Michael Pikula Viking
Jul 4, 2014 12:58:11 GMT
Post by William Swiger on Jul 4, 2014 12:58:11 GMT
This is a custom I ordered from Michael Pikula a few years ago. I have no personal or business relationship with the maker.
Pikula Viking Sword:
Overall Length: 37 1/2'
Blade Length: 31 3/4"
Blade Width: 2 3/4"
Grip Length: 3 1/2"
POB: 6 3/4"
COP: 26"
Steel: L6
Weight: 2lbs 9oz
Type: X
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.
Impressions: Seriously - a Viking sword with a 2 3/4 inch wide L6 scalpel blade. ;-) Michael did a nice job on this custom. I just asked for the biggest Type X blade he could make mounted to a basic pommel and guard for a starting point. The pommel is a true 2-piece construction. I was sort of looking for an Anglo-Saxon inspired type sword. Michael nailed it. I have found it is good to leave the artist with some flexibility when ordering customs to bring out their best. Even though the blade is very thin and wide, it is solid and fully capable of performing its function without worry. Michael is known for his wide and thin blade construction which has received rave reviews and compliments.
Pros: Sword when purchased was in the Albion price range.
Cons: To my knowledge, Michael Pikula is no longer accepting any custom orders and is now doing very limited bladesmith work.
NOTE: It was very hard to capture the wide and shallow fullers on this sword in pictures.
References:
Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury
Pikula Viking Sword:
Overall Length: 37 1/2'
Blade Length: 31 3/4"
Blade Width: 2 3/4"
Grip Length: 3 1/2"
POB: 6 3/4"
COP: 26"
Steel: L6
Weight: 2lbs 9oz
Type: X
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.
Impressions: Seriously - a Viking sword with a 2 3/4 inch wide L6 scalpel blade. ;-) Michael did a nice job on this custom. I just asked for the biggest Type X blade he could make mounted to a basic pommel and guard for a starting point. The pommel is a true 2-piece construction. I was sort of looking for an Anglo-Saxon inspired type sword. Michael nailed it. I have found it is good to leave the artist with some flexibility when ordering customs to bring out their best. Even though the blade is very thin and wide, it is solid and fully capable of performing its function without worry. Michael is known for his wide and thin blade construction which has received rave reviews and compliments.
Pros: Sword when purchased was in the Albion price range.
Cons: To my knowledge, Michael Pikula is no longer accepting any custom orders and is now doing very limited bladesmith work.
NOTE: It was very hard to capture the wide and shallow fullers on this sword in pictures.
References:
Ewart Oakeshott
MyArmoury