long, tapering towards the tips. In rare cases curved. The pommel is commonly of one of the Brazil-nut forms, but may be of disk form."
Type X features a blade that is broad and massive at the base and features a moderate taper towards the point. Sometimes the point may be of a rounded or slightly more acute profile. This type of point would have been fairly effective when used against the lightly armored warriors of the Viking and early Middle Ages. Regardless of the point's profile, the Type X is definitely a sword oriented towards the cut. The blade typically features a lenticular cross-section that is very flat and relatively thin. Its breadth is countered by the use of a fuller that is typically broad and runs nearly the entire length of the blade. The end result is a blade that is massive in proportion yet lively in its handling characteristics. The Type X would have been capable of large shearing cuts that would have provided a decisive conclusion to any encounter. Against the mail clad warriors of its day, the Type X would have given good service.
Albion Description:
The hilt of this sword is an example of a form that falls a bit outside the Petersen typology. It follows most closely Petersen type S, but has slightly curved upper and lower guard, instead of being straight and flaring that otherwise define the type. The curving guards might mark it as a type L, but those hilts are also recognized by the narrow width of the guards.
Once in a while one can encounter these type S hilts with slightly curved guards in Swedish and English museums. Petersen observed none of these in Norwegian context at the time he wrote his work on Norwegian Viking Swords. As the type L is recognized as an Anglo-Saxon style, it seems that this version of type S hilts might show Anglo-Saxon influences.
The hilt components are investment cast in mild steel from original waxes carved by Peter Johnsson, based on Peter's first-hand examination and documentation of period originals of this type. The upper guard and pommel are made as separate pieces riveted together, just as were the originals. Between these is an encircling band of twisted sterling silver wire. The three lobes are also separated by two pairs of thin clockwise and counterclockwise twisted sterling silver wire, producing a herringbone effect.
The blade of Geibig type 3 (which might also be considered a sub-classification of the Oakeshott Type X) is defined by a moderate taper in width and a fuller that taper in width towards the point. This type can be dated to the period between second half of the 8th C to the second half of the 10th C. Many of the famous Ulfberht swords are forged to this form.
The Huskarl is a sword that celebrates these splendid Viking swords that seem to emanate an aura of self confidence and bravado. Having a hilt that is bold in volume and a blade of acute shape and sharpness, it could be the sword of an experienced warrior serving a Viking lord. It has a powerful feel and handles with graceful smoothness. The wide upper guard helps in the delivering of great cleaving blows when grasped so that the heel of the hand rests snugly at the base of the pommel.
Impressions: This is one of my favorite Viking swords. Everything about this sword works for me. It is well balanced and feels great in-hand unlike many of the overly heavy production Viking swords out there. The sword feels rock solid, and the aesthetics are excellent. The blade exhibits no wavering and has smooth, clean lines. I am not impressed easily with most swords but this sword is exceptional.
Cons: None with the sword but the price may put some people off.
References:
Albion
R. Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury
Albion Huskarl:
Overall length: 36.9"
Blade length: 31"
Blade width: 2.2"
POB: 5.5"
CoP: 20"
Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz
Type X: Oakeshott describes the Type X as: "A broad, flat blade of medium length (average 31") with a fuller running the entire length and fading out an inch or so from the point, which is sometimes acute but more often rounded. This fuller is generally very wide and shallow, but in some cases may be narrower (about 1/3 of the blade's width) and more clearly defined; a short grip, of the same average length (3 3/4") as the Viking swords. The tang is usually very flat and broad, tapering sharply towards the pommel. The cross is narrower and longer than the more usual Viking kind--though the Vikings used it, calling it "Gaddjhalt" (spike-hilt) because of its spike-like shape. Generally of square section, about 7" to 8" long, tapering towards the tips. In rare cases curved. The pommel is commonly of one of the Brazil-nut forms, but may be of disk form."
Type X features a blade that is broad and massive at the base and features a moderate taper towards the point. Sometimes the point may be of a rounded or slightly more acute profile. This type of point would have been fairly effective when used against the lightly armored warriors of the Viking and early Middle Ages. Regardless of the point's profile, the Type X is definitely a sword oriented towards the cut. The blade typically features a lenticular cross-section that is very flat and relatively thin. Its breadth is countered by the use of a fuller that is typically broad and runs nearly the entire length of the blade. The end result is a blade that is massive in proportion yet lively in its handling characteristics. The Type X would have been capable of large shearing cuts that would have provided a decisive conclusion to any encounter. Against the mail clad warriors of its day, the Type X would have given good service.
Albion Description:
The hilt of this sword is an example of a form that falls a bit outside the Petersen typology. It follows most closely Petersen type S, but has slightly curved upper and lower guard, instead of being straight and flaring that otherwise define the type. The curving guards might mark it as a type L, but those hilts are also recognized by the narrow width of the guards.
Once in a while one can encounter these type S hilts with slightly curved guards in Swedish and English museums. Petersen observed none of these in Norwegian context at the time he wrote his work on Norwegian Viking Swords. As the type L is recognized as an Anglo-Saxon style, it seems that this version of type S hilts might show Anglo-Saxon influences.
The hilt components are investment cast in mild steel from original waxes carved by Peter Johnsson, based on Peter's first-hand examination and documentation of period originals of this type. The upper guard and pommel are made as separate pieces riveted together, just as were the originals. Between these is an encircling band of twisted sterling silver wire. The three lobes are also separated by two pairs of thin clockwise and counterclockwise twisted sterling silver wire, producing a herringbone effect.
The blade of Geibig type 3 (which might also be considered a sub-classification of the Oakeshott Type X) is defined by a moderate taper in width and a fuller that taper in width towards the point. This type can be dated to the period between second half of the 8th C to the second half of the 10th C. Many of the famous Ulfberht swords are forged to this form.
The Huskarl is a sword that celebrates these splendid Viking swords that seem to emanate an aura of self confidence and bravado. Having a hilt that is bold in volume and a blade of acute shape and sharpness, it could be the sword of an experienced warrior serving a Viking lord. It has a powerful feel and handles with graceful smoothness. The wide upper guard helps in the delivering of great cleaving blows when grasped so that the heel of the hand rests snugly at the base of the pommel.
Impressions: This is one of my favorite Viking swords. Everything about this sword works for me. It is well balanced and feels great in-hand unlike many of the overly heavy production Viking swords out there. The sword feels rock solid, and the aesthetics are excellent. The blade exhibits no wavering and has smooth, clean lines. I am not impressed easily with most swords but this sword is exceptional.
Cons: None with the sword but the price may put some people off.
References:
Albion
R. Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury